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Apple Boosted Trade-In Credit for iPhone 15 Buyers in 2024—but the Offer Has Expired

By TheFinanceBase Team5 min read
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Apple’s iPhone 15 trade-in promotion was real, but it is no longer available. The reported offer ran in the United States and Canada from May 20 through June 3, 2024, and added approximately $10 to $30 to eligible trade-in values when customers bought an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max.

It was a temporary increase in trade-in credit—not a reduction in the iPhone 15’s retail price. Apple’s current trade-in value must be checked through its live estimator because amounts change with the model, storage capacity, condition, and program terms.

What the 2024 Apple promotion included

The promotion was first reported on May 17, 2024, with an expected start date of May 20. Follow-up coverage reported that it ended June 3, 2024. The offer applied to purchases of the entire iPhone 15 family:

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  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Plus
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

The initial report said the promotion was for customers in the U.S. and Canada who traded in an eligible older iPhone. Later coverage described eligibility as including iPhone 11 and newer, although the exact value still depended on the device and its condition. 9to5Mac reported the original dates and terms, while its follow-up coverage estimated the increase at about $10 to $30.

#1 Best Overall
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

How much extra credit was available?

The reported increase was modest: approximately $10 to $30, depending on the traded-in iPhone. It was an uplift to Apple’s normal trade-in value, not a large discount comparable to some carrier promotions advertising hundreds of dollars in bill credits.

Historical reference values reported before the promotion included the following maximum amounts:

Trade-in device Reported maximum standard value
iPhone 14 Pro Max $630
iPhone 14 Pro $520
iPhone 14 Plus $420
iPhone 14 $370
iPhone 13 Pro Max $450
iPhone 13 Pro $370
iPhone 13 $300
iPhone 13 mini $270
iPhone SE, third generation $160

These figures were historical “up to” amounts, not guaranteed promotional payouts or current Apple prices. Storage, physical condition, functionality, and eligibility could change the final credit.

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Was this a cheaper iPhone 15?

No. Apple did not lower the iPhone 15’s selling price. Customers still paid the applicable retail price; the promotion simply increased the credit applied for an eligible old iPhone. The effective cost fell only by the amount of the temporary trade-in boost.

Rank #2
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%.

Is the iPhone 15 trade-in boost still available?

No. The reported promotion ended on June 3, 2024. It should not be treated as a current August or September 2026 deal.

Apple continues to operate its regular Trade In program. Its current estimator provides a live, device-specific value rather than preserving the 2024 bonus. Apple’s displayed values and eligible models can change, so an old article, quote, or indexed product page is not proof of a current price or promotion.

How Apple Trade In works now

You can request an estimate online or have an Apple Store specialist evaluate the device. The final value can change after inspection if the phone does not match the description, has damage, does not function properly, or still has Activation Lock enabled.

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Apple generally requires an online trade-in device to arrive within 14 days of receiving the replacement device. Its current process generally takes two to three weeks, and credits may take three to five business days to process. The exact timing depends on the purchase and payment method. See Apple’s Trade In terms for the applicable conditions.

Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Blue - 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

How the credit is issued

  • For a full-price purchase, Apple can apply the verified credit to the original payment method, up to the purchase amount.
  • If the trade-in value exceeds the purchase price, Apple sends the remainder as an Apple Gift Card.
  • With monthly payments, Apple may apply the estimated credit to the device purchase and later charge the original payment method if inspection produces a lower value.

That means a trade-in is not always an instant, final discount at checkout.

Prepare an iPhone before trading it in

  1. Back up the phone to iCloud or a computer.
  2. Transfer your data to the replacement iPhone.
  3. Sign out of your Apple Account.
  4. Turn off Find My iPhone.
  5. Erase all content and settings.
  6. Remove the physical SIM card, if applicable.
  7. Photograph the device and record its serial number or IMEI.
  8. Save the trade-in estimate and purchase confirmation.
  9. Return or ship the device by the stated deadline.

Apple says customers are responsible for backing up and deleting personal data. Apple and its trade-in vendor are not responsible for information left on a device.

Common reasons the value changes

Damage or malfunction

A cracked screen, dead pixels, faulty touch response, damaged cameras, battery-related problems, or a phone that will not power on can reduce the offer or make the device ineligible. Do not rely on a maximum estimate unless the phone actually meets the stated condition requirements.

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Find My remains enabled

Failure to remove Find My iPhone is a major problem. Apple’s terms identify it as a reason the original estimate may be revised or the trade-in may not proceed normally.

Rank #4
Sale
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Pink - 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

The online description does not match the phone

An in-store or mail-in inspection can produce a different value if the actual condition differs from what was entered online. Apple or its trade-in partner may contact you with a revised amount for acceptance or rejection.

iPhone Upgrade Program financing

If you are enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program, do not automatically use Apple Trade In as a separate transaction. Apple warns that you may remain responsible for the outstanding upgrade-program loan while also taking on the new purchase.

Carrier locks

A carrier lock should be checked in Apple’s current estimator and program terms. It should not be assumed universally to either disqualify a phone or guarantee a particular value.

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Apple Trade In versus selling the phone yourself

Apple Trade In is usually strongest on convenience. It avoids listing the phone, negotiating with buyers, arranging shipping, and handling potential fraud or returns. It can also provide a straightforward way to recycle a device that has little resale value.

Best Value
Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.7inch 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

A private sale or competing buyback service may produce more money for an unlocked, high-storage iPhone in excellent condition, particularly a recent Pro or Pro Max model. Compare net proceeds, not just the advertised payout: marketplace fees, shipping, taxes, fraud risk, returns, and the value of your time all matter.

What about carrier promotions?

Carrier offers can advertise much larger credits than Apple’s 2024 $10-to-$30 increase, but they commonly distribute the value as monthly bill credits. Eligibility may depend on a qualifying plan, device financing, port-in or line-addition requirements, trade-in condition, and remaining with the carrier for the full credit period.

Before choosing one, calculate the total cost of the plan and financing, activation fees, taxes, payoff restrictions, and the amount of credit that would be lost if you leave early. A larger headline credit is not automatically a better deal.

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The bottom line

Apple did temporarily boost trade-in credit for iPhone 15 buyers in the U.S. and Canada, but the promotion was limited to May 20 through June 3, 2024. The increase was approximately $10 to $30—not hundreds of dollars—and the offer has expired. For a current upgrade, use Apple’s live estimator, confirm the final condition requirements, and compare the resulting net credit with a private sale or carrier offer.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
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
$410.00
Bestseller No. 2
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, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Blue - 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
$414.99
SaleBestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Pink - 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
$399.99
Bestseller No. 5
Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, Pink - 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
$449.00

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.

Written by TheFinanceBase Team

The Team behind TheFinanceBase.

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