IPhone XS Max (Used or Refurbished)

Apple stopped selling the iPhone XS Max in 2019. Today you buy it used or refurbished.

Updated Oct 20, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Refurbished programs on big marketplaces usually add a short warranty. Phone resale sites and local repair shops also sell them. Avoid deals with no return window.

Professional insight

Phone refurbishers check locks and battery health first. Screen condition comes after that.

Activation Lock must be off before you pay.
Battery health below 80 percent needs a swap.
Non-genuine screens show a warning in Settings.
Face ID failures usually cannot be fixed cheaply.

Check the label

Model number in Settings matches XS Max, such as A1921.
Storage size: 64 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB.
Carrier status says unlocked or names your carrier.
IMEI is clean and not reported lost or stolen.
Battery health percentage is listed.
Parts and service history shows genuine parts.
Find My is turned off by the seller.

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Specs to match

Chip: A12 Bionic; 7 nm process.
Display: 6.5 inch OLED, 2688 x 1242; Larger than the 5.8 inch XS.
Released: September 21, 2018; Discontinued September 10, 2019.

iPhone XS Max key specs
Spec	Value
RAM	4 GB
Rear cameras	Dual 12 MP
Water rating	IP68
Size	157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm
Weight	208 g
Launch software	iOS 12

Before you buy

Check which iOS versions still support the XS Max.
Banking and work apps may need newer iOS.
Confirm the phone works on your carrier's network.
Budget for a new battery on older units.
Compare against a newer used model at similar cost.

Red flags

Seller asks you to pay before showing it unlocked.
Photos are stock images, not the real phone.
Listing says iCloud locked or for parts only.
IMEI is hidden or does not match the box.
Brand new sealed claims for a 2018 model.

Common questions

Does Apple still sell the iPhone XS Max?: No. Apple discontinued it when the iPhone 11 launched in 2019.
What is the difference between XS and XS Max?: The Max has a 6.5 inch screen and larger battery. The chip and cameras match.
Is refurbished better than used?: Refurbished units are tested and usually carry a warranty. Private used sales rarely do.