Want to get a new Apple product at a discount? Check out our guide on ‘How Does Apple Trade-In Work?‘ for all the details.
Buying a new phone is exciting, It’s like getting a brand new toy, but sometimes these toys can be quite expensive, and sometimes even if there is no financial constraint, we may have too many existing devices that we need to get rid of before getting a new phone.
Although there are many choices available, ranging from carriers to big-box stores, you should look into Apple’s trade-in program.
The service allows you to trade-in your iPhone for credit toward a new phone or against your carrier’s monthly payments, either in-store or online. You will get up to $500 for your iPhone 11 Pro Max if you trade it in.
Learn about how does Apple Trade-in Work in this article. Here’s everything you need to know about Apple’s trade-in program.
Related: How to use Apple pay at ATMs
How Does Apple Trade-In Work?
Apple’s trade-in is a service that allows you to exchange your existing Apple devices for credit that you can use when buying a new device.
Is this related to the iPhone Upgrade Program?
No. Apple’s iPhone upgrade allows you to pay the full cost of an iPhone over 24 months.
In this program, you’re eligible for an iPhone upgrade when you trade-in your current device after 12 payments.
Benefits of the Apple Trade-in program
The Apple Trade-in Program has a few benefits such as
- You get to see the current value of your device almost instantly. All you will have to do is answer a couple of questions pertaining to the condition of your device and you will be either provided with an Apple Gift Card of the value, instant Credit at an Apple Store, or if you’d like then you can recycle the device for Free.
- For those who are unaware of how to back up your Apple device, the representative at the Apple Store will guide you on how you can backup your device to iCloud, wipe the data, and retain all your information without losing data. You can use services like iCloud or Time Machine to have your data stored securely.
- If you’re not willing to head out to the Apple Store, you can mail the device across to them by using the prepaid trade-in kit or shipping label.
How Do I Trade-In My Device?
There are two ways by which you can trade-in your device and this is either via the online platform or by visiting an Authorized Apple Store.
Online –
Just visit this site (https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in) and answer a few questions about the device’s brand, model, and condition (like if the buttons work and if the screen is free of cracks). The website will tell you how much your device is worth based on your responses and give you the money in the form of an Apple gift card. Then simply enter your address to obtain a trade-in kit and return your old phone.
In Stores –
In case you’re not much of a tech-savvy person and want to do it face-to-face then, then you can visit an Apple store and inform an Apple employee that you want to trade-in your device. Instead of getting the money on a gift card, you can choose to put it directly toward a new purchase in stores (Gift cards are still an option.) Just remember that Apple stores can’t accept computer trade-ins, so you’ll have to do that online.
What Devices Can I Trade-in By Using This Service?
iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch are some of the Apple gadgets that can be traded in.
Apple also allows trade-in of Android devices from brands like Samsung and Google.
Unfortunately, Apple does not allow iPods or Apple TVs for trade-in but will recycle them for free.
What Happens To Your Old Device?
Well, that depends on the device’s condition. If your device is in working condition, then it will be refurbished and sold to someone else. The same is valid for the iPhone Upgrade Program, which needs monthly payments to obtain a new iPhone per year.
If it’s no longer in working condition then, Apple will offer to recycle it for you so that the materials can be reused. For example, The aluminum from old iPhones is recycled into MacBook Air enclosures. Apple also has a recycling robot called Daisy that can disassemble 200 iPhones every hour to recycle as many materials as possible.
Sites like Amazon, Best Buy, Gazelle, and Target also have similar trade-in programs, but the amount you’ll receive can vary.
So How Much is Your iPhone Worth?
As per Apple’s official site, the following is the estimated value a user can expect for their device (based on the condition) by opting in for this service:
iPhone for Trade-in
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | Up to $500 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | Up to $460 |
| iPhone 11 | Up to $360 |
| iPhone XS Max | Up to $340 |
| iPhone XS | Up to $270 |
| iPhone XR | Up to $220 |
| iPhone X | Up to $220 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | Up to $180 |
| iPhone 8 | Up to $120 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | Up to $130 |
| iPhone 7 | Up to $90 |
| iPhone 6s Plus | Up to $75 |
| iPhone 6s | Up to $50 |
| iPhone 6 Plus | Up to $50 |
| iPhone 6 | Up to $35 |
| iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | Up to $200 |
| iPhone SE (1st Gen) | Up to $25 |
iPad for Trade-in
| iPad Pro | Up to $535 |
| iPad | Up to $250 |
| iPad Air | Up to $275 |
| iPad Mini | Up to $215 |
Mac for Trade-in
| MacBook Pro | Up to $1,530 |
| MacBook Air | Up to $600 |
| MacBook | Up to $380 |
| iMac Pro | Up to $3,040 |
| iMac | Up to $1,180 |
| Mac Pro | Up to $2,930 |
| Mac Mini | Up to $830 |
Apple Watch for Trade-in
| Apple Watch Series 5 | Up to $190 |
| Apple Watch Series 4 | Up to $150 |
| Apple Watch Series 3 | Up to $90 |
| Apple Watch Series 2 | Up to $60 |
| Apple Watch Series 1 | Up to $35 |
Android Smartphones for Trade-in
| Samsung Galaxy S20+ | Up to $315 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 | Up to $240 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10+ | Up to $220 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 | Up to $185 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10e | Up to $145 |
| Samsung Galaxy S9+ | Up to $110 |
| Samsung Galaxy S9 | Up to $90 |
| Samsung Galaxy S8+ | Up to $70 |
| Samsung Galaxy S8 | Up to $55 |
| Samsung Note 10 | Up to $270 |
| Samsung Note 9 | Up to $145 |
| Samsung Note 8 | Up to $80 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL | Up to $220 |
| Google Pixel 4 | Up to $185 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL | Up to $90 |
| Google Pixel 3 | Up to $65 |
| Google Pixel 3a | Up to $50 |
Non-Apple devices and devices not specified here are not officially available for trade-ins, but you can send them to Apple and they will be recycled for free.
How do I track my Trade-in status?
You can track the status from your Apple Store Account if you have applied your trade-in as a credit towards your online purchase. In case you have traded in for an Apple gift card then you can view the status here (https://phobio.com/tradein/apple/status)
Should I include my power adapter and other accessories when sending my device back to Apple?
It is not mandatory as per Apple. However, the final trade-in value can vary depending on if you send in your power adapter or not. In case you do, Apple will recycle these accessories.
Any pointers to keep in mind when sending the device back?
Yes, please keep the following things in mind when you’re sending the device back.
- The instructions in the trade-in kit will explain to you about preparing, packing, and shipping your device
- Wipe your device by doing a factory reset
- The estimated trade-in value is valid for only 14 days, so to get the correct value do send the device in that time frame
- Ship only one device per box
Conclusion
Apple’s trade-in service is a nice choice if you’re selling an Apple device to purchase another Apple device. Check out How Does Apple Trade-In Work in this article.
Apple sends you a kit to make it simple, offers affordable rates that beat out several other trade-in sites, and provides you with an Apple gift card that you can use for another Apple purchase.
FAQs
Can I trade-in two iPhones at Apple?
Yes, you can trade in multiple devices, all of which can go towards the cost of a new one.
Do I have to use my credit towards a new iPhone?
According to Apple, you can either use your entire credit for the purchase of the new iPhone or lower the monthly payments in case you’re buying it through a carrier.
How long does the process take?
It takes generally 2–3 weeks for the entire process to complete. According to Apple, the sooner you send the device to them, the sooner they can verify its condition and process your credit or gift card.
Can I Cancel the Trade-In?
The trade-in cannot be canceled if your device has already been shipped. If you receive a revised trade-in value after your device has been inspected, you have the option to reject it.
Can I see what my device is worth online, then bring it with me when I buy a new device in the store?
Yes, the Apple Trade-In service is available on apple.com as well as in all retail stores. However, do keep in mind that the trade-in credit you get in the store may be different from the estimated trade-in value you received online.
Can I Trade-in when I join the Apple Upgrade program?
If you are not part of the iPhone Upgrade Program then you can trade-in your eligible device at an Apple Store for credit toward your subsequent purchase as part of the iPhone Upgrade Program.
However, If you are currently a member of the iPhone Upgrade Program and wish to remain in the program then it’s better not to proceed with Apple Trade-In. You will be responsible for both your outstanding iPhone Upgrade Program loan and the price of any new iPhone in case you purchase through Apple Trade-In.
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Hey there! I’m Chelsea and chief editor of macsecurity.org. I have always loved Apple products for its efficiency and performance. I love reviewing the latest Apple products and designing guides for old and new Apple users! And in my free time I love experimenting in the kitchen (though, it doesn’t work out 9/10 times)