Apple Trade In program: Everything you need to know

Apple Trade In
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple's Trade In program is one of the best ways of getting yourself a nice upgrade and it rewards you for being a repeat Apple customer. If you have got your eyes on the brand new M3 MacBook Air range and are looking for a reason to replace that old M1, now is the perfect time.

Not only is the Apple Trade In program good for an Apple user looking to get a new device, but it's great for Android users looking to make the switch to iOS. You can get a bit of cash back for your device and it's a great way to recycle potential e-waste. 

Whether you are buying one of the best iPhones, like the iPhone 15 Pro, or the best Apple Watch, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, there's something you can put that Apple credit towards. 

If you're looking to get an upgrade or you're just curious about what Apple will give you for your device, here's everything you need to know about the Apple Trade In program. 

What is Apple's Trade In program?

Apple Trade In lets you recycle your iPhone (and some Android smartphones), iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch for cash that you can use in-store. The money can be used in exchange for a new purchase or can be applied as credit on a gift card to be used at a later date either in-store or online. 

What's the difference between Apple Trade in and the iPhone Upgrade program?

iPhone 14 Pro in an Apple Store

(Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone Upgrade program is a special monthly payment service that gets you a brand new iPhone, AppleCare+ (extra), and a new phone every year if you choose to trade in your old iPhone and renew your agreement for another two years. Apple Trade In doesn't require you to sign up to any kind of payment plan or agreement and applies to lots of devices besides the iPhone. Put simply, the iPhone Upgrade Program helps you buy a device you want, whereas Apple Trade In can pay you money for devices you already have. 

You can use the credit from Apple Trade when buying an iPhone through the iPhone Upgrade Program to cover the cost of the initial payment. 

How do I exchange a device with Apple Trade In?

Apple Trade In

(Image credit: Apple)

The steps to trading in a device with Apple are fairly straightforward. If you visit the Apple Trade In website, you can start by checking to see if your device is eligible and its estimated trade-in value. If it is included in the plan and you're happy with the price, you have two options. You can either visit your local Apple store or post it to Apple using a prepaid trade-in kit the company will send you. The latter option can take about 2-3 weeks. 

Before you do this, be sure to make an iCloud backup of all your important data, especially if you're moving from something like an old iPhone to a new one. If you're in store, a specialist will remind you to do this and can assist if needs be. 

What devices can I exchange with Apple Trade In?

Apple Trade In

(Image credit: Apple)

Using Apple Trade In, you can get money off your purchase or Apple store credit by turning in the following products:

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Mac, including the best MacBooks
  • Apple Watch
  • Select Android smartphones

Apple iPhone Trade In: Eligible models and estimated values

ios-14-iphone-home-screen

(Image credit: Future)

The following iPhones are eligible for Apple Trade In. The most recent iPhone you can trade in is the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which is worth up to $650. The oldest iPhone you can trade in is the iPhone 7. However, at a $40 value, you might be better holding onto it as a backup device. 

These values are accurate in time for the launch of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

  • iPhone 14 Pro Max Up to $620
  • iPhone 14 Pro Up to $520
  • iPhone 14 Plus Up to $450
  • iPhone 14 Up to $400
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max Up to $500
  • iPhone 13 Pro Up to $420
  • iPhone 13 Up to $320
  • iPhone 13 mini Up to $300
  • iPhone SE (3rd generation) Up to $160
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max Up to $370
  • iPhone 12 Pro Up to $300
  • iPhone 12 Up to $220
  • iPhone 12 mini Up to $180
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) Up to $70
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max Up to $270
  • iPhone 11 Pro Up to $220
  • iPhone 11 Up to $280
  • iPhone XS Max Up to $150
  • iPhone XS Up to $120
  • iPhone XR Up to $120
  • iPhone X Up to $100
  • iPhone 8 Plus Up to $80
  • iPhone 8 Up to $50
  • iPhone 7 Plus Up to $50
  • iPhone 7 Up to $30

Your iPhone's trade-in value will be determined based on its condition, so this is the absolute maximum you can expect to receive for each device. Issues such as a cracked or broken screen, buttons that don't work, or any water damage could severely reduce your value, even to $0. 

Apple iPad Trade In: Eligible models and estimated values

iPad, iPad mini, iPad Pro

(Image credit: Rene Ritchie / iMore)

The best iPad you can trade in is the iPad Pro, worth up to $510. At the lower end of the spectrum, you can also trade in the iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad. 

  • iPad Pro Up to $580
  • iPad Air Up to $325
  • iPad Up to $260
  • iPad mini Up to $260

Apple Mac Trade In: Eligible models and estimated values

M1 MacBook Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Apple accepts both MacBook and desktop Mac devices. The best MacBook you can trade-in is the MacBook Pro, but they also accept the Air and the regular MacBook too. Desktop-wise, you can trade-in both the iMac and iMac Pro, Mac Pro, and the Mac mini. 

  • MacBook Pro Up to $1000
  • MacBook Air Up to $550
  • MacBook Up to $160
  • iMac Pro Up to $500
  • iMac Up to $440
  • Mac Pro Up to $800
  • Mac mini Up to $400
  • Mac Studio Up to $1315

Apple Watch Trade In: Eligible models and estimated values

The best Apple Watch you can trade in is currently the Apple Watch Ultra, so you can't trade in last year's top tier Apple Watch for a newer Series 9 or an Ultra 2 if you want an upgrade.

  • Apple Watch Ultra Up to $390
  • Apple Watch Series 8 Up to $185
  • Apple Watch Series 7 Up to $155
  • Apple Watch Series 6 Up to $115
  • Apple Watch SE Up to $125
  • Apple Watch Series 5 Up to $90
  • Apple Watch Series 4 Up to $60

Apple store Android Trade In: Eligible models and estimated values

Google Pixel 3a XL hero image cropped

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / iMore)

You can trade in several Android smartphones at the Apple Store or online in exchange for cash. That includes many Samsung Galaxy S and Note models, and the Google Pixel. 

  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Up to $345
  • Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Up to $235
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Up to $195
  • Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Up to $160
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Up to $135
  • Samsung Galaxy S20+ Up to $100
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Up to $95
  • Samsung Galaxy S10+ Up to $90
  • Samsung Galaxy S10 Up to $70
  • Samsung Galaxy S10e Up to $55
  • Samsung Galaxy S9+ Up to $35
  • Samsung Galaxy S9 Up to $25
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Up to $165
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Up to $120
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Up to $90
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Up to $65
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Up to $35
  • Google Pixel 6 Pro Up to $145
  • Google Pixel 6 Up to $110
  • Google Pixel 6a Up to $100
  • Google Pixel 5 Up to $60
  • Google Pixel 5a 5G Up to $60
  • Google Pixel 4 XL Up to $40
  • Google Pixel 4 Up to $35
  • Google Pixel 4a Up to $35

What can I buy using Apple Trade In?

Previously, you could only buy an iPhone with Apple Trade In. However, you can now trade-in devices to get money off the purchase of all its major products. In fact, you can use trade-in credit to buy anything available in the Apple Store or online, thanks to the fact you can now put the value of your trade in on a gift card.

Does my Apple Trade In need the box and cables?

No. Apple will accept a trade-in device without either the box or your cables, but if you take them in Apple can recycle them for you. 

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9

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