Even old Apple devices you haven’t touched in years could get you some credit toward a new phone. Mehaniq/Shutterstock If you’ve ever purchased an iPhone directly from Apple, you’ve probably seen the option to trade in an older device. By sending the company your old phone, you get credit toward your purchase. If you don’t plan to use your old phone, this is a good way to reduce the cost of an upgrade. The trade-in value Apple offers varies depending on how new the device is, as you would expect. However, you might be surprised how old a phone you can trade in and still get some credit for. Take a few minutes to dig out that old phone sitting in a drawer, as it could have some value. Old phones won’t be a huge amount, but with how expensive iPhones are these days, any little bit is appreciated. It’s a good idea to learn how the official iPhone trade-in program works in case you’ve never used it before, as well as learn about the other options you have for getting cash back on an old device. The oldest iPhone you can trade in with Apple Jade Y/Shutterstock Apple’s trade-in page is where you can check the trade-in value of various devices. For iPhones, the oldest model you can trade in and still get credit for is the iPhone 8, which came out in 2017. When choosing a phone from the list, you’ll need to indicate whether the phone is in good condition or damaged. Your phone is still considered Good even with minor scratches or dents. This way, Apple is offering just $35 for the iPhone 8. If you choose the latter option, you’ll be asked several more questions about what specifically is wrong with the phone. But even if you indicate that a damaged iPhone is functional and its body/screen is in good condition, you may not get anything for an older model. The 2017 lineup also included the iPhone 8 Plus and the then-premium iPhone An iPhone X in good condition is worth $60, worthless for a damaged model. Please note that trade-in amounts are estimates – you may get less than quoted if you do not accurately describe the condition. Apple’s trade-in list dates back to the iPhone 5, but you won’t receive any credit for these outdated phones. If your device is too damaged or old to accept, the company will only recycle it. Other devices you can trade-in for Apple credit blackzheep/Shutterstock Of course, trade-ins are also available for devices newer than an iPhone 8. The maximum available currently is $720 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max, although given that this phone costs $1,199 at launch and will still be usable for many years, trading it in now doesn’t make much sense. Other phones vary depending on their age and condition, so follow the steps to evaluate yours. Aside from phones, Apple also accepts trade-ins for your old iPad (maximum $690), Mac ($2,045 maximum), or Apple Watch (up to $305). You must enter a serial number to see the value of these trade-ins. Other devices like the HomePod, Apple TV, and AirPods are eligible for recycling but don’t give cash. Those considering switching from Android to iPhone are not left out. Apple also offers trade-in credit for select Android phones; These are currently limited to Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus and Huawei models. Unsurprisingly, these phones don’t offer as much value as the first-party offerings; You will also be asked about storage capacity, unlike iPhone trade-ins. For example, a 128GB Pixel 9 Pro in good condition costs $255, while a 1TB model in good condition costs $315. Meanwhile, Apple is offering $50 for a Pixel 6 Pro in good condition, regardless of storage. These reviews for non-Apple devices are not great, so it is better to sell them on other markets (see below). But if you’re desperate to get rid of your old phone with minimal effort, this is better than nothing. How the Apple Xolodan/Shutterstock trade-in process works If you plan to trade in a new iPhone (or other Apple device) that you buy online, follow the steps on the company’s site to choose the color, storage, and other items. When you see the Apple Trade-In title, choose Add a Trade-In, select your phone, and answer the questions about its condition to get your estimate. Your purchasing method affects how trade-in credit is applied. When you pay the full cost up front, the company will credit your payment method once the above unit is received and verified. If you finance the phone through an Apple Card or carrier, or lease it through the new Apple Upgrade program, the trade-in amount reduces your monthly payments. In case you don’t want to buy anything new right now, or if you want to trade in another type of device for an iPhone, you can apply the value to an Apple gift card. To do so, visit Apple’s trade-in page, follow the steps to evaluate, and select Redeem for an Apple Gift Card at the end. You will need to provide the serial number. Online versus in-store trading Balkanscat/Getty Images When you trade in your iPhone online, the company will mail you a box to package it securely, along with a prepaid shipping label. Once your new phone arrives, transfer everything from your old device to the new one before preparing your old phone for the trade-in. The package contains delivery instructions; You will usually take it to a UPS or FedEx location. If you prefer, you can also trade-in your iPhone at an Apple Store. These do not require an appointment, although making one can save you time. For this option, the company recommends that you unpair your Apple Watch (if applicable), back up your device, and sign out of your Apple account before heading to the store. Do not delete it until a representative has evaluated it. Similar to online exchanges, you can apply the credit to a new purchase or gift card. When you deliver your phone, you do not need to include chargers or any other accessories. Apple will recycle them if you want, but there’s no point in handing over anything you can still use. Also consider other trade-in options Ragsac/Getty Images Apple Trade In is a convenient option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling your device to someone directly. But if you’re willing to spend a little more time, you can probably get a better value for your device at one of the many places that sell older devices. For example, Mac Me An Offer accepts iPhones directly, without haggling or meeting in person. And their prices can sometimes be higher than Apple’s. At the time of writing, Apple is offering $320 for any iPhone 15 in good condition, while Mac Me An Offer goes up to $425 for a 512GB iPhone 15. Sites like SellCell help you compare prices from many outlets. And there is always the option of selling directly to someone on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or similar. Selling directly is more complicated, but you make more (a company that buys your phone has to make a profit by reselling it, while an individual does not). Another benefit of selling on third-party sites is the option to receive payments via check or services like Zelle, rather than having the value tied up in Apple credit.
