How to use the Apple Trade In Program
It’s hard to not feel overwhelmed sometimes with the number of new smartphones and tablets coming out on the market these days. Of course, we always want the new shiny iPhone or the latest MacBook Pro, but is there an easy way to get rid of your old model before getting a new hot device? The quick answer is yes, with Apple’s very own trade-in program!
What’s the Apple Trade In program?
Basically, with the trade-in program from Apple, you can just go to any Apple store and trade in a device of your choice. Here’s a list of the main devices that are accepted in the Apple trade-in program:
- iPhone
- iMac
- iPad
- MacBook
- iWatch
Once you arrived at the store, you will be able to ask an expert for a price quote on your device. This price can be used against your next purchase for a new device, or even for lowering your monthly payments with a few select carriers.
What can you do with the store credits you received from the Trade-In program?
Great, now we know what’s the Apple Trade In Program, but what if you just want to sell your device for cold hard cash? Unfortunately, you can’t get real money for your Apple device. In other words, if you don’t want to get a new iPhone or iPad right away, then you’ll get Apple Store Credits. Those are like any other store credits out there, which means they can be used for future purchases at any moment in an Apple Store of your choice or online.
How much can I get for my iPhone in the Trade In Program?
The price will vary depending on the model of your device and its current condition. If it’s a newer model and that the condition is pristine or like new, then chances are that you are going to get a nice quote for your device, and vice versa.
To give you a rough idea of how much you can currently get for your devices, as of October 17th, 2021, here’s how much you can get for an iPhone in 2021 at an Apple store:
- iPhone SE (1st generation): Up to $30
- iPhone SE (2nd generation): Up to $210
- iPhone 6: Up to $30
- iPhone 6 Plus: Up to $50
- iPhone 6s: Up to $60
- iPhone 6s Plus: Up to $80
- iPhone 7: Up to $100
- iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $140
- iPhone 8: Up to $140
- iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $210
- iPhone X: Up to $250
- iPhone XR: Up to $250
- iPhone XS: Up to $300
- iPhone XS Max: Up to $370
- iPhone 11: Up to $350
- iPhone 11 Pro: Up to $450
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Up to $500
How much can I get for my iPad and Mac in the Trade In Program?
Don’t worry, iPhones are not the only thing you can trade in with Apple. Here’s a full list of how much you can get for an iPad, an iMac, a MacBook, or an Apple Watch in 2021:
- iPad mini: Up to $175
- iPad Air: Up to $210
- iPad: Up to $200
- iPad Pro: Up to $500
- Mac mini: Up to $980
- Mac Pro: Up to $1,490
- iMac: Up to $1,390
- iMac Pro: Up to $3,580
- MacBook: Up to $450
- MacBook Air: Up to $670
- MacBook Pro: Up to $1,760
- Apple Watch Series 1: Up to $30
- Apple Watch Series 2: Up to $60
- Apple Watch Series 3: Up to $85
- Apple Watch Series 4: Up to $145
- Apple Watch Series 5: Up to $190
Can I trade in an android device with the Apple Store?
Most likely no, Apple does not currently give store credits in exchange for non-Apple devices. However, you can still send them your old android phone or tablet, as they will recycle them for parts, which is better for the environment than throwing those away. Additionally, it is important to note that some specific android phone models are accepted for store credits. The best way to stay clear is to contact Apple directly and ask them if your non-Apple device is eligible for store credits.
Apple Trade In Program Vs iPhone Upgrade Program
A lot of people often confuse these two programs together, when they are in fact two completely different entities. On the one hand, you have the Trade-in Program (which is referred to in this article), and on the other, you have the iPhone Upgrade program, which is used to upgrade from an old iPhone model to a new one every year.
Furthermore, with this Upgrade Program, one would need to pay the full amount of the iPhone in 12 months (without the need to commit to a multiyear service contract from a carrier). Thereafter, once a minimum of 12 payments has proceeded, the customer is eligible for an iPhone upgrade with a new plan. Finally, please note that AppleCare+ is included in this program, which is a nice bonus.
How to exchange my Apple device online with the Trade In Program?
Okay, let’s say you don’t want to go to an Apple store or that there isn’t one nearby, what can you do? There is actually an online solution for the Apple Trade-In Program, here are the steps to follow:
- Go to https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in
- Scroll down to select the type of device you want to trade in
- Answer the few questions and fill in the form
- Send your device by following the instructions
- Wait for Apple to inspect your device and get back to you with the final quote
You will receive a final store credits quote for your device, you can accept or refused the latter. If you refuse the quote, the device will be sent back to you free of charge.
In conclusion, Apple offers pretty solid trade-in and upgrade programs, as they are easy to use and fairly interesting if you don’t have time to deal with eBay or Amazon. That said, the best way to get the most money out of your old devices is to sell them online like on the FB Marketplace for example, but it’s for sure not as convenient as Apple’s offering.
