How Apple trade in works and saves you money

Macworld

Buying a new iPhone, iPad or Mac can be an expensive business, and is getting more expensive with today’s component shortages. But if you don’t mind trading in your previous device then you can make a decent saving on the cost of its replacement. We explain how Apple trade in works and why it’s something you should definitely consider. Trade-in prices are even increasing because of those tech shortages.

Some examples of Apple’s increased trade-in prices include:

  • Mac Studio: $1,305 (up $260)
  • MacBook Pro: $855 (up $65)
  • MacBook Air: $580 (up $60)
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max: $720 (up $25)
  • Apple Watch Series 10: $165 (up $15)
  • iPad Pro: $720 (up $30)
  • iPad: $260 (up $25)
  • iMac: $380 (up $25)

We also look at some of the alternative trade in services, since it’s not only Apple who accepts an old iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple Watch in exchange for a new one.

What devices can I trade-in at Apple?

Apple trade-ins cover a wide variety of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.

Apple doesn’t take iPods or Apple TVs, but it will recycle them for you for free. On its Apple recycling page the company says that it “lets you recycle any Apple device and devices from Apple-owned brands at any Apple Store and online. We’ll make sure it’s recycled responsibly or given a chance to be used again. You can bring your batteries and old Apple-products to any Apple Store, and we’ll recycle them responsibly, free of charge.”

How much do you get for trading in an old device with Apple?

As you might expect, the amount on offer varies depending on the device you want to trade. The newer the product, and the better its condition, the more you can expect to get for it. Obviously, if your device is a few years old it’s likely its condition won’t be so great and you won’t get as much money for it. 

You can get money for trading in an old Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Apple Watch. Trade in an old MacBook Pro and you could save as much as $855/£665, an old iPad Pro could save you up to $720/£645, and an Apple Watch Series 9 could get you $135/£110 credit.

In the US you can even get up to $305 if you trade in an old Google Pixel 9 Pro. Apple also offers trade in on other Android devices from a variety of manufacturers, such as Samsung, Google and Huawei, although at the time of writing tablets, PCs and other smartwatches were only available for recycling.

You can check the latest trade-in prices on Apple’s U.S. website here and the U.K. Apple site here.

Just be aware that this is a trade-in deal, so you won’t get any cash in exchange for your old device. Instead, Apple will either credit the amount against a new purchase or give you an Apple gift card of the same value.

How much does Apple give for old iPhones?

As of August 2026 you can save up to $720/£680 on the price of a new Apple product if you exchange an iPhone 16 Pro Max, while switching an aging iPhone 8 will save up to $40/£40.

Model Estimated trade-in value
iPhone 16 Pro Max up to $720 / £680
iPhone 16 Pro up to $630 / £600
iPhone 16 Plus up to $485 / £460
iPhone 16 up to $480 / £445
iPhone 16e up to $310 / £345
iPhone 15 Pro Max up to $530 / £480
iPhone 15 Pro up to $420 / £435
iPhone 15 Plus up to $340 / £340
iPhone 15 up to $335 / £325
iPhone 14 Pro Max up to $405 / £375
iPhone 14 Pro up to $335 / £335
iPhone 14 Plus up to $235 / £240
iPhone 14 up to $235 / £240
iPhone SE (3rd generation) up to $85 / £95
iPhone 13 Pro Max up to $340 / £305
iPhone 13 Pro up to $285 / £255
iPhone 13 up to $205 / £190
iPhone 13 mini up to $155 / £145
iPhone 12 Pro Max up to $240 / £195
iPhone 12 Pro up to $195 / £160
iPhone 12 up to $135 / £115
iPhone 12 mini up to $90 / £85
iPhone SE (2nd generation) up to $45 / £50
iPhone 11 Pro Max up to $160 / £125
iPhone 11 Pro up to $145 / £120
iPhone 11 up to $110 / £95
iPhone XS Max up to $95 / £85
iPhone XS up to $70 / £60
iPhone XR up to $90 / £75

How much does Apple give for old iPads?

As of August 2026 you can save up to $720/£645 on the price of a new Apple product if you exchange an iPad Pro, while switching an iPad will save up to $260/£275. The exchange price is dependent on the age of the iPad, so a newer model will get you more credit.

Model Estimated trade-in value
iPad Pro up to $720 / £645
iPad up to $260 / £275
iPad Air up to $490 / £510
iPad mini up to $300 / £315

How much does Apple give for old Apple Watches?

As of August 2026 you can save up to $165/£145 on the price of a new Apple product if you exchange an Apple Watch Series 10.

Model Estimated trade-in value
Apple Watch Series 10 up to $165 / £145
Apple Watch Ultra 2 up to $305 / £260
Apple Watch Series 9 up to $135 / £645
Apple Watch Ultra up to $205 / £110
Apple Watch Series 8 up to $95 / £175
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) up to $60 / £80
Apple Watch Series 7 up to $70 / £40
Apple Watch Series 6 up to $45 / £45
Apple Watch SE (1st generation) up to $30 / £30

How much does Apple give for old Macs?

As of August 2026 you can save up to $885/£665 on the price of a new Apple product if you exchange a MacBook Pro, while switching a Mac mini will save up to $480/£310. The exchange price is dependent on the age of the Mac, so a newer model will get you more credit.

Model Estimated trade-in value
MacBook Pro up to $885 / £665
MacBook Air up to $580 / £350
iMac up to $380 / £250
iMac Pro up to $315 / £220
Mac mini up to $480 / £310
Mac Studio up to $1,305 / £1,040
Mac Pro up to $2,195 / £1,310

Where can I check how much Apple will give me for my old device?

To find out how much your device is worth, go to the Apple Trade-In page where you’ll see all the details and be able to get an approximate valuation. Of course, this will be confirmed when you either bring your device to the Apple store or send it in by the post.

Apple Trade In Values

Apple

How to trade-in a device at Apple?

Once you’ve visited the site mentioned above and received your quote you have two options. The first is to take your device into an Apple store, where it will be assessed to see that it matches the condition you described when getting the quote. If so, you will be given the appropriate credit to use against a new purchase in the store.

The other is to agree to the quote online and then be sent a shipping pack which allows you to safely send your device to Apple who will check that it matches your description. This process usually takes two to three weeks, and if everything goes well you’ll receive a notification of the credit. Should the device be found to be in a lower condition then described, you’ll be offered a new quote which you can either accept or request that the device be returned to you free of charge.

Is Apple trade in safe?

Apple has one of the highest reputations of any retailer, so you can be sure you’ll get excellent customer service and have any problems dealt with immediately.

Can I trade in two iPhones at Apple? 

Yes, Apple allows you to trade in multiple devices all of which can go towards the cost of a new one.

Trade in Apple products at other resellers

Apple isn’t the only company that wants to buy your old iPhones, iPads, Macs and other devices. There are a number of services that will happily purchase your unwanted tech, with the advantage but you can get money rather than credit at the Apple store.

Read our dedicated features How to sell a Mac or MacBook and How to sell or trade in your old iPhone.

These services will buy the old Mac or iPhone from you in the U.S. They won’t pay you as much as they will sell it for, but this can be a quick and easy way to make some money by selling your Mac without the hassle. The amount on offer will depend on the condition of your machine.

There are several services in the U.K. that will buy your old Mac or iPhone from you:

All follow a similar process to that of Apple, with quotes being offered in lieu all the devices meeting the conditions described. Of course, there is also eBay and other auction sites where you can potentially earn more, but run the risk of dealing with private individuals rather than recognised companies.

We recommend that if you want to be confident about getting your money and avoid dealing with difficult customers, you sell your old iPhone to a recognised company like Back Market or MusicMagpie.

For example, if you want to sell a 512GB iPhone 16 Pro unlocked and in good condition Back Market would give you $550 / £614 (compared to Apple’s $630 / £600).

For more information read How to get the best price when selling an old Mac and How to sell or trade in your old Mac and save on a new one.

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