Apple trade in: How old devices help you save on new ones (original) (raw)

Apple's Trade In program lets you get credit toward new devices or a gift card

Metallic iPhone 15 with three circular camera lenses

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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If you think of your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or MacBook as sunk money that can't be recovered, then you're thinking about it all wrong. Not only are your Apple devices useful and enjoyable parts of your everyday life, but they are often viable financial assets, too.

With Apple's trade-in program, you can swap an older device to cover part of the cost of a new product or you can even turn your old iPhone, iPad, or other piece of hardware into an Apple gift card.

You can do an Apple trade-in online or in person at an Apple store.

Is Apple Trade In a good idea?

Apple Trade In is a relatively hassle-free process, whether done in person at an Apple store or online. In the latter case, Apple will send you pre-paid mailing materials so you can package your device and send it on its way.

If you are actively planning to buy a new Apple product or happy to have store credit with Apple, by all means, pursue a trade-in.

That said, there are a few drawbacks to consider. For example, there is no way to get cash via Apple Trade In, whereas selling your used device on eBay, Craigslist, or another platform can net you money instead of store credit.

If you're mailing your device, there's always a chance it could be lost. Once a piece of hardware does arrive safely, the trade-in process can take up to three weeks.

How much money do you get from an Apple trade-in?

The amount of money you get for a given Apple device varies depending on the age and condition of the product. Online, you answer a few questions about the condition before getting a price estimate. Once the Apple techs have your hardware in hand, they verify its condition and determine the final amount.

Below, see how much you could get back in credit at the upper end for devices in great condition.

iPhone trade-in

Apple Watch trade-in

iPad trade-in

Mac trade-in

Can you walk into Apple for a trade-in?

Yes, you can. There is no appointment necessary. It's a good idea to have backed up your device before you go to the store.

If you know how to factory reset the hardware, doing so helps ensure your privacy. You can also ask an Apple employee at the store to help clear your phone, tablet, or computer of all data before you turn it in.

How does Apple pay you for a trade-in?

Apple pays you for a traded-in device in one of two ways. You can deduct the trade-in value from the price of a new product you are buying, giving you instant savings. Or Apple can apply the credit to your Apple account to be used on a future purchase — or toward your bill if you have any monthly subscriptions with the company.

What happens if an Apple trade-in is rejected?

If a trade-in is rejected in the store based on a device's condition or age, then you have two simple choices: keep the device and leave or leave it with Apple anyway, knowing the company will recycle your device responsibly.

If a trade-in is rejected after you have shipped your device to Apple, you can again just let it go, knowing Apple will recycle it, or you can have it shipped back to you.

Can I trade my iPhone 14 for a 15?

While you can't directly trade an iPhone 14 in for a 15, you can get a significant portion of the new iPhone 15's price shaved off. An iPhone 14 Pro Max can be worth up to 650intrade−invalue,whilea14Procangofor650 in trade-in value, while a 14 Pro can go for 650intrade−invalue,whilea14Procangofor570, a 14 Plus for 470,anda14for470, and a 14 for 470,anda14for430. The trade-in value would be deducted from the cost of the iPhone 15.

What can I trade for an iPhone 15?

At last check, an iPhone 15 Plus costs 899,whiletheiPhone15costs899, while the iPhone 15 costs 899,whiletheiPhone15costs799. (Adding more GB of storage space ups the cost, with a 512 GB 15 Plus costing $1,199.)

Based on those prices, only a few Apple computers have a high enough potential trade-in value to cover the entire cost of a new iPhone 15 with just one item. Every dollar off helps, though.

Steven John has been a freelance writer for more than a dozen years and has been a regular contributor to Business Insider since 2017. His work includes a focus on the tech world, covering companies including Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and others. He also reviews restaurants, shares how-to cooking articles, and writes general interest pieces.Steven also writes for publications including Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, Forbes, and more. In the past, he also wrote for New York Magazine, Mashed, U.S. News & World Report and other outlets. He runs his own outdoor lifestyle site, Dad Gear Review, and co-hosts the Fact Trekkers podcast with his son. He has had two novels published, Three A.M. and Outrider. He graduated from Emerson College with a degree in communications focused on filmmaking.He is an avid outdoorsman and can be frequently found in a kayak or on a mountain trail, often with his family along for the adventure.Expertise:Tech industryTech hardwareOutdoorsCookingRestaurantsDIYPopular articles:Microsoft: A history of the software giant co-founded by Bill Gates, its products and services, jobs, layoffs, and moreYouTube is a major entertainment force. Here's the platform's history, plus how to create a channel and upload videos.Inside the life and career of Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, billionaire, and philanthropistTim Cook net worth: How the Apple leader earns and spends his moneyBecoming an Amazon seller is a simple process. Here's what's involved, plus how you make money and get paid.

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