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Want to hold the latest iPhone in your hands and even get money for the old model? That’s possible with Apple. With its trade-in program, the manufacturer allows older devices to be traded in at Apple stores or by mail order. This is also possible with installment payments – then the immediate credit reduces the monthly amounts. In return, the customer receives one of the brand new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models at a reduced price. Apple will deduct the value of the older device – it can also be another Apple device, such as an iPad, Mac or Apple Watch – from the new price.
Trade in your old iPhone: How to get your new iPhone step by step
Table of Contents
- 1 Trade in your old iPhone: How to get your new iPhone step by step
- 2 Step 1: How much your old iPhone could still be worth
- 3 Step 2a: The Apple Store calculates the exact value of your exchange iPhone
- 4 Step 2b: How does the trade in work online?
- 5 Step 3: Order a new iPhone, send in your old iPhone
- 6 iPhone exchange: price comparison can be worthwhile
- 7 Trade In: Rebuy, Ebay and Flip4new may offer more
- 8 -in agreement, and protective packaging to ensure your device is safely shipped back to Apple.
Here’s how you can swap your old iPhone for a new one. (Photo: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock)
Step 1: How much your old iPhone could still be worth
First, you have to determine the value of your old iPhone. The exchange value of the iPhone depends on several factors. First, Apple specifies a maximum price per model, from which any damage is later deducted. Based on a device that is not in dispute, Apple sees the following Exchange values for its iPhone models:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: up to 765 euros
- iPhone 15 Pro: up to 660 euros
- iPhone 15 Plus: up to 520 euros
- iPhone 15: up to 495 euros
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: up to 630 euros
- iPhone 14 Pro: up to 570 euros
- iPhone 14 Plus: up to 420 euros
- iPhone 14: up to 400 euros
- iPhone SE (3rd generation): up to 145 euros
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: up to 450 euros
- iPhone 13 Pro: up to 410 euros
- iPhone 13: up to 300 euros
- iPhone 13 Mini: up to 250 euros
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: up to 305 euros
- iPhone 12 Pro: up to 275 euros
- iPhone 12: up to 200 euros
- iPhone 12 Mini: up to 175 euros
- iPhone SE (2nd generation): up to 70 euros
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: up to 195 euros
- iPhone 11 Pro: up to 160 euros
- iPhone 11: up to 145 euros
- iPhone XS Max: up to 125 euros
- iPhone XS: up to 105 euros
- iPhone XR: up to 105 euros
- iPhone X: up to 75 euros
- iPhone 8 Plus: up to 65 euros
- iPhone 8: up to 40 euros
Apple assumes the maximum configuration, i.e. the highest storage size. A smaller hard drive and damage such as scratches and dents reduce the price. Apple provides on the trade-in page also offer top prices for not-too-old iPads, Macs and Apple Watches. There is likely to be a significant reduction in value if the device has previously come into contact with liquids or if certain functions no longer work.
Also worth reading: Buy an old or new iPhone? How stable are Apple smartphones in terms of price
Step 2a: The Apple Store calculates the exact value of your exchange iPhone
The exact residual value of your old iPhone is determined by an Apple Store. There are two ways to start this process: Either you drive yourself to one of the numerous Apple-Stores or you send the device there. If you visit an Apple store in person, you first look for a free service employee. The Apple employee then asks about the exact characteristics of the device.
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What requirements must the iPhone meet for the Apple Trade In?
As long as it is functional, has no water damage and has no visible display damage, it is eligible for exchange as part of the trade-in program. The store can usually give a specific residual value and deduct it directly from the purchase price of the new device. The advantage: You can take your new iPhone home with you straight away at a reduced price.
Step 2b: How does the trade in work online?
When it comes to shipping, the process is a little different: you order your new iPhone through the online store and click “Yes” in the “Do you have an iPhone to trade in” field. A menu appears under the question and you add your model. Then, depending on the model, further menus appear, asking you about the storage capacity and condition.
Finally, enter the serial number of the old device. You can find this on the back of the packaging behind the designation “(S) Serial No.” or in the settings under General > About > Serial Number. Then you press “Check”. The mask then shows your exchange value.
Step 3: Order a new iPhone, send in your old iPhone
Anyone who completes the purchase process will receive a free trade-in kit from Apple, which includes a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Instructions explain how to reset and pack your iPhone. Apple will then check the condition and your information. If everything is correct, the exchange is complete.
If you have already paid the full purchase price, you will receive a credit via Apple gift card. The same thing happens if the value of the iPhone is found to be higher than previously calculated during the inspection. With zero percent financing, Apple deducts the amount from your installments. The online exchange usually takes two to three weeks. Click here directly to Apple.
iPhone exchange: price comparison can be worthwhile
Anyone who decides to trade in their device will receive the determined value as a discount on the new device. Important: Only people who are at least 18 years old and actually want to buy a new iPhone can use the exchange program. There is no option to simply exchange old devices for cash.
Alternatively, Apple also offers online recycling with credit via bank transfer. The exchange values can be paid via a Test mask But caution is advised here: the exchange values given by Apple are estimates that are often significantly lower than the actual market prices.
Trade In: Rebuy, Ebay and Flip4new may offer more
Especially for older iPhone models in mint condition, a price comparison on portals such as Rebuy,* Flip4new or Ebay are also worthwhile. Markets such as Mediamarkt or Saturn also offer their own exchange programs. The prices offered by these providers are often higher than those offered by Apple. There is also the option of selling used devices yourself – the most time-consuming but also most lucrative way to make money from your old device.
Those who want to swap should therefore think carefully about what is more important to them: a higher-priced, but more hassle-free sale of the old iPhone or the convenient and quick swap at the Apple Store.
Article last updated: September 10, 2024.
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-in agreement, and protective packaging to ensure your device is safely shipped back to Apple.
Apple Trade-In Program: How to Trade in Your Old iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch for a New One
Are you looking to upgrade to the latest iPhone model, but don’t know what to do with your old device? Apple’s trade-in program is here to help. With this program, you can trade in your old iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch for a new one, and even get some money back in the process.
How the Apple Trade-In Program Works
The Apple trade-in program allows you to trade in your old device for a new one, and receive a credit towards the purchase of your new device. This credit can be used to reduce the cost of your new device, making it more affordable. You can trade in your device at an Apple Store or by mail order.
Determining the Value of Your Old Device
To trade in your old device, you need to determine its value. Apple provides a maximum price per model, which is deducted from the price of your new device. The value of your old device depends on several factors, including its condition, storage size, and model.
For example, an iPhone 15 Pro Max can fetch up to 765 euros, while an iPhone 8 can fetch up to 40 euros. You can check Apple’s trade-in page to see the maximum prices for each model.
Preparing Your Device for Trade-In
If you’ve decided to trade in your old device, you’ll need to prepare it for shipping or bring it to an Apple Store. Make sure your device is in good condition, with no water damage or visible display damage. You’ll also need to erase all personal data from the device and remove any SIM cards or SD cards.
Receiving Your Trade-In Kit
If you’ve opted to trade in your device when purchasing a new Apple product, you’ll receive a trade-in kit with everything you need to return your device to Apple. This kit includes a prepaid shipping label, a trade
