Utilizing Aging Gadgets to Cut Costs on Modern Ones
If you think your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or MacBook is a sunk cost that can’t be recycled, you’re mistaken. Not only are your Apple devices a useful and delightful part of your daily life, they often represent a viable financial asset. With Apple’s trade-in program, you can offset part of the cost of a new product with an older device, or you can even turn your old iPhone, iPad, or other hardware into an Apple Gift Card. You can trade in your Apple device online or in person at an Apple Store.
Is Apple trade-in a good idea? Apple trade-in is a relatively worry-free process, whether you do it in person at an Apple Store or online. In the latter case, Apple will send you prepaid shipping materials so you can package your device and send it off. If you’re actively planning to purchase a new Apple product, or you’re happy with Apple’s store credit, then trade-in is worth considering.
However, there are downsides to consider. For example, you can’t get cash through Apple trade-in, whereas selling your old device on eBay, Craigslist, or other platforms could result in cash instead of store credit. There’s always the risk of loss if you mail your device. Once your hardware arrives safely, the trade-in process could take up to three weeks.
How much money can you get with Apple trade-in? The amount you get from Apple trade-in depends on the age and condition of the product. Online, you’ll get an estimated price after answering a few questions about its condition. Once Apple technicians receive your hardware, they will verify its condition and determine the final amount.
Here’s the maximum credit return you could get for devices in good condition:
iPhone Trade-In
iPhone 14 Pro Max: $650
iPhone 13 Pro Max: $580
iPhone 12 Pro Max: $450
iPhone 11 Pro Max: $300
iPhone X: $120
iPhone 8: $60
iPhone 7: $40
Apple Watch Trade-In
- iPad Trade-In
- iPad Pro: $580
- iPad Air: $325
- Classic iPad: $260
- iPad Mini: $260
Mac Trade-In
- MacBook Pro: $1,070
- MacBook Air: $570
- iMac: $460
- Mac Pro: $1,000
- Mac Studio: $1,360
Can I walk into an Apple Store for trade-in? Yes, you can. No appointment is needed. Before you go, it’s best to have backed up your device. Knowing how to reset your hardware to factory settings is helpful in ensuring your privacy. You can also ask Apple Store staff to help you erase all data before handing over the device.
How does Apple pay for trade-in? Apple makes payments for trade-ins in two ways. You can deduct the trade-in value from the price of the new product you’re purchasing, offering immediate savings. Or Apple can apply the credit to your Apple account for future purchases or for any monthly subscription fees you might have.
What if Apple trade-in is denied? If trade-in is denied in-store based on the condition or age of the device, then you have two straightforward options: keep the device and leave, or leave the device anyway, knowing that Apple will responsibly recycle it.
If you’ve already mailed the device to Apple and trade-in is rejected, you can choose to let go, knowing Apple will recycle it, or you can request it to be mailed back to you.
Can I trade in my iPhone 14 for an iPhone 15? While you can’t directly swap an 14 for a 15, you can get a considerable discount off the new 15’s price through trade-in. The trade-in value for an 14 Pro Max goes up to $650, while the 14 Pro is $570, the 14 Plus is $470, and the 14 is $430. The trade-in value will be deducted from the cost of the 15.
What can I trade in for an 15? According to the latest prices, the cost of an iPhone 15 Plus is $899, while the iPhone 15 is $799. (Increasing the storage to 512 GB will raise the price; the 15 Plus at 512 GB costs $1,199.)
Based on these prices, only a few Apple computers have a high enough potential trade-in value to cover the cost of a new iPhone 15 in a single item. But saving every dollar helps.