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Apple Trade-In Values Changed: What U.S. iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches Were Worth—and What to Check Now

Apple’s July 2025 U.S. trade-in update mostly lowered maximum values and removed two models. A May 2026 revision is newer, so check Apple’s live calculator before trading in.
From TheFinanceBase Team4 min to read
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The headline refers to Apple’s U.S. trade-in revision reported on July 10, 2025—not necessarily today’s quote. That update mostly lowered maximum estimates, removed the 12-inch MacBook and Apple Watch Series 4 from trade-in acceptance, and cut the Mac Studio maximum by $150. Apple revised U.S. estimates again on May 27, 2026, so use Apple’s live Trade In calculator for a current, device-specific offer.

What the July 2025 U.S. update changed

The figures below are Apple’s reported maximum estimated trade-in values, not guaranteed payouts. They applied to eligible devices in the United States and were reported by MacRumors on July 10, 2025.

iPhone

Model New maximum Previous maximum Change
iPhone 15 Pro Max $600 $630 -$30
iPhone 15 Pro $480 $500 -$20
iPhone 15 Plus $430 $440 -$10
iPhone 15 $380 $400 -$20
iPhone 14 Pro Max $470 $455 +$15
iPhone 14 Pro $380 $380 No change
iPhone 14 Plus $290 $300 -$10
iPhone 14 $270 $290 -$20
iPhone 13 Pro Max $360 $370 -$10
iPhone 13 Pro $300 $300 No change
iPhone 13 $230 $250 -$20
iPhone 13 mini $200 $200 No change
iPhone 12 Pro Max $280 $280 No change
iPhone 12 Pro $210 $220 -$10
iPhone 12 $160 $170 -$10
iPhone 12 mini $110 $120 -$10
iPhone 11 $120 $130 -$10
iPhone XS Max $110 $120 -$10
iPhone XR $90 $100 -$10

The iPhone 14 Pro Max was the only listed increase; several models were unchanged.

iPad

Model New maximum Previous maximum Change
iPad Pro $710 $710 No change
iPad Air $435 $450 -$15
iPad $190 $185 +$5
iPad mini $190 $190 No change

Mac

Model New maximum Previous maximum Change
MacBook Pro $730 $770 -$40
MacBook Air $345 $380 -$35
12-inch MacBook Not accepted $60 Removed
iMac $290 $295 -$5
iMac Pro $360 $385 -$25
Mac mini $195 $260 -$65
Mac Studio $990 $1,140 -$150
Mac Pro $530 $550 -$20

Apple Watch

Model New maximum Previous maximum Change
Apple Watch Ultra 2 $375 $385 -$10
Apple Watch Series 9 $150 $150 No change
Apple Watch Ultra $285 $295 -$10
Apple Watch Series 8 $120 $120 No change
Apple Watch SE 2 $75 $75 No change
Apple Watch Series 7 $85 $85 No change
Apple Watch Series 6 $70 $70 No change
Apple Watch SE 1 $50 $50 No change
Apple Watch Series 5 $40 $45 -$5
Apple Watch Series 4 Not accepted $30 Removed

The May 2026 update is newer

Apple changed U.S. estimates again on May 27, 2026. The latest verified coverage shows higher maximums for many current iPhones and iPads, mixed Mac results, and mixed Apple Watch results. The available evidence does not establish whether Apple made another official U.S. revision after that date.

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#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Category Reported May 27, 2026 change
iPhone 16 Pro Max $685 to $695
iPhone 16 Pro $550 to $560
iPhone 16 Plus $455 to $465
iPhone 16 $435 to $460
iPad Pro $670 to $690
iPad Air $445 to $460
Standard iPad $220 to $235
iPad mini $250 to $265
MacBook Pro $685 to $690 in the top-level comparison
MacBook Air $485 to $520
Mac mini $340 to $375
Mac Studio $975 to $1,045
Mac Pro $2,090 to $2,045
Apple Watch Ultra 2 $295 to $305
Apple Watch Series 9 $120 to $130
Apple Watch Ultra $215 to $205
Apple Watch Series 10 $150 to $150

These comparisons are from MacRumors and 9to5Mac. The 9to5Mac report appears to duplicate the MacBook Pro label for two entries; verify any Mac quote with Apple’s calculator rather than relying on that ambiguous line.

What an Apple “up to” value really means

A maximum is an estimate for an eligible configuration in qualifying condition. Apple personalizes the quote using the exact model, storage or other configuration, serial number where requested, functionality and condition. After Apple receives and inspects the device, it can revise the amount if the device differs from the description. A device with no monetary value may still qualify for recycling. See Apple’s program terms and calculator.

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 1TB, Desert Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
  • 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
  • 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.

How to check your exact offer

  1. Open Apple’s Trade In page.
  2. Choose iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch or another listed category.
  3. Enter the requested model and identifying details; provide the serial number when Apple asks for it.
  4. Answer condition and functionality questions accurately.
  5. Choose purchase credit or an Apple Gift Card where offered.
  6. For an online transaction, follow Apple’s shipping instructions and wait for inspection.

When a full-price purchase qualifies, Apple says credit can be applied to the original payment method up to the purchase price after receipt and confirmation. Credit processing may take three to five business days after confirmation.

Apple Trade In versus selling elsewhere

Option Best for Main trade-off
Apple Trade In Convenience, Apple credit or recycling Private buyers may pay more for desirable configurations
Swappa Direct marketplace sale with seller control You handle listing, communication and shipping
eBay Broad reach and potentially strong pricing Fees, returns, disputes and fraud risk
Gazelle Direct buyback convenience Quote may be below a successful private sale
Best Buy Store-linked trade-in Eligibility and credit terms vary
Amazon Trade-In Amazon credit Not suitable if you need cash

Compare quotes for the exact storage, processor, memory, connectivity, condition and date. Private-sale listings can produce more, but no universal price gap applies.

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Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID

Prepare your device safely

  • Back up and transfer your data.
  • Sign out of your Apple Account or iCloud and turn off Find My.
  • Erase all content and settings using Apple’s current device instructions.
  • Remove a physical SIM where applicable and unpair an Apple Watch from its iPhone.
  • Record the serial number and condition; photograph the device before shipping.
  • Keep tracking and drop-off records.
  • Do not include accessories unless Apple specifically requests them.

Cracked glass, dead pixels, battery or liquid damage, missing parts, activation lock and a device that will not power on can reduce the offer or make it recycle-only. A financed device can still have an outstanding carrier balance; a trade-in does not erase that obligation. Trade-in credit applied directly to a purchase generally cannot exceed the purchase price.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple guarantee the online trade-in amount?

No. The online figure is an estimate. Apple inspects the device after receipt and can revise the value if its condition or details differ from the answers provided.

Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.

Can a damaged iPhone, Mac or Apple Watch be traded in?

Possibly, but damage or functional problems can lower the offer or result in recycling-only eligibility. Check the exact device in Apple’s current calculator.

Can Apple trade-in credit be paid as cash?

Apple’s program generally provides purchase credit or an Apple Gift Card where offered, rather than a general cash payout.

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Best Value
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, Blue Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
  • Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID

What happens if Apple lowers the final value?

Apple confirms the inspected value. Review that revised offer and the program’s available acceptance or return choices before completing the transaction.

Is private sale better than Apple Trade In?

It can produce more for a recent, high-specification device, but you take on listing, payment, shipping and fraud risk. Apple is usually simpler.

Will Apple recycle a device it will not buy?

Apple says devices without monetary trade-in value may still be accepted for recycling, subject to program terms.

The Bottom Line

Do not treat the July 2025 maximums as today’s prices. Get a personalized quote from Apple, then compare exact-configuration offers from a marketplace or buyback service if maximizing proceeds matters more than convenience.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$405.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Bestseller No. 5
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, Blue Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, Blue Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$629.77

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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