How Does Apple Trade-In Work?

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 back up 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

iPad for Trade-in

Mac for Trade-in

Apple Watch for Trade-in

Android Smartphones for Trade-in

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

Online or Store Trade-In

From the comfort of your home or the following time you visit an Apple Store, you can exchange your Apple device.

Online Trade-in: All you need to do for this is respond to a few questions here regarding the state of your equipment. If you agree to the trade-in estimate, you can use the trade-in package to mail your device to Apple.

If the criteria and your response match, Apple will examine your device and compensate you accordingly. You will earn Apple credit that you may use to buy things from the company online or in stores.

Store Trade-In: If you have already scheduled a visit, you can trade-in at an Apple Store. In an Apple shop, you can ask a salesperson about trading anything in. They will examine your gadget and provide a cost estimate.

If you agree, you may either trade in your device for credit toward a new one or buy a new one while taking advantage of a discount.

Should you Choose Credit, Gift Card, or Cash?

Apple Trade-In: Credit Towards a Purchase

You currently own an older iPhone, which you would be happy to exchange for an iPhone 12. The best part is that you don't even need to leave your house to do it; it's simple.

Launch your web browser, and go to the Apple shop. Select the gadget you want to purchase. Apple will also ask you if you have a smartphone to trade in after you've chosen your model, specifications, and colour. It doesn't even have to be an Apple product, which is fantastic. They will also take some LG phones as well as Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices. You can recycle it through Apple if you have a different brand and model.

A pre-paid return kit and mailing label for your old device will be sent by Apple. They will examine your gadget to confirm its make, model, and state. Apple will change the total amount you owe for the new phone if the offer is accepted.

Online Apple Trade-In For a Gift Card

The same process applies when exchanging an Apple product online for a gift card; all you have to do is go directly to the Apple Trade-In website. Answer a few questions to receive an offer and complete the checkout procedure after that. The device must be sent in within 14 days. You will get an email containing either the original or revised value of an Apple Gift Card, depending on the test results. We want to remind you once more that the card can only be used at Apple, both online and in-store.

Apple Trade-In For a Cash Payout

There is a choice for those who want to sell their used Apple gadgets for cash. Also unwilling to engage with scammers on Craigslist, eBay, or other online marketplaces Fortunately, there are several internet buy-back companies that will work with you. Being one of them is us. A Macbook evaluation goes quickly and is fairly similar to the above-described trade-in process. 

• Visit the website and enter some information on the Apple product you are selling, and that's all there is to it.
• Get a price estimate, and if you want to proceed with the purchase, complete a brief checkout form. Everything from the convenience of your home.

Upon request, a prepaid shipping label is sent to you by email or mail. You have 30 days to send the device in, unlike with Apple. Moreover, there are no responsibilities or repercussions if you decide to change your mind. 

Our skilled team of professionals will give your gadget a brief inspection after we receive it to ensure that the online assessment is accurate. The order will then be submitted for payment after that. In essence, you will receive your payment two business days after we receive your MacBook Pro, iPad, or iPhone.

However, we make every effort to complete everything on the same day. You have the option of paying with a standard paper check, PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo. The last four are instant, so as soon as we handle your payment, it immediately clears on your end.

What About iPhone Upgrade Program?

The iPhone Upgrade program is not related to Apple Trade-In. However, this program lets you upgrade your current iPhone to a better model. So if you are looking to buy the new iPhone 14 Pro, then this is the best way to do it. With this program, you have to send in your current device to get a new one. 

Does Apple Trade-In Cracked or Damaged iPhones?

Yes, but depending on the damage to your product, the worth of your phone will be drastically reduced. One or two little cracks will be credited; however, anything major might often result in the value being reduced to $0.

The best course of action in these circumstances will be to fix your iPhone or other Apple equipment before mailing it in for trade-in. Even if your iPhone is broken, looking for alternatives will almost certainly ensure some worth.

What happens to your old device?

Depending on your device's condition, Apple will either refurbish and sell it or recycle the device. If your device is in good condition, then the device will be refurbished and sold at the Apple refurbished store. 

However, if your device is old and beyond repair, then Apple will recycle your device and salvage it for parts that can be reused. Apple uses a recycling robot named Daisy, that can dismantle up to 200 iPhones in an hour for reusable parts.

How Does Apple Trade-In Work - 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.

How Does Apple Trade-In Work - FAQs

Also Read:

• A Complete list of Stores that Accept Apple Pay
• How To Contact Apple Online Live Chat Support Team