What Apple’s Higher Trade-In Values Mean for Upgraders
Apple’s latest update to its trade-in program increases how much selected iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs are worth when exchanged, lowering the real cost of a new device and making upgrades more affordable for owners of recent models. The iPhone trade-in program, which has run since 2013 alongside similar schemes for iPad and Apple Watch, now offers extra credit ranging from USD 10 (approx. RM46) to USD 35 (approx. RM161) on certain devices, depending on model and condition. According to Mashable, “You could now get an extra $10 to $35 off a new device when you trade in your old one, depending upon its model and condition.” Older hardware such as the iPhone 5s line has no trade-in value and is directed to recycling, so the biggest device upgrade savings are reserved for users who refresh their hardware within a few product generations.
iPhone Trade-In Program: Where the Biggest Bumps Are
For many buyers, the most important changes are in Apple trade-in values for recent iPhones, which directly cut the cost of moving to the latest models. All iPhone 16 versions receive higher estimated credit: the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pro, and Plus each rise by USD 10 (approx. RM46) to USD 695 (approx. RM3,196), USD 560 (approx. RM2,576), and USD 465 (approx. RM2,138) respectively, while the base iPhone 16 jumps USD 25 (approx. RM115) to USD 460 (approx. RM2,116). These increases mean customers trading in a well-kept flagship can offset a sizable portion of a new purchase through the iPhone trade-in program. Because trade-in value depends on condition, keeping your device’s screen intact, battery healthy, and storage sufficient can protect that credit. For anyone who upgrades regularly, these higher values can lock in predictable device upgrade savings every cycle.
iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch Trade-Ins: Incremental but Useful Gains
Beyond phones, Apple has quietly lifted trade-in credits on several iPads, Macs, and watches, which can make multi-device upgrades easier to budget. The iPad Pro now rises from USD 670 (approx. RM3,081) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,174), the iPad Air from USD 445 (approx. RM2,046) to USD 460 (approx. RM2,116), the iPad from USD 220 (approx. RM1,011) to USD 235 (approx. RM1,080), and the iPad mini from USD 250 (approx. RM1,148) to USD 265 (approx. RM1,218). MacBook Pro gains USD 5 (approx. RM23) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,174), MacBook Air climbs USD 35 (approx. RM161) to USD 520 (approx. RM2,387), and Mac mini also rises USD 35 (approx. RM161) to USD 375 (approx. RM1,724). On the wearable side, Apple Watch trade-in credits for Ultra 2 and Series 9 increase by USD 10 (approx. RM46) to USD 305 (approx. RM1,404) and USD 130 (approx. RM597).
Not Every Device Wins: Flat or Lower Trade-In Values
While many devices are worth more, some trade-in values have stayed flat or moved down, which matters if you are timing an upgrade. Mashable notes that certain models, such as the iMac and Apple Watch Series 10, see no change at all. Others lose value: the original Apple Watch Ultra drops USD 10 (approx. RM46) from USD 215 (approx. RM987) to USD 205 (approx. RM942), and the Mac Pro falls USD 45 (approx. RM207) from USD 2,090 (approx. RM9,599) to USD 2,045 (approx. RM9,392), despite launching as a USD 6,000 (approx. RM27,540) machine in 2019. Trade-in values for several Android phones, including Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google’s Pixel 8 Pro, also decline. These adjustments underline that waiting too long can erode the value of older hardware, especially niche or high-end desktops.
How to Maximise Device Upgrade Savings with Apple Trade-In
For consumers, the core benefit of these higher Apple trade-in values is lower out-of-pocket cost when replacing ageing hardware, but only if you plan upgrades carefully. First, always check current valuations on Apple’s website before committing; a difference of USD 10–35 (approx. RM46–RM161) can matter across multiple devices. Second, aim to trade in while your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch is still within a few generations of the latest model, since older hardware can fall to zero and become recycle-only. Third, maintain your device with a case, screen protector, and regular backups to avoid damage that cuts trade-in value. Finally, compare trading in during a major launch window versus later in the cycle; early upgrades often capture the best prices. Used this way, Apple’s iPhone trade-in program remains a practical tool to keep your personal tech current without paying full retail each time.
