What Apple’s New Trade-In Values Mean for Upgraders
Apple trade-in values are the maximum credit Apple offers when you hand in an eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, and recent increases mean owners of newer devices can now offset a larger share of their next purchase by trading in at the right time and in the right condition. As of late May, Apple raised trade-in estimates for all iPhone 16 models, all current iPad models, and select Mac and Apple Watch devices, with changes ranging from modest boosts to significant jumps. According to PCMag, Apple is “raising the trade-in values of some newer iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches by USD 5 (approx. RM25) to USD 35 (approx. RM160).” These higher caps matter because they directly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of upgrading, especially when combined with education discounts or promo financing.
iPhone and iPad: Where the Trade-In Boosts Are Strongest
For many people, the biggest question is the iPhone trade-in value, and Apple’s latest update makes the iPhone 16 lineup more attractive than before. The base iPhone 16 gains the most, with its maximum trade-in value rising by USD 25 (approx. RM115) to USD 460 (approx. RM2,115), while the iPhone 16 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max each increase by USD 10 (approx. RM45), to USD 465 (approx. RM2,140), USD 560 (approx. RM2,575), and USD 695 (approx. RM3,195) respectively. Even older iPhones such as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus still qualify, at USD 35 (approx. RM160) and USD 45 (approx. RM205). On the tablet side, all current iPad models now offer more credit. The iPad Pro sees the biggest jump, from USD 670 (approx. RM3,080) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,170), while iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini each add USD 15 (approx. RM70).
MacBook Air, Mac mini and Other Macs: The Biggest Winners
Among computers, MacBook Air trade-in values and Mac mini trade-ins see the most meaningful gains. PCMag reports that MacBook Air’s maximum trade-in value rises from USD 485 (approx. RM2,235) to USD 520 (approx. RM2,395), while the Mac mini jumps from USD 340 (approx. RM1,565) to USD 375 (approx. RM1,725). That makes them the largest increases among Apple computers, and high demand for Mac mini trade-ins suggests strong resale appeal. MacBook Pro nudges up from USD 685 (approx. RM3,155) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,175), whereas the Mac Studio gains USD 70 (approx. RM320) and the Mac Pro drops by USD 45 (approx. RM205), highlighting that not every Mac benefits equally. For students, the combination of a high MacBook Air trade-in and educational pricing can significantly cut the cost of stepping into a newer Mac, especially when targeting Apple’s current entry-level laptops.
Apple Watch and Android Devices: Mixed Outcomes
Wearables see more uneven changes. Apple trade-in values for Apple Watch rise on several models, but not all. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 both increase by USD 10 (approx. RM45), moving from USD 295 (approx. RM1,360) to USD 305 (approx. RM1,405) and from USD 120 (approx. RM555) to USD 130 (approx. RM605) respectively. However, there is disagreement in reports about the original Apple Watch Ultra, with one source noting an increase and another pointing to a USD 10 (approx. RM45) drop; in any case, owners should check Apple’s current estimate before committing. Series 10 remains capped at USD 150 (approx. RM695). Meanwhile, trade-in offers for some Android flagships have been cut: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra drops from USD 230 (approx. RM1,060) to USD 200 (approx. RM920), and the Google Pixel 8 Pro from USD 170 (approx. RM785) to USD 165 (approx. RM760).
Device Trade-In Guide: How to Maximize Value and Protect Data
Higher Apple trade-in values only pay off if your device is ready, secure, and in good condition. Start with data security: back up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud or a Mac, then sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store so your Apple Account is no longer tied to the device. Turn off Find My, sign out of Messages if you plan to switch platforms, and unpair accessories such as AirPods and Apple Watch. Next, erase all content and settings so your personal data is wiped clean, and remove any physical SIM card from older models. For Macs and iPads, ensure you sign out of all services and restore them to factory settings. Finally, clean the hardware, keep original accessories where possible, and be honest when describing condition; actual payouts depend on wear, damage, and functionality, not just the published maximums.
