Even old Apple devices you haven’t touched in years could still get you some credit towards a new phone.
If you’ve ever bought an iPhone directly from Apple, you’ve likely seen the option to trade in an older device. By sending the company your previous phone, you get credit towards your purchase. If you don’t have plans to use your old phone, this is a good way to reduce the cost of an upgrade.
The trade-in value Apple offers varies by how new the device is, as you’d expect. However, you might be surprised at how old of a phone you can trade in and still get some credit. Spend a few minutes digging out that old phone sitting in a drawer, as it could have some value. Vintage phones won’t be a ton, but with how expensive iPhones are nowadays, 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 knowing the other options you have to get cash from an old gadget.
The oldest iPhone you can trade in with Apple
Apple’s Trade In page is where you 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. Upon picking a phone from the list, you’ll need to indicate if the phone is in Good or Damaged condition. Your phone is still considered as Good even with minor scratches or dents. In this shape, Apple offers a mere $35 for the iPhone 8.
If you choose the latter option, you’ll be asked several more questions about what is specifically wrong with the phone. But even if you indicate that a damaged iPhone is functional and its body/display are in good shape, you may not get anything for an older model.
2017’s lineup also included the iPhone 8 Plus and then-premium iPhone X. Those with an iPhone 8 Plus can get $40 of trade-in credit if the device is in good shape, or $10 if it has limited damage. An iPhone X in good shape warrants $60, with no value for a damaged model. Keep in mind that trade-in amounts are estimates — you might get less than quoted if you didn’t describe the condition accurately.
Apple’s trade-in list goes all the way back to the iPhone 5, but you won’t get any credit for these obsolete 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
Of course, trade-ins are also available for devices newer than an iPhone 8. The maximum currently available is $720 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max, though given this phone cost $1,199 upon release and will still be usable for many years, trading it in now makes little sense. Other phones vary upon their age and condition, so go through the steps to evaluate yours.
Aside from phones, Apple also accepts trade-ins for your old iPad (max of $690), Mac ($2,045 at most), or Apple Watch (up to $305). You’re required to 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 give no cash.
Those considering switching from Android to iPhone aren’t left out. Apple also provides trade-in credit for select Android phones; these are currently limited to Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and Huawei models. As you’d expect, these phones don’t grant as much value as first-party offerings; you’re also asked about the storage capacity, unlike iPhone trade-ins. For example, a 128GB Pixel 9 Pro in good condition is eligible for $255, while a 1TB model in good shape yields $315. Meanwhile, Apple offers $50 for a Pixel 6 Pro in good condition, no matter the storage.
These evaluations for non-Apple devices aren’t great, so you’re better off selling those on other marketplaces (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 Trade In process works
If you’re planning to trade in towards a new iPhone (or other Apple device) you buy online, walk through the steps on the company’s site to choose the color, storage, and other elements. When you see the Apple Trade In heading, choose Add a trade-in, select your phone, and answer the questions about its condition to get your estimate.
Your purchase method affects how the trade-in credit is applied. When you pay the full cost upfront, the company will credit your payment method once the old unit is received and verified. If you finance the phone through an Apple Card or carrier, or lease through the new Apple Upgrade program, the trade-in amount lowers your monthly payments.
In case you don’t want to buy anything new right now, or if you want to trade another type of device towards an iPhone, you can get the value applied to an Apple gift card. To do so, visit the Apple Trade In page, go through the steps to evaluate, and choose Trade in for an Apple Gift Card at the end. You’ll need to provide the serial number.
Trading in online vs. in-store
When trading in your iPhone online, the company will mail you a box for securely packing it, along with a prepaid shipping label. Once your new phone arrives, transfer everything from your old device to the fresh one before preparing your old phone for trade-in. The package contains drop-off instructions; you’ll usually bring it to a UPS or FedEx location.
If you prefer, you can also trade in your iPhone at an Apple Store. These don’t require an appointment, though making one can save you time. For this option, the company advises you unpair your Apple Watch (if applicable), back up your device and sign out of your Apple account before heading to the store. Don’t erase it until a representative has evaluated it. Similar to online trade-ins, you can apply the credit to either a new purchase or a gift card.
When trading in your phone, you don’t have to include chargers or any other accessories. Apple will recycle these if you want, but there’s no point in handing over anything you can still use.
Consider other trade-in options too
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 likely get a better value for your device at one of the many places to sell old gadgets.
For instance, Mac Me An Offer accepts iPhones directly, with no haggling or meeting in person required. And its prices can sometimes be higher than Apple’s. At the time of writing, Apple provides $320 for any iPhone 15 in good shape, 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’s always the option to sell directly to someone on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or similar.
Selling directly is more of a hassle, but you make more (a company buying your phone has to make a profit reselling it, while an individual doesn’t). Another benefit of selling on third-party sites is the option to get paid via a check or services like Zelle, rather than having the value tied up in Apple credit.
