Apple’s Revised Trade-In Rates: What You Need to Know
Apple has recently updated its trade-in rates for older iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, marking the third revision since the iPhone 17 was released in September 2025. The new rates have resulted in a significant decrease in exchange values for most products, particularly the newer models. This change may impact consumers looking to upgrade their devices, as they may not receive as much value for their old devices as they would have in the past.
In September 2025, Apple offered up to $700 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max, but the maximum trade-in value dropped to $670 in November. Now, exchanging the handset would get you up to $650, representing a 7% decrease in just over four months, as reported by Macrumors. This trend is not unique to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, as other newer models have also seen significant declines in their trade-in values.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
Newer iPhones Lose Value Faster
The baseline iPhone 16’s exchange value has fallen from $450 in September 2025 to $410 in January 2026, representing a 9% decrease. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has seen an even more significant decline, with its trade-in value plummeting from $630 in January 2025 to $450 in January 2026, a 28% decrease over the past year. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has also seen a significant decline, with its trade-in value dropping from $450 in January 2026 to $350.
The steady drop in Apple’s trade-in values, especially for newer iPhone models, can be attributed to the higher volume of returned devices entering the company’s refurbishment and resale pipeline through its own upgrade programs and carrier trade-ins. As a result, Apple may not need to offer higher exchange prices to attract early adopters and enthusiasts. This shift in the market may have a ripple effect on the entire upgrade ecosystem, making it essential for consumers to keep an eye on these values.
Trade-In Values for iPhone Models
| New Trade-In Value | Old Trade-In Value (November 2025) | Trade-In Value (September 2025) | |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Up to $650 | Up to $670 | Up to $700 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | Up to $530 | Up to $550 | Up to $580 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | Up to $440 | Up to $450 | Up to $470 |
| iPhone 16 | Up to $410 | Up to $420 | Up to $450 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Up to $450 | Up to $470 | Up to $630 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Up to $380 | Up to $400 | Up to $500 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | Up to $320 | Up to $330 | Up to $440 |
| iPhone 15 | Up to $300 | Up to $310 | Up to $400 |
| iPhone 14 | Up to $210 | Up to $220 | Up to $290 |
| iPhone 13 | Up to $180 | Up to $180 | Up to $250 |
| iPhone 12 | Up to $120 | Up to $130 | Up to $170 |
| iPhone 11 | Up to $100 | Up to $100 | Up to $130 |
| iPhone XS | Up to $70 | Up to $70 | Up to $90 |
| iPhone X | Up to $60 | Up to $60 | Up to $60 |
| iPhone 8 | Up to $40 | Up to $40 | Up to $45 |
Older iPhones, on the other hand, tend to retain their value better, as they are returned in smaller volumes. However, it’s essential for consumers to keep an eye on these values, as they often serve as benchmarks in the resale market. The lower exchange values could have a ripple effect across the entire upgrade ecosystem, making it more expensive for consumers to upgrade their devices.
In conclusion, Apple’s revised trade-in rates may impact consumers looking to upgrade their devices. With the new rates, consumers may not receive as much value for their old devices as they would have in the past. For more information on the revised trade-in rates, visit Here
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