Apple has updated its U.S. trade-in estimates, cutting values for every eligible iPhone while raising them across the iPad and Mac lineups.


The refresh follows the announcement of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. Their predecessors now appear on Apple's trade-in list for the first time, led by the iPhone 17 Pro Max at up to $885. The iPhone Air is valued at $585, exactly the same as the standard iPhone 17, despite having launched at a $200 higher price:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: $885


• iPhone 17 Pro: $785


• iPhone Air: $585


• iPhone 17: $585

The update is also the first to run under Apple's new condition grading system, which is now live. Devices with minor cosmetic defects such as small chips in the display glass were previously treated much like those with far more serious damage, resulting in a similarly steep cut to their value. As we reported last week, Apple now applies more granular tiers that better reflect a device's actual condition, and no device receives less than it would have under the old system.

Every other iPhone on the list lost value. The iPhone 16 Pro saw the steepest cut in percentage terms at 19%, while the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max lost the most in absolute terms, falling $110 barely a month after Apple raised it to $720:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $720 to $610


• iPhone 16 Pro: $630 to $510


• iPhone 16 Plus: $485 to $430


• iPhone 16: $480 to $430


• iPhone 16e: $310 to $270


• iPhone 15 Pro Max: $530 to $455


• iPhone 15 Pro: $420 to $370


• iPhone 15 Plus: $340 to $315


• iPhone 15: $335 to $305


• iPhone 14 Pro Max: $405 to $360


• iPhone 14 Pro: $335 to $285


• iPhone 14 Plus: $235 to $210


• iPhone 14: $235 to $195


• iPhone SE (3rd generation): $85 to $75


• iPhone 13 Pro Max: $340 to $320


• iPhone 13 Pro: $285 to $255


• iPhone 13: $205 to $175


• iPhone 13 mini: $155 to $145


• iPhone 12 Pro Max: $240 to $210


• iPhone 12 Pro: $195 to $165


• iPhone 12: $135 to $120


• iPhone 12 mini: $90 to $80


• iPhone SE (2nd generation): $45 to $40


• iPhone 11 Pro Max: $160 to $140


• iPhone 11 Pro: $145 to $125


• iPhone 11: $110 to $100


• iPhone XS Max: $95 to $85


• iPhone XS: $70 to $60


• iPhone XR: $90 to $75


• iPhone X: $60 to $50


• iPhone 8 Plus: $40 to $35

The Apple Watch followed the same pattern. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 joins at $430, well clear of any other watch Apple accepts, with the Apple Watch Series 11 at $200 and the Apple Watch SE (3rd generation) at $115. Only the two older Apple Watch SE models held their value, at $60 and $30 respectively:

• Apple Watch Ultra 2: $305 to $265


• Apple Watch Ultra: $205 to $190


• Apple Watch Series 10: $165 to $150


• Apple Watch Series 9: $135 to $115


• Apple Watch Series 8: $95 to $90


• Apple Watch Series 7: $70 to $65


• Apple Watch Series 6: $45 to $40

The ‌iPad‌ and the Mac moved decisively the other way, with every model gaining value. The iPad Pro climbed almost 26%:

• iPad Pro: $720 to $905


• iPad Air: $490 to $510


• iPad mini: $300 to $320


• iPad: $260 to $280

The Mac saw the largest increases anywhere in the update, continuing a run that has nearly doubled some trade-in estimates since the spring. The MacBook Pro has risen from $690 in May to $1,315 today, while the Mac mini is up 65% over the same period of time:

• MacBook Pro: $855 to $1,315


• MacBook Air: $580 to $705


• Mac mini: $480 to $620


• Mac Studio: $1,305 to $1,460


• iMac Pro: $315 to $340


• iMac: $380 to $385

The Mac Pro was the only Mac left untouched, holding at $2,195 and keeping the top of Apple's trade-in range where it has sat since August.

Android estimates were largely static, with four small reductions and a single increase for the Google Pixel 7:

• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: $315 to $290


• Google Pixel 9 Pro: $305 to $275


• Google Pixel 9: $210 to $200


• Google Pixel 8 Pro: $155 to $150


• Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G: $85 to $80


• Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: $85 to $80


• Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: $75 to $70


• Google Pixel 7: $60 to $65

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8a, Google Pixel 7 Pro, OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13R, OnePlus 12, and OnePlus 12R all held at the same trade-in prices.

As always, Apple's listed values are estimates, with the company noting that final offers can vary based on a device's condition and configuration, and that not all devices are eligible for trade-in credit.
This article, "Apple Cuts iPhone Trade-In Values While Raising Mac and iPad" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple will today expand its trade-in program to offer better pricing for devices with minor cosmetic defects, MacRumors understands.


Under Apple's current trade-in system, cosmetic issues such as small chips in the display glass have generally been treated the same way as far more serious damage, such as a cracked or smashed screen, resulting in a similarly steep cut to a device's trade-in value. That is set to change from today, with Apple introducing more granular pricing that better reflects a device's actual condition. Customers will apparently not receive less for their device under the new system.

The update is expected to take effect today once Apple's trade-in website comes back online. The change is said to apply in the vast majority of countries where Apple's trade-in program is offered, with only a small number of markets excluded.

Apple last adjusted its trade-in values in August, when it raised pricing across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch lineups. It is unclear whether today's change will coincide with a broader refresh of those values.
This article, "Apple to Offer Better Trade-In Pricing for Minor Cosmetic Damage" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has increased its estimated trade-in values for most current iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models in the United States. The adjustments give customers slightly more credit toward a new device, although some older Apple hardware and several Android phones have moved in the opposite direction.

The updated values are maximum estimates rather than guaranteed payments. Apple calculates the final credit after confirming the model and inspecting its condition. A damaged display, enclosure problems, missing functionality, or an inaccurate description can reduce the amount offered.

Most of the increases are modest, but they arrive across several of Apple’s largest product categories at the same time. Recent iPhones receive between $10 and $25 more, every iPad category listed in Apple’s summary gains value, and several popular Macs receive larger increases.

The revisions also reinforce the role of trade-ins within Apple’s retail operation. Credit can reduce the cost of a regular purchase, be delivered through an Apple Gift Card, or lower payments at the beginning of an eligible Apple Upgrade lease.

Trade-In Values Rise Across iPhone and iPad

Every iPhone 16 model included in the update receives a higher maximum estimate. The iPhone 16 Pro Max moves from $685 to $695, retaining the highest listed value among the affected iPhones.

The iPhone 16 Pro increases from $550 to $560, while the iPhone 16 Plus moves from $455 to $465. The standard iPhone 16 receives the largest increase within the family, rising by $25 from $435 to $460.

These changes narrow the difference between the standard iPhone 16 and the larger Plus model. The Pro models retain substantially higher estimates, reflecting their higher original prices and stronger position in the used-device market.

An additional $10 or $25 will not transform the cost of an upgrade, but it can offset part of a case, charger, AppleCare plan, or storage upgrade. The difference also becomes more relevant for customers comparing Apple’s direct program with a third-party reseller offering a similar amount.

Apple’s iPad adjustments are more consistent. The maximum estimate for an iPad Pro rises from $670 to $690, an increase of $20. The iPad Air moves from $445 to $460, while the standard iPad rises from $220 to $235.

The iPad mini also gains $15, moving from a maximum of $250 to $265. That means every current iPad category displayed in Apple’s trade-in summary receives a higher estimate.

Apple’s direct trade-in values are generally lower than the prices an owner might obtain through a private sale. The program instead emphasizes convenience: the device can be returned at an Apple Store or sent using Apple’s online process, with the credit connected directly to a new purchase.

A private sale can produce a better return, especially for a recent device in excellent condition. It also requires the owner to set a price, find a buyer, manage payment, and handle the transfer independently. Apple’s program trades some resale value for a simpler exchange.

Mac and Apple Watch Changes Are Less Consistent

Mac trade-in values receive some of the largest increases, but the category also includes notable reductions.

The MacBook Air rises from a maximum of $485 to $520, adding $35. The Mac mini receives the same increase, moving from $340 to $375. The MacBook Pro changes only slightly, increasing from $685 to $690.

Apple leaves the current iMac estimate unchanged at $355. The Mac Studio receives a larger increase from $975 to $1,045, reflecting the higher value retained by recent desktop configurations.

Older professional desktops move in the other direction. The iMac Pro falls from $325 to $315, while the top Mac Pro estimate declines from $2,090 to $2,045.

That $45 reduction at the top of the Mac range means Apple’s maximum Mac trade-in offer decreases even though several mainstream models receive more credit. The changes appear more closely connected to the resale position of individual product families than to a uniform increase across every computer.

Mac estimates can vary considerably because one model name can cover different years, processors, memory configurations, storage capacities, and physical designs. Apple asks for a serial number before producing a more specific estimate for a Mac.

The Apple Watch adjustments are similarly mixed. Apple Watch Ultra 2 rises from $295 to $305, while Apple Watch Series 9 increases from $120 to $130.

Apple Watch Series 10 remains unchanged at a maximum of $150. The original Apple Watch Ultra falls from $215 to $205, losing $10.

Wearable trade-in values can decline quickly because watches receive frequent updates and are exposed to greater physical wear than many computers or tablets. Battery condition, display damage, case wear, and working buttons can influence whether the device receives the estimated credit.

Apple also accepts devices that no longer qualify for monetary value. Those products can be returned for recycling, including older hardware and accessories that would otherwise remain unused.

Android Offers Face Several Reductions

Apple accepts selected smartphones from Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers when customers move to an iPhone. The latest revisions are less favorable to several Android devices.

The maximum Android estimate across Apple’s displayed range decreases from $370 to $360. Individual changes vary by model.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra drops from $230 to $200, a $30 reduction. Google’s Pixel 8 Pro declines from $170 to $165.

Other devices remain unchanged. The standard Galaxy S23 continues to carry an estimated value of up to $125, while the OnePlus 12 remains at up to $200.

Apple’s Android offers are primarily designed to remove friction for people moving to the iPhone. They do not necessarily match the amount available from the manufacturer, a carrier promotion, or a private buyer.

Carrier promotions can advertise considerably higher trade-in credits than Apple, particularly around a new iPhone launch. Those offers commonly require an eligible unlimited plan, a new line, monthly bill credits, or a commitment lasting two or three years.

Apple’s direct credit is easier to understand because it is tied to the assessed value of the device rather than a long carrier agreement. The best choice depends on whether the customer values flexibility, immediate credit, or the largest possible promotional discount.

A Higher Estimate Is Not the Final Offer

Apple’s published figures represent the maximum available for qualifying devices in suitable condition. The online estimate is based on the answers supplied before the product is inspected.

After receiving the device, Apple or its trade-in partner verifies its identity and checks whether it powers on, functions properly, and matches the reported condition. A difference can produce a revised offer.

Customers can accept or reject a lower revised value. Rejecting it cancels the trade-in and returns the device, although the payment arrangement for the accompanying purchase may also be adjusted. If the inspected value is higher than the original estimate, Apple says it automatically increases the credit.

The way the credit is delivered depends on the purchase. When a customer pays in full for a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, the confirmed value can be returned to the original payment method up to the price of the new product. Any remaining amount can be issued through an Apple Gift Card.

With an eligible monthly payment arrangement, the estimated credit can be applied directly to the new device’s purchase price. Under Apple Upgrade, a qualifying trade-in owned by the customer can reduce payments across the initial lease term. Another device cannot be traded in each time the customer exercises the lease’s upgrade option.

Values also differ between countries and can change without a product announcement. The revised dollar amounts apply to Apple’s United States program, while local market prices, available models, currencies, and trade-in partners determine estimates elsewhere.

Anyone considering an exchange should obtain a fresh estimate shortly before purchasing. Apple requires the trade-in device to arrive within the specified return period and says an online estimate is generally protected for 14 days after the customer receives the new product.

The post Apple Raises Trade-In Values for Most iPhone, iPad, Mac, & Watch Models appeared first on AppleMagazine.