Our top pick: Trade in for an iPhone 16 Pro Max through Apple
Apple’s latest upgrade to its trade-in program, which increases estimated credit values across recent iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches and select Android phones by up to around 30 percent, makes handing in old devices one of the most effective ways to lower the real cost of a new iPhone upgrade for most people. The clear winner for value right now is trading into an iPhone 16 Pro Max through Apple’s own trade-in program. Apple has raised trade-in estimates on many recent models, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max itself now commands one of the highest credits of any iPhone when it is traded in later. Combined, that means you can move into Apple’s top-end phone while shaving a large chunk off your phone upgrade cost.
The key advantage of going through Apple is predictability. You can get an instant online estimate by entering your device details, send your current phone in, and receive credit directly against your new iPhone or as an Apple Gift Card. Devices are checked for both functionality and cosmetic condition before Apple confirms the final amount, but if your phone is in solid shape, the improved Apple trade-in values now mean far better iPhone upgrade savings than just a few months ago.
How Apple’s boosted trade-in values cut your upgrade cost
Apple has increased estimated trade-in values for the majority of its iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models, with some devices gaining close to 30 percent compared with earlier estimates. According to one source, a relatively recent iPhone, iPad or Mac can now earn enough credit to reduce the price of a new device by half or more. That directly lowers the effective phone upgrade cost: instead of paying full price for an iPhone 16 Pro Max, you are paying the difference between the list price and your trade-in credit.
Apple’s updated table shows higher maximum credits for recent flagships across the board, from the iPhone 16 lineup through older models such as iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The same uplift applies to iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iMac and more, with some Macs seeing some of the largest percentage jumps. For customers considering a trade, these higher estimates significantly improve the effective net cost of a new purchase, especially if you already own a recent Pro iPhone or a higher-end Mac.
| Device type | What changed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Recent iPhones | Higher maximum trade-in estimates across the 16 and 15 families | Bigger iPhone upgrade savings when moving to a flagship model |
| Mac laptops/desktops | Notable percentage increases on MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Studio and iMac | High-value trades that can offset premium computer prices |
| iPads | Higher credit for iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini and standard iPad | Tablet owners can move up to the latest models at a lower net cost |
| Apple Watch | Improved estimates on most Series models while Ultra remains steady | Makes watch upgrades more affordable when bundled with a phone trade |
Good news for Android owners: more models are now eligible
Apple has broadened its trade-in program to include more Android phones, which is a big deal if you have been waiting for the right moment to switch. Newly added models range from the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G to recent Google Pixel and OnePlus phones, giving non-Apple users a straightforward way to turn an aging Android into iPhone upgrade savings. Some existing Android estimates moved slightly down, but others held steady or saw small increases, so the overall direction is still favorable for many owners.
The process mirrors what Apple offers for its own devices. You get an online estimate, ship your Android phone, and receive credit toward an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch or an Apple Store Gift Card if you prefer. Devices are evaluated based on how well they work and how they look, and models that no longer qualify for trade-in can still be recycled free of charge. For Android users eyeing an iPhone 16 Pro Max, this expanded trade-in program shortens the price gap and reduces the risk of switching ecosystems.
Timing your trade-in: when to move for maximum savings
Timing your trade-in can make a real difference because Apple regularly revises its table of Apple trade-in values based on secondary-market demand, available used stock and interest in refurbished devices. One source notes that these prices change frequently, with the previous boost arriving in May before the most recent update. The latest increases arrive at a moment when list prices for new devices are rising, and more generous trade-in credits are being used to offset those higher sticker costs and encourage more frequent upgrades.
In practice, the best time to trade in is when three things line up: Apple has recently raised estimates, your device is still recent enough to qualify for strong credit, and you are planning to upgrade to a premium model such as iPhone 16 Pro Max. Waiting too long can mean your phone drops into a lower tier as newer models take its place, reducing the credit you receive. Because you can obtain an instant online estimate before sending your device, you can watch the table and move as soon as the numbers look favorable for your current iPhone or Android phone.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max via Apple trade-in if you own a recent Pro iPhone or higher-end Mac and want to slash the effective phone upgrade cost using today’s higher Apple trade-in values.
- Skip the iPhone 16 Pro Max via Apple trade-in if your current phone is very old or damaged and unlikely to qualify for meaningful credit under Apple’s trade-in program.
- Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max via Apple trade-in if you are switching from a supported Android flagship and want a simple, single-step way to convert that device into an iPhone upgrade savings boost.
- Skip the iPhone 16 Pro Max via Apple trade-in if you prefer to chase the absolute highest resale value on your own, since alternatives outside Apple’s trade-in program can sometimes offer more for the same device.
- Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max via Apple trade-in if you plan to upgrade in the near term and want to lock in today’s boosted estimates before Apple’s trade-in values change again.
