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Used iPods Likely Not Worth Keeping as Collectors' Items Despite Uptick in Value After Discontinuation, Data Shows
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Seen the Apple 1 auctions lately?
Apple's original computer fetches $400,000 at US auction
The still functioning wood-cased Apple-1 was built by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs back in 1976.
www.bbc.com
My 4th gen still works perfectly! I got it out of a drawer last week when the announcement was made, and after charging all night it still functions flawlessly. What a tank! I don't think I can bring myself to get rid of it.
After the last iPod touch was officially discontinued earlier this month, the entire range of iPod models have seen a slight uptick in value, but devices in used condition continue to experience heavy depreciation.
According to trade-in pricing data from over 40 U.S. independent tech resale companies gathered by SellCell, iPods have depreciated by 89 percent on average since their launch, ranging from 98 percent depreciation for some models from 2003, to 71 percent for seventh-generation iPod touch models.
As is to be expected for the last two iPods to be released, the sixth- and seventh-generation iPod touch models are still worth the most, especially in higher storage configurations. The 256GB seventh-generation iPod touch has the best resale value, with owners able to get around $100 for the device providing it is in good condition, while slightly older models with smaller storage configurations sell for just upwards of $60. Older iPod models from 2012 or earlier are worth just $28 on average, with the most valuable model being the 160GB seventh-generation iPod Classic at $61. These iPods have depreciated by around 90 percent owing to their age.
While the average resale value of iPods has remained fairly static over the past six months, there has been a marginal recovery in value of 2.9 percent since Apple's announcement that the final iPod was to be discontinued. Tracked iPod prices show an average depreciation rate of 86.3 percent on May 1, dropping to 83.4 percent on May 16. Most noticeably, the 16GB seventh-generation iPod Nano has seen value recovery of 13.4 since Apple's announcement earlier this month. There may be further improvement for some models over time.
Overall, the data suggests that despite their cult status, most used iPods will continue to depreciate over time. This means that now is likely a good time to sell a used iPod, especially amid heightened interest in the device that has led to some value recovery, and potential further gains in the coming weeks. iPods in new condition, and especially ones that are still sealed, are much more likely to appreciate as collectors' items in the future. The exact impact of Apple's decision to discontinue the iPod on used device resale value will become clearer in the coming months.
Article Link: Used iPods Likely Not Worth Keeping as Collectors' Items Despite Uptick in Value After Discontinuation, Data Shows
Just dug out the first generatioin 32gb iPod Touch that I got in 2008, charged it up and it still works. It's much smaller than I remembered! I had Verizon when the original iPhone was released and didn't want to switch to AT&T, so the iPod Touch was my compromise. I really loved that thing, I was chosen for a jury in the Federal courts and the trial lasted for a month. Was great to be able to access the internet and mail in the jury room without lugging along a laptop. My fellow jurors were so impressed, they had never seen such a thing.
Got a dock to connect it to my stereo system and continued using it as a music player at home for a number of years.
Eventually it got frustrating trying to find wifi hotspots everywhere, so I finally switched to AT&T and got my first iPhone in 2009. Anyway, I never had any illusions that it would be valuable someday, but it was fun digging it out just for the nostalgia.
Got a dock to connect it to my stereo system and continued using it as a music player at home for a number of years.
Eventually it got frustrating trying to find wifi hotspots everywhere, so I finally switched to AT&T and got my first iPhone in 2009. Anyway, I never had any illusions that it would be valuable someday, but it was fun digging it out just for the nostalgia.
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A HomePod provides a good speaker. iPods don't really add benefit when cheaper and better products are plentiful in the market with the same or better functionality.
2nd gen 20Gb iPod for me. FireWire. That thing was amazing and expensive - but 20Gb felt infinite!
I hold on to it, only because it makes me smile. I can't imagine even it (which is rare compared to iPods that followed) is ever going to be worth anything. Original iPod in pristine condition. Maybe?
I hold on to it, only because it makes me smile. I can't imagine even it (which is rare compared to iPods that followed) is ever going to be worth anything. Original iPod in pristine condition. Maybe?
The iPods were cheaply/mass produced devices. Not very refuted rugged either. So many of them haven’t held up very well, so I tend to agree, these won’t really be collectibles.
Hey, one day it will be. Get a shrink wrapped one and just leave it away from any UV light, and who knows what will happen.
An original 1st edition, clickwheel iPod (like the one on my shelf) sells for roughly original cost on eBay.
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I don’t find the touch to be worth keeping since it’s running iOS and ultimately a lot of the apps won’t work right at some point
“Actual” iPods, however, are basically timeless and a great thing to have, keep and use!
“Actual” iPods, however, are basically timeless and a great thing to have, keep and use!
I can mention the first 5 iPod generations and the first Mini. The rest it's a hit/miss.
I tell other people's kids to open up their dad's mint condition Star Wars action figures and play with them.? Of course, I keep mine in a vault, in a safe room locked with 3 biometric locks and mechical lock (incase of power loss). If anyone try to get at my vintage 1979 Millenium Falcon (unopened) or other mint condition SW toys, I'll be one them quicker than Han on the Kessel Run.?
The crazy thing about my iPod collection, that I rarely use and just sit in a drawer, is I’m still too scared to open them to replace the battery.
As someone who regularly buys and sells used iPods, this chart MacRumors mentioned is about the most inaccurate thing I've ever seen. This scammy website benefits from telling people their devices are worth nothing because they will give you $50 for a maxed out 7th gen iPod touch. Find me a 160GB Classic for $61 in nice working condition...
That’s a relic, I am well aware of the niched sealed “brand new” apple products market, these items like apple watches, iPhones, iPod touch, are incredibly mass producedSeen the Apple 1 auctions lately?
Apple's original computer fetches $400,000 at US auction
The still functioning wood-cased Apple-1 was built by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs back in 1976.
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give it 20 or so years when a movie producer makes a movie about something that takes place in the late 2000's and an actor is seen using an ipod, everyone will want one.
Agreed, coming from someone else who buys/sells used iPods. 160 GB Classics are going for nearly $100 currently, and it's been that price for a few years now.
It's crazy that so many people now are acting like they know about the used market of iPods when they clearly haven't even looked at sold listings on eBay for them lately. They haven't changed much at all since the discontinuation of the iPod touch. Dollar per GB for an iPod, the touch isn't nearly worth it most of the time anyway. You'd be better off getting a 20GB 4th gen for $35 and upgrading it yourself if you really want 128 GB or more in an iPod. Plus you get the benefit of additional battery life.