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Apple’s boosted iPhone trade-in promotion was a real U.S. offer, but it is no longer available. The promotion ran from May 20 through June 3, 2024. Customers who traded in an iPhone 11 or newer at an Apple Store and bought a new iPhone received approximately $10 to $30 more trade-in credit than usual, depending on the model.
Apple’s standard Trade In program remains available, but that does not mean the 2024 bonus is still active. As of August 2026, Apple’s published trade-in page does not verify a current promotion with the same boosted-credit terms.
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What Apple’s 2024 promotion offered
The promotion applied in the United States from May 20 through June 3, 2024. According to contemporaneous reporting, customers qualified when they:
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Traded in an iPhone 11 or newer.
- Bought a new iPhone from Apple.
- Completed the transaction at an Apple Store.
The increased credit could be used toward any new iPhone, rather than only the iPhone 15 lineup. The bonus was not a flat amount for every customer; it varied by the model being traded in. The contemporaneous report described increases of approximately $10 to $30.
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- 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%.
How much extra credit was available?
| Trade-in model | Reported ordinary value | Promotional value | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 mini | Up to $270 | Up to $300 | $30 |
| iPhone 13 | Up to $300 | Up to $320 | $20 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Up to $630 | Up to $650 | $20 |
These were figures associated with the 2024 offer, not current Apple trade-in prices. Apple’s normal estimates change with the model, storage configuration, condition, and market conditions. When the current Apple page was checked, it displayed estimated iPhone trade-in values ranging from $35 to $685 for the models shown, including up to $685 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Those figures are estimates, not a renewed version of the expired bonus.
Was it a major discount?
No. The promotion increased the value of an existing trade-in, but the additional savings were modest. A $10 to $30 bonus could be worthwhile for someone already planning to buy an iPhone, but it generally would not justify replacing a perfectly functional phone by itself.
The larger financial question is the phone’s total net cost:
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- 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.
A carrier promotion or reputable resale service may offer more than Apple, although those alternatives can involve bill-credit schedules, plan requirements, listing work, shipping, negotiation, or payment risk. Compare the final amount and the conditions—not just an advertised “up to” figure.
How Apple Trade In works now
In-store trade-in
- Bring the old iPhone to an Apple Store.
- An Apple Specialist assesses its model and condition.
- Apple provides a trade-in value.
- If you qualify, the credit is applied toward the new Apple device.
An in-store assessment can differ from an online estimate if the phone’s actual condition does not match the answers provided online.
Online trade-in
- Select a new iPhone at Apple’s online store.
- Choose the old device and answer questions about its condition.
- Review the estimated trade-in value.
- Complete the purchase and follow Apple’s shipping instructions.
- Send the old phone, generally within 14 days of receiving the new device.
- Wait for Apple to inspect the phone and confirm or revise the value.
Apple says the online process generally takes two to three weeks. Credit processing may take another three to five business days after verification. See Apple’s current Trade In terms and process for the applicable details.
When is the credit applied?
- Paid in full: Apple generally applies the confirmed credit to the original payment method after receiving and verifying the old phone.
- Monthly payments: Apple applies the estimated credit to the purchase price. If inspection finds that the phone is worth less, Apple may charge the difference to the original payment method.
- Trade-in value above the purchase price: Apple may issue the excess as an Apple Gift Card.
Apple’s payment rules can also vary when an Apple Account balance or Apple Gift Card is used. Monthly payments may not be available when the net price of a new iPhone falls below $99.
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- 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
Why Apple might reduce the estimate
An online quote is not guaranteed until Apple verifies the device. The value may change if inspection finds:
- A cracked display or back glass.
- Severe dents, liquid damage, or other significant physical damage.
- Nonfunctional buttons, cameras, microphones, speakers, or charging.
- Different model, storage, or device details than reported.
- Find My iPhone or Activation Lock still enabled.
- A shipment that arrives after the required return period.
Apple’s trade-in terms allow the vendor to revise the quote when the device differs from its description, Find My iPhone has not been removed, or the device is received late.
Prepare the iPhone before trading it in
- Back up the phone to iCloud or a computer.
- Transfer your data to the new iPhone and confirm that it is present.
- Sign out of your Apple Account when instructed.
- Turn off Find My iPhone and remove Activation Lock.
- Erase all content and settings only after confirming the backup and transfer.
- Remove a physical SIM card if applicable.
- Photograph the phone’s condition before shipping.
- Keep the tracking number and shipping receipt.
- Do not send accessories unless Apple specifically requests them.
Apple Trade In versus a carrier deal
Apple Trade In usually reduces the purchase price directly or results in a later refund or Apple Gift Card, subject to inspection. It is comparatively straightforward and can be a good fit if you want to buy an unlocked iPhone through Apple.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Carrier promotions can advertise substantially larger values, but commonly require a qualifying wireless plan, a specific trade-in model and condition, a new line or eligible upgrade, and monthly bill credits over 24 or 36 months. Leaving the carrier early can mean losing future credits. Conditions vary by carrier and can change; Apple’s carrier-offer reference describes these promotions as limited and carrier-specific.
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- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Use Apple when convenience and a direct purchase-price reduction matter most. Compare a carrier offer carefully when you are already willing to keep the required plan for the full credit period.
Apple Trade In versus selling privately
A private sale or specialist resale service may produce more money, particularly for a newer phone in excellent condition. The trade-off is additional work: creating a listing, negotiating, arranging payment and shipping, and handling potential fraud or disputes. You also buy the replacement phone separately.
Apple Trade In may be worth choosing when its estimate is close to the best alternative and you value a single, supported transaction.
Important financing-program warning
Apple Trade In is separate from Apple financing and upgrade programs. If you are enrolled in the former iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple warns that using ordinary Trade In may cause you to leave the program while remaining responsible for the existing loan and the new iPhone’s price. Follow the program’s upgrade process if you want to remain enrolled.
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- 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.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Apple announced on July 28, 2026, that it launched Apple Upgrade, a Klarna-provided leasing program in the United States, and stopped offering the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments to new U.S. customers. Existing participants may have transition options. Apple Upgrade is a lease, not the same thing as Apple Trade In, Apple Card Monthly Installments, or carrier financing. Its published example for an iPhone 17 Pro 256GB priced at $1,099 showed typical payments of $31.99 per month for 24 months or $45.99 per month for 12 months, excluding taxes and trade-in credit. See Apple’s announcement for current terms.
If the old iPhone is still being financed through Apple or a carrier, check the loan terms before trading it in. A trade-in does not automatically erase an outstanding balance.
What to check before upgrading
- Get Apple’s live trade-in estimate for the exact model, storage, and condition.
- Check whether the phone has an outstanding loan or carrier installment balance.
- Compare Apple’s net price with one carrier offer and one reputable resale quote.
- Determine whether the value arrives immediately, as a refund, as an Apple Gift Card, or through monthly bill credits.
- Upgrade only if the replacement phone’s benefits justify the remaining cost.
Bottom line: Apple’s boosted-credit promotion was genuine, but it ran only from May 20 to June 3, 2024. It offered roughly $10 to $30 extra for eligible U.S. iPhone 11-and-newer trade-ins, not a major discount on every new iPhone. The offer has ended, so check Apple’s current estimate and compare the full net cost with carrier and resale alternatives before buying.
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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.
