Apple trade-in values refer to the credit Apple offers customers who hand in an old device toward a new purchase or an Apple Gift Card. Apple has updated its US trade-in program, adjusting payouts across a wide range of iPhone models — and the results are more mixed than the headline suggests. Some models got a meaningful bump. Others quietly dropped. A few stayed exactly where they were.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max now fetches up to $640 in trade-in credit, up from $600, the highest verified payout in the updated table.
- Not all iPhones gained value — the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone 7 Plus all dropped.
- Apple’s trade-in credit can be applied toward a new device purchase or converted into an Apple Gift Card for later use.
- To qualify for the highest payouts, the device must be in good condition with an undamaged screen.
- A separate limited-time promotion offered up to $650 off a new iPhone purchase with trade-in, running through June 3.
Which iPhones Got a Higher Apple Trade-In Value?
The biggest winner in the updated Apple trade-in values table is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which now earns up to $640 — a $40 increase from the previous $600. The iPhone 12 Pro Max also saw a solid jump, rising from $420 to $460. If you’re sitting on an older Pro model, this is the best time in a while to act.
The iPhone 13 Pro climbed from $500 to $530, while the iPhone 13 (standard) moved from $400 to $420. Further down the range, the iPhone 12 Pro went from $330 to $360, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max rose from $280 to $300. The iPhone 11 Pro gained $20, landing at $250. These aren’t life-changing sums, but they meaningfully reduce the cost of an upgrade when applied directly to a new device purchase.
Apple Trade-In Values That Dropped or Stayed Flat
The picture isn’t uniformly rosy. Several iPhone models actually lost trade-in value in the updated program, which Apple hasn’t exactly advertised loudly. The iPhone 13 mini dropped from $350 to $330, and the iPhone 12 mini fell sharply from $250 to $200. Mini fans have consistently been penalised in resale markets, and Apple’s own program reflects that trend.
Older models took further hits. The iPhone XS slipped from $160 to $150, the iPhone X from $130 to $120, the iPhone 8 Plus from $100 to $90, the iPhone 8 from $75 to $70, and the iPhone 7 Plus from $60 to $50. The iPhone SE (2020) also dropped, from $100 to $90. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone 7 all held steady — no gain, no loss. The iPhone SE (2022) remained at $160.
How to Get the Most From Apple’s Trade-In Program
Maximising your Apple trade-in value comes down to two things: device condition and timing. Apple requires the iPhone to be in good condition with an undamaged screen to qualify for the top-tier credit. A cracked display or significant wear will reduce the payout, sometimes substantially. It’s worth being honest with yourself about your device’s condition before you walk into an Apple Store expecting the maximum figure.
Trade-ins can be completed at an Apple Store or online. The credit can be applied directly to a new iPhone purchase, reducing the upfront cost, or converted into an Apple Gift Card if you’re not ready to buy immediately. For anyone considering an upgrade, applying the credit at point of sale is the most straightforward route — it reduces what you actually hand over, rather than leaving money sitting in a gift card balance.
A separate limited-time promotion, reported by Tom’s Guide, offered up to $650 off a new iPhone purchase with trade-in, running through June 3. Under that deal, the iPhone 14 Pro Max was eligible for up to $650 in credit, and the iPhone 14 Pro for up to $530. Whether that specific promotion is still active depends on when you’re reading this — check Apple’s site directly before assuming those figures apply.
Is Apple’s Trade-In Better Than Third-Party Alternatives?
Apple’s program offers convenience and instant credit, but it’s worth knowing that third-party trade-in services often quote higher values for the same device. The research brief doesn’t provide direct competitor comparisons for this update, so a precise dollar-for-dollar comparison isn’t possible here. What Apple offers is simplicity: no shipping boxes, no waiting for a buyback quote to be revised after inspection, no separate transaction. For buyers already committed to an Apple upgrade, that frictionless experience has real value — but if you’re flexible, checking alternatives before locking in is sensible.
Is the Apple trade-in program available outside the US?
The verified trade-in values in this article apply specifically to Apple’s US trade-in program. Apple operates trade-in programs in other markets, but the specific values and eligible models differ by country. Check Apple’s local website for your region to see current figures.
What condition does my iPhone need to be in for the best trade-in value?
To qualify for Apple’s highest trade-in credit, your iPhone must be in good condition with an undamaged screen. Devices with cracked displays, significant physical damage, or functional issues will receive a lower valuation. Preparing your device — cleaning it and checking for damage — before submitting is worthwhile.
Can I use Apple trade-in credit for anything other than a new iPhone?
Yes. Apple allows trade-in credit to be applied toward any new device purchase or converted into an Apple Gift Card, which can be used across Apple’s product range and services. It doesn’t have to go toward an iPhone specifically.
Apple’s trade-in update is a genuine opportunity for some iPhone owners and a quiet disappointment for others. If you have an iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max, the timing is better than it was. If you’re holding a mini model or an older iPhone, the numbers have moved against you. Either way, knowing the exact figure before you walk into a store puts you in a stronger position — and that’s what this table is for.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Guide
