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Apple Trade In lets you put an eligible device’s assessed value toward a new Apple purchase or receive an Apple Gift Card. The amount is an estimate until the device is checked, so it is not a guaranteed discount or cash payout. You can begin online or at an Apple Store; if a device is not eligible for credit, Apple says it can still recycle it for free.
How does Apple Trade In work?
Apple’s Apple Trade In program page describes the program as a way to apply value from a current device toward a new one, online or at an Apple Store. The process has two routes:
- Online: Enter the device details to receive an estimate, then follow Apple’s instructions for sending it in. A trade-in vendor inspects the device and confirms its eligibility and value.
- In store: Bring the device to an Apple Store for an assessment. The available options and process can depend on the device and location.
Apple says its program can accept many Apple and third-party devices, including some Samsung and Google smartphones. Eligibility depends on the particular device, so check the current trade-in flow rather than assuming a model qualifies.
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There is no single trade-in amount that applies to every device. Apple says value depends on the device, model, manufacturer, and condition. Check the current estimate for your exact device and answer the condition questions accurately. The estimate is conditional: the final amount depends on the inspection.
#1 Best Overall
- 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%.
If the vendor finds that the device’s actual condition differs from what you described, it may revise the quote. Apple’s US trade-in terms also identify a missing Find My removal or a late-arriving device as reasons a quote may change. Apple says it will contact you to accept or decline a revised price; the terms say the transaction is final unless you decline that revised value. See the US trade-in terms for the applicable details.
How does trade-in credit save money?
When the trade-in is eligible, its value can reduce what you pay for a new Apple device. The way the value is delivered depends on how you buy and pay. Apple’s program information describes these US purchase routes:
Rank #2
- 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.
- Online purchase paid in full: After Apple receives and confirms the trade-in, credit is applied to the original payment method up to the purchase price. If the trade-in value exceeds that price, Apple says it sends the surplus as an Apple Gift Card by email.
- Monthly-payment purchase: Apple says the estimated trade-in credit is applied to the new device’s purchase price. If inspection lowers the value, you may be charged the difference.
This is credit connected to an Apple purchase or an Apple Gift Card, not a promise of cash or a discount at another retailer. To decide whether trading in is worthwhile, compare the value and convenience of Apple’s offer with any alternative you are considering, including fees, payout type, inspection delays, deadlines, and how a disputed condition assessment is handled. The amount available from other buyers varies, so there is no basis to assume Apple will always offer the best net value.
How long does an online trade-in take?
Apple’s US FAQ says an online trade-in generally takes 2 to 3 weeks. It also says the device must be sent within 14 days of receiving the new device, and that the estimate is valid for 14 days after receipt of the new device. These are the published timings for the US online process; check your order instructions and local Apple page for the requirements that apply to your transaction.
Rank #3
- 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 should you prepare your device?
- Back up important information. Apple’s terms place responsibility for backing up and deleting data on the customer, and state that Apple and its trade-in vendor are not liable for data left on a submitted device. Follow Apple’s instructions for your specific device.
- Remove personal data. Erase the device before handing it over, using the device-specific steps Apple provides. For applicable Android devices, follow Apple’s Android-account instructions as well.
- Turn off Find My when required. Apple identifies Find My not being removed as a reason a trade-in quote may be revised. Complete the required steps before sending or bringing in the device.
- Meet the shipping deadline if trading online. Use the instructions and dates supplied for your order; Apple’s US FAQ states the online return window is 14 days after receipt of the new device.
What if the device has no trade-in value?
Apple says it will recycle an ineligible device for free. That gives you a way to hand off a device that cannot earn credit, but it does not mean every device will qualify for a trade-in offer. Confirm the options shown for your device in the current Apple flow.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which details can vary by country?
The operational details above draw on Apple’s US overview, FAQ, and US terms. Eligibility, estimates, timing, and legal terms may differ by country and can change. Use the Apple page for your region and the estimate flow for your specific device before relying on a value or deadline.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- 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.
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.
