Air Force veteran David Aladejobi did not think much of the notification when his Apple Watch buzzed with a health warning. The 38-year-old was used to checking the time or paying for groceries with the device. But this small alert eventually led him to a doctor, where he discovered a serious, undiagnosed health condition hiding […]
Apple released watchOS 27 on September 14, bringing a new Audio Intelligence feature set to its latest Apple Watch models, but as a result, owners of previous models are set to lose out doubly in the process.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models later this year will get Live Rewind, a feature that provides a transcript of any spoken audio that was picked up by the device in the last 15 seconds. To activate the feature, users need to double-click the Digital Crown.
Unforunately, this double-click action is the same one that in watchOS 26 switches between the current app and the previously used app – or indeed the watch face and the last used app.
It's a neat way of multitasking on your Apple Watch without tapping the display.
Needless to say, this feature will no longer work for anyone upgrading to Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models when the devices are released on September 18. Apple has reserved the double-click action for when its new Live Rewind feature is activated later this year.
However, what's arguably more frustrating is that owners of older Apple Watch models who update to watchOS 27 will also lose the ability to jump between apps using the Digital Crown double-click.
After updating to watchOS 27, the Digital Crown double-click no longer works to switch between apps. All it does is bring up the new dynamic app grid, which is the same behavior that a single click offers. This is despite the fact that the new Live Rewind feature is hardware-bound to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. Owners of previous models are simply out of luck in both senses, losing a useful function while also missing out on the new feature that usurps it.
It also throws up another problem for new Series 12 and Ultra 4 owners: What if people don't want to go near the Live Rewind feature and its privacy implications? Apple could have made the double-click action work to switch between apps as it does in watchOS 26, while also providing an option to assign the action to Live Rewind if that's preferred.
Apple currently doesn't provide options to resolve the situation for either group of users, so all we can do is provide feedback to Apple and hope the company hears enough demand for it to change course in watchOS 27.1 or a later update.
Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are available now ahead of a Friday, September 18 launch.
The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 have hardware changes that allow for faster charging, but you will need to use the new version of the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger included in the box in order to achieve this boost. If you need extra ones for your own charging stands or travel or so forth, Apple released the new version of the charger on its online store last week, with U.S. pricing set at $29.
We have confirmed that the new version of the Apple Watch charging puck — model A3277 — can deliver up to 10W of power to enable the faster charging speeds. The previous version of the charger is limited to 5W. Accordingly, you will also need to use a USB-C Power Delivery charger that is rated 10W or higher for the fastest charging.
With just 15 minutes of charging, Apple said the new charger can add 12 hours of battery life to the Series 12 and 18 hours of battery life to the Ultra 4.
The previous Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 can get 8 hours and 12 hours of battery life respectively with a 15-minute charge, according to Apple. Using the new charging puck will not speed up these times, as the Series 12 and Ultra 4 have hardware changes, so you need both a new watch and the new charger for the fastest charging.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is now available for pre-order, bringing a new health sensing system, more memory, and longer battery life over its predecessor. Here's everything that's new.
Last year, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduced a larger, more efficient display, satellite connectivity, 5G, and improved battery life. The Ultra 4 retains the same basic design and display, but focuses on more detailed health and fitness insights, new Audio Intelligence features, and further battery life improvements.
It launches on Friday, September 18, at the same $799 starting price as the Ultra 3. The comparison below outlines the differences between the two generations:
"Health Sensing System" with second-generation electrical heart sensor
Third-generation optical heart sensor
Always-on optical heart sensor
Background heart rate tracking
High-frequency background heart rate tracking every five seconds, 60x more frequently
HRV
Recovery HRV and overall HRV, measured up to 24x more often
Vitals app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration
Vitals app heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, HRV, and a daytime vitals view
Readiness app
Real-time heart rate complication
Step tracking
More accurate step tracking and indoor workout distance measurements
Steps complication
Audio Intelligence (Live Rewind, Siri Recap, Sound Recognition, and automatic music identification with Shazam)
Up to 42 hours of normal use
Up to 50 hours of normal use
Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
Up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode
Up to 14 hours of outdoor workout tracking with full GPS and heart rate readings
Up to 18 hours of standard outdoor workout tracking
Up to 20 hours of outdoor workout tracking in Low Power Mode with full GPS and heart rate readings
Up to 25 hours in Extended Workout mode with full GPS and heart rate readings
Up to 35 hours of outdoor workout tracking in Low Power Mode with Fewer GPS and Heart Rate Readings enabled
Up to 45 hours in Max Extended Workout mode, retaining GPS readings every second
15 minutes of charging for up to 12 hours of normal use
15 minutes of charging for up to 18 hours of normal use
5 minutes of charging for up to 8 hours of sleep tracking
5 minutes of charging for up to 10 hours of sleep tracking
Natural titanium: 61.6 grams
Black titanium: 61.8 grams
Natural titanium: 63.0 grams
Black titanium: 63.1 grams
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou
GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou
40% recycled content
45% recycled content
Now discontinued
From $799
Is It Worth Upgrading From Ultra 3 to Ultra 4?
For the vast majority of Apple Watch Ultra 3 owners, the Ultra 4 is not worth upgrading to. The Ultra 3 already offers all of the headline display, durability, satellite connectivity, and established health features. If it comfortably lasts between your usual charging sessions and records your longest workouts, the new model is unlikely to meaningfully change how you use your watch.
The strongest reason to upgrade is if you want recovery tracking to play a larger role in your training. The Ultra 4's more frequent measurements feed into Readiness and Recovery HRV, making it easier to assess when to push harder or take a lighter day. These features are more compelling if you will regularly use them to adjust your training, rather than simply check another set of health metrics.
Battery life is a more practical reason for endurance athletes. If you currently change settings to finish long events or recharge during an extended outing, the Ultra 4 gives you a little more flexibility. For shorter daily workouts, however, the improvement mainly means less frequent charging, which is difficult to justify replacing a year-old $799 watch for.
Audio Intelligence may also justify upgrading for specific users, particularly deaf or hard of hearing users who would benefit from Sound Recognition on their wrist. Live Rewind and Siri Recap are less convincing reasons to upgrade immediately, since they arrive in beta later this year and require a compatible newer iPhone.
Should You Buy Ultra 3 or Ultra 4?
For new buyers, the Ultra 4 should be the default choice when the price difference is modest. If you plan to wear it for several years, paying a little more for the new chip, more memory, better battery life, and health tracking enhancements is easier to justify than replacing an Ultra 3 you already own.
The Ultra 3 becomes the better value when it is heavily discounted. If you mainly want a "rugged"-style Apple Watch with a large screen, satellite connectivity, and enough battery life for everyday use and regular workouts, it delivers much of the same experience. Buyers interested in Readiness and recovery insights, or who regularly record very long activities, have a stronger reason to pay more for the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
For used or refurbished Ultra 3 models, factor battery condition and warranty coverage into the saving. A cheaper watch with a degraded battery is less appealing if endurance is your main reason for buying an Ultra.
To change what the Action button does on Apple Watch Ultra, open the Settings app, tap Action Button, tap Action, then pick a function such as Workout, Backtrack or Dive. The same button sounds the siren: press and hold it, wait for the countdown to finish, and the watch starts an alarm meant to attract […]
Set up satellite features on Apple Watch Ultra while you still have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, because Apple’s watchOS 27 guide says the setup has to happen before you leave it. That means adding two shortcuts, running the Emergency SOS demo, and texting the people you’ll want to reach. Satellite features work on Apple Watch […]
Apple removed GLONASS support from the Apple Watch Ultra 4, according to technical specifications listed for the device. The Ultra 4 supports GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou, while the prior-generation Ultra 3 supported GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou.
GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS use CDMA-based signaling and support multiple frequencies for more accurate positioning. Consumer devices typically only receive an L1 signal from GLONASS, so it is less useful on devices with dual-frequency support. GLONASS also uses a different signal architecture, and receivers have to correct for hardware timing delays on a per-satellite basis, which can lead to positioning errors.
Apple did not say why GLONASS support was removed, but dropping it could improve accuracy, reduce processing, and possibly improve battery life.
The Apple Watch Series 12 continues to support GLONASS, likely because the L1-only limitation is less relevant on a single-frequency device.
Apple reintroduced a ceramic case for the Apple Watch Series 12, but if you don't have AppleCare+, repairs are unusually expensive.
It costs $599 to fix "other damage," which covers any repair besides a battery replacement. Battery service is priced at $99.
Repairing a ceramic Series 12 is more expensive than getting an Apple Watch Ultra 4 repaired. That repair costs $549 without AppleCare+ (up $50 from the prior model). A repair for a cellular aluminum Series 12 of the same size is $349.
Apple Watch Series 12 models in the Pearl White or Night Blue ceramic options are priced starting at $899, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is priced starting at $799.
With AppleCare+, Apple Watch users will only need to pay a $69 service fee for damage to the ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 or $79 for the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Battery service is free if a watch's battery capacity drops below 80 percent, and theft or loss has a $119 deductible.
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for the Apple Watch Series 12 is $4.99 per month, and it's $5.99 per month for the Ultra 4. Customers can also opt for AppleCare One, Apple's $19.99 per month option that covers up to three devices. Starting on September 14, Apple is also offering AppleCare One Family, which is $49.99 per month for up to six family members.
At today’s Surprise and Shine event, Apple introduced the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Both models build on the devices’ existing designs, adding new health and fitness features as well as what Apple calls Audio Intelligence. The star of the Apple Watch show that powers those features on both models is the brand-new S11 chip. Let’s dig into the details of what the new chip and improved sensors means to both models.
Apple Watch Series 12
The Series 12 takes a heart reat measurement every five seconds. Source: Apple.
The new Apple Watch Series 12 comes in 42 and 46mm sizes and is equipped with the new S11 chip. Apple says that enables the device to take sixty times the heart rate measurements and 24x HRV readings compared to the Series 11 Watch. More heart rate measurements and HRV readings mean more accurate and meaningful readings; in fact, better than any other wearable on the market, according to Apple. Apple says step tracking is more accurate, too.
The Series 12 has improved sensors, too. There’s a larger, more power-efficient green LED array for measuring your heart rate every five seconds and a Secure Exclave for processing audio privately and securely. On the outside, the Series 12 features Ceramic Shield 2, making it tougher than the Series 11. The case is now IP6X rated for dust and can be used to six meters of depth. Plus, the battery is rated to last 24 hours during normal use and a 15-minute charge will power it sufficiently to last 12 hours.
Improved sensors. Source: Apple.
HRV readings have been added to your overnight vitals statistics to provide a more complete picture of your health, and Apple has added daytime vitals which you can track during the day. The new health sensing features also enable Readiness, a daily score that uses your vitals to give you a sense of whether your body is ready for a big workout or whether you should take it easy.
The Series 12 comes in a wide array of finishes, too, including aluminum, titanium, and ceramic. The aluminum model comes in Dark Bronze, Light Gold, Black, and Space Gray. Titanium is polished and comes in Radiant Gold and Natural. Finally, Ceramic comes in Pearl White and Night Blue. Aluminum models start at $399, titanium at $699, and ceramic at $899. It’s great to see so many different choices and styles. We’ll have a separate story that covers Apple Watch bands and other accessories on the site soon.
Siri Recap, which is coming later this year. Source: Apple.
With the richer data delivered by the S11 chip that powers Apple’s new Health Sensing System, the company revealed a wide variety of new software features, including:
Live Rewind, which with a double press of the Digital Crown displays a transcript of the last 15 seconds of a conversation, allowing you to see what was spoken as text. The feature plays a chime and shows an animation when it’s activated.
Siri Recap, which can be activated at all times, on a schedule, or on demand via Control Center and produces a summary of conversations.
Sound recognition using on-device intelligence to detect alarms, a baby crying, sirens, and other sounds.
Automatic song detection with Shazam.
It’s worth noting that Siri Recap and Live Rewind won’t be available until later this year.
The Series 12 looks to be a big step forward for the Apple Watch. Some years in the past have been hardware-focused, while others have leaned into new watchOS features. This year, users get both in what appear to be meaningful measures, which is great.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
Source: Apple.
Personally, I’m even more excited for the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which starts at $799. I love its battery life, which is getting even better this year, as well as the fitness features. The Ultra 4’s color options are far more limited than finishes available with the Series 12, with options for natural and black titanium. I realize the Ultra is a more utilitarian watch than the Series 12, but I still wish Apple would expand their case and band choices a little more.
That said, there are a lot of other features to like in the latest model. The battery life is now rated at 50 hours up from 45, and the Ultra benefits from the same chip and sensor improvements found in the Series 12. Plus, in Low Power mode, the Ultra 4 can last for as much as 84 hours, which is truly impressive. Fast charging enables 18 hours of battery life, which is something I know I’ll appreciate when I’m ready to run and find my watch battery nearly spent. The Extended Workout mode for runs, hikes, and walks can last for up to 45 hours, too.
Source: Apple.
Like the Series 12, the Ultra 4 incorporates the S11 chip and new sensors. That enables Readiness on the Ultra 4 and more meaningful heart rate and HRV readings. Audio Intelligence is part of the Ultra 4’s software story, too, with Live Rewind, Siri Recap, sound recognition, and automated Shazam results available too. So, as with past Ultra models, the big difference between the Ultra 4 and the Series 12 is the display size and battery life, which I expect will come in handy with the watch’s new capabilities.
Health
The Health app will be updated later this year.
Finally, the iPhone’s Health app is being updated with a new design and incorporates the enhanced data collected by the new Apple Watch models. There will be a new Insights tab that provides health information based on the data stored in the app. Plus, Health will include a Longevity tab for longitudinal health data and a Health age calculation to give users a sense of their health relative to their age. It’s worth noting that the updated Health app, like Siri Recap and Live Rewind, won’t debut until later this year.
This is the first year in a long while that i’ve been excited about new Apple Watches. I’d convinced myself that this year would amount to small, incremental changes that wouldn’t justify an update for another year or two Instead, I immediately ordered the Apple Watch Ultra 4. I love the combination of more and better health readings, Readiness, and the new Health app, and I’m intrigued by what I can get out of Audio Intelligence in my day-to-day life. I’ll know soon enough I guess because mine arrives next Friday.
Leaker "pdfu" today shared additional code-level details about the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4's new day summary feature, offering a clearer picture of what the AI tool will actually track.
In a new post on X, pdfu said that the summaries generated by the feature, referred to in code as "Ambient Sensing," include fields for time and date, location, meal information, and the people present along with their relationship to the user.
The leaker also listed dozens of activity categories the underlying code supports, covering everything from meal prep and household chores to workouts, commuting, shopping, and screen time, alongside a catch-all "Unknown" category. The full list of activity categories is as follows:
Eating Meal
Snacking
Preparing Meal
Making Drinks
Baking
Plating
Vacuuming
Taking Out Trash
Washing Dishes
Loading Laundry
Folding Laundry
Mowing Lawn
Watering Plants
Gardening
Mopping
Dusting
Cleaning
Walking
Running
Cycling
Strength Training
Yoga
Elliptical
HIIT
Cardio
Hiking
Regular Commute
Driving
Flying
Riding Train
Riding Bus
Grocery Shopping
Clothes Shopping
Home Goods Shopping
Hardware Shopping
Taking Break
Waiting
Relaxing
Social Dining
Meeting
Partying
Gathering
Family Time
Brushing Teeth
Flossing
Getting Dressed
Applying Lotions
Watching TV
Using Tablet
Using Laptop
Using Desktop
Reading E-Reader
Using ATM
Attending Class
Attending Sermon
Attending Keynote
Reading Book
Doing Homework
Taking Notes
Working
Drinking
Unknown
The post builds on a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who said the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 would ship with a feature that analyzes a user's day, including conversations they've had, and provides a summary of what took place. Gurman noted the system apparently does not record or store audio and cannot produce a transcript to preserve privacy, and it is unclear how exactly it works.
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are expected to be announced later today alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Duo."
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 will feature improved battery life over the Ultra 3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple has highlighted a battery boost with each new Ultra model. Last year, the Ultra 3 was rated for up to 42 hours of normal use, up from 36 hours on the Ultra 2.
Apple’s former hardware engineering chief John Ternus officially became CEO of the company today, with the change now reflected on Apple’s leadership page.
[…]
Tim Cook is now executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors, after a 15-year run as CEO.
John joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and became a vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. He joined the executive team in 2021 as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. Throughout his tenure at Apple, John has overseen hardware engineering work on a variety of groundbreaking products and was instrumental in the introduction of multiple new product lines, including iPad and AirPods, as well as many generations of products across iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.
John has led much of the company’s focus in areas like reliability and durability, introducing new techniques that have made Apple products remarkably resilient. He has also driven much of Apple’s innovation in materials and hardware design that have reduced the carbon footprint of its products, including the creation of a new recycled aluminum compound that has been introduced across multiple product lines, the use of 3D-printed titanium in Apple Watch Ultra, and advancements in reparability that have increased the life spans of several Apple products.
Prior to Apple, John worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
This feels like Apple really trying to remind us of a previous product-focused CEO.
[…]
I would not have predicted this [reliability and durability] angle being so prominent, so I can only assume it’s something that’s important to Ternus.
[…]
One of the key tenets of the Cook era was Apple making a series of environmental pledges. I am very happy to see this called out as something Ternus is interested in.
Apple has set new CEO John Ternus’ target compensation at $58 million, according to an updated SEC filing [PDF]. Tim Cook’s target compensation is $47 million in his new role as executive chairman.
Em sua tradicional newsletter “Power On”, o jornalista Mark Gurman (da Bloomberg) tratou dos planos da Maçã para futuro do Apple Watch. A linha poderá passar por reformulações em seu formato, expandindo a variedade de modelos ofertados — mas essa mudança não estaria no horizonte de curto prazo.
Ainda que o bem-estar seja um pilar basilar do segmento de vestíveis (tanto por parte da Apple quanto na concorrência), a equipe de design industrial da empresa trabalha em novos produtos que funcionem como a resposta da Maçã à expansão da gama de dispositivos vestíveis disponíveis no mercado, sejam os anéis inteligentes ou as pulseiras sem tela.
Gurman salientou, no entanto, que essas mudanças poderão “levar tempo” para chegar ao consumidor final, e que atualizações modestas deverão definir o tom da linha durante pelo menos os próximos dois anos; ele reiterou ainda que a Apple planeja reintroduzir o acabamento em cerâmica — ou agora em setembro, com o “Apple Watch Series 12” e o “Ultra 4”, ou com os modelos que deverão ser apresentados no ano que vem —, além de apresentar melhorias significativas de performance.
Quem lidera a frente de ampliação dos vestíveis da Apple é Eddy Cue, que assumiu o comando do setor de saúde no ano passado. O executivo parece estar atento às iniciativas de empresas como a WHOOP ou a Oura, que redefiniram a relação dos wearables com a integração de recursos de inteligência artificial (IA) — o que, dada a expansão da IA no ecossistema da Maçã, poderá ser um caminho para os diferenciais em termos de software.
Os planos para o futuro, de acordo com o jornalista, envolvem variações de wearables sem telas, que deverão ser ainda mais acessíveis do que o Apple Watch SE, além de variantes que extrapolam a linha Ultra e Hermès. Gurman mencionou que, embora acredite que a hipótese nunca se transformará em um lançamento real, a Apple cogitou ainda a implementação de telas redondas.
Ao fazer um breve passeio pela trajetória do Apple Watch, ele destacou que as suas evoluções, assim como as do iPhone, partiram (e seguem partindo) de mudanças incrementais, sem romper com o formato do relógio apresentado por Tim Cook em 2014. Ao traçar um paralelo com a trajetória dos iPhones, a ampliação dos formatos do Apple Watch lembra a expectativa de que o “iPhone Ultra” redefina o paradigma de formato dos celulares da Maçã.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Cores: natural ou preto Pulseiras: loop Alpina, loop Trail, Oceano ou estilo milanês de titânio
Material: alumínio ou titânio Cores: cinza-espacial, prateado, ouro rosa, preto brilhante, natural, dourado ou ardósia Tamanho: 42mm ou 46mm Conectividade: GPS ou GPS + Cellular Pulseiras: esportiva ou estilo milanês
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Apple is re-evaluating the Apple Watch lineup and considering a host of radical new designs, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In today's edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman compared plans for the Apple Watch's evolution to the "revolutionary design change" that the foldable iPhone represents. It will be "something that transforms the product for a new era." Apple's industrial design team has reportedly been "exploring a broader rethink of its smartwatches" for some time, with several directions under evaluation.
The company is apparently taking the resurgence of fitness bands without screens and smart rings seriously. As a result, the company is considering new Apple Watch-style devices with no display, as well as new Apple Watches with different types of screen and various new sizes.
Apple has also contemplated giving the Apple Watch a round display, but Gurman cautioned that such a device is unlikely to be released. The company has also considered introducing new premium variants designed to sit above the Ultra and Hermès models, alongside even more affordable options in addition to the Apple Watch SE.
The company has not yet settled on a direction for the product line, but it is said to be "determined to reinvent the lineup in response to growing competition." It also plans to make its wearables more AI-focused, with ambitious long-term plans to revamp the Health app.
Gurman believes that the Apple Watch revamp "could be as significant as the iPhone's transformation from a slab design into a foldable device." Apple purportedly hopes to reinvigorate its Wearables, Home and Accessories segment, which has struggled to generate growth over recent years.
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.
Image Credit: Apple Inc.
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.
Image Credit: Apple Inc.
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.
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