Buying a new iPhone, iPad or Mac can be an expensive business. But if you don’t mind trading in your previous device then you can make a decent saving on the cost of its replacement. We explain how Apple trade-ins work and why it’s something you should definitely consider.
What devices can I trade-in at Apple?
Trade-ins cover a wide variety of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. Apple doesn’t take iPods or Apple TVs, but it will recycle them for you for free. In fact, Apple says: “You can take your old small electronic equipment such as smartphones, tablets, computers or batteries to any Apple Store and we’ll recycle them responsibly and free of charge.”
How much do Apple give you for trading in your old device?
As you might expect, the amount on offer varies depending on the device you want to trade. The newer the product, the more you can expect to get for it. Obviously, the condition of the device is also an important factor.
For example, at the time of writing Apple was offering up to £105/$90 for an iPhone 7, while a newer iPhone XR could fetch up to a maximum of £260/$220. If you’re someone who always likes to have the latest and greatest from Apple, then you can trade in last year’s iPhone 11 Pro Max for up to £620/$500, which would take a fair chunk out of the cost of the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
It’s worth noting that you can also trade-in non-Apple smartphones from a variety of manufacturers, such as Samsung, Google and Huawei, although at the time of writing tablets, PCs and other smartwatches were only available for recycling.
Be aware that this is a trade-in deal, so you won’t get any cash in exchange for your old device. Instead, Apple will either credit the amount against a new purchase or give you an Apple gift card of the same value.
Where can I check how much Apple will give me for trading-in my device?
To find out how much your device is worth, go to the Apple Trade-In page where you’ll see all the details and be able to get an approximate valuation. Of course, this will be confirmed when you either bring your device to the Apple store or send it in by the post.
How to trade-in a device at Apple
Once you’ve visited the site mentioned above and received your quote you have two options. The first is to take your device into an Apple store, providing that they are still open in these Covid-affected times, where it will be assessed to see that it matches the condition you described when getting the quote. If so, you will be given the appropriate credit to use against a new purchase in the store.
The other is to agree to the quote online and then be sent a shipping pack which allows you to safely send your device to Apple who will check that it matches your description. This process usually takes two to three weeks, and if everything goes well you’ll receive a notification of the credit. Should the device be found to be in a lower condition then described, you’ll be offered a new quote which you can either accept or request that the device be returned to you free of charge.
Is Apple trade in reliable?
Apple has one of the highest reputations of any retailer, so you can be sure you’ll get excellent customer service and have any problems dealt with immediately.
Can I trade in two iPhones at Apple?
Yes, Apple allows you to trade in multiple devices all of which can go towards the cost of a new one.
Trade in Apple products at Apple resellers and tech retailers
Apple isn’t the only company that wants to buy your old iPhones, iPads and other devices. Resellers like Stormfront, SmartFoneStore, musicMagpie, Fonebank and others will all happily purchase your unwanted tech, with the advantage but you can get money rather than credit at the Apple store.
All follow a similar process to that of Apple, with quotes being offered in lieu all the devices meeting the conditions described. Of course, there is also eBay and other auction sites where you can potentially earn more but run the risk of dealing with private individuals rather than recognised companies.
If you want more details on how get the best deal for your old tech, take a look at our guides on how to sell your iPhone for the best price, how to get the best price when selling an old Mac and looking to sell on old iPad?
