What Apple’s Higher Trade-In Values Mean for You
Apple trade-in values are the credits or payouts Apple and other buyers offer for eligible iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs when you sell or exchange an older device toward a new purchase. Apple has recently increased trade-in values across key product lines, which can ease the cost of premium hardware. According to Mashable, all iPhone 16 models now fetch more, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pro, and Plus each gaining USD 10 (approx. RM46), while the base iPhone 16 gained USD 25 (approx. RM115). iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini have also seen boosts, alongside certain Apple Watch and Mac models. These increases are estimates and depend heavily on condition, storage configuration, and whether the device powers on and functions correctly. To reach the top end of any quoted iPhone trade-in payout, preparation and honest condition grading are essential.
Prepare Your Data: Backups, Sign-Outs, and Security
Before you sell old iPhone or trade in another Apple device, protect your data and your Apple Account. Start with a full backup. On your iPhone, you can back up to iCloud by going to Settings, tapping your name, then choosing iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. To back up to a Mac, connect via cable or Wi‑Fi, open Finder on macOS Catalina or later, select your iPhone, then choose General > Back Up All of the Data on Your iPhone to This Mac > Back Up Now. On older macOS versions or Windows, use iTunes and select Summary > Back Up Now. Next, sign out of key services: disable Find My under Settings > [your name] > Find My, turn off iMessage under Settings > Apps > Messages, and sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store via Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.
Wipe iPhone Data and Unpair Connected Devices
To protect your privacy and meet Apple trade-in program requirements, you must wipe iPhone data and remove links to accessories. First, unpair your Apple Watch by opening the Watch app, going to My Watch > All Watches, tapping the info icon, and choosing Unpair Apple Watch; on GPS + Cellular models, remove the cellular plan if the iPhone will be sold. Unpair AirPods by placing them near your iPhone, opening Settings > Bluetooth, tapping the info icon next to your AirPods, and choosing Forget This Device. When everything is backed up and disconnected, erase your phone. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings and approve the prompts to wipe all personal information. If your phone uses a physical SIM, eject it using a paper clip and keep it, since it contains your phone number and billing-related data.
Know Your Options: Apple Trade-In and Third-Party Buyers
Higher Apple trade-in values make the official Apple trade-in program more appealing, but it is not the only way to sell an old iPhone. Apple offers credit or a gift card once it has inspected and verified your device’s condition; for example, PCMag notes that turning in an iPhone 15 Pro can yield up to USD 410 (approx. RM1,886) toward a new iPhone after recent increases of up to USD 35 (approx. RM161) on some models. Retailers such as Best Buy offer gift cards for mailed-in or in‑store trade-ins, and marketplaces like eBay let you set your own price, though you must handle listing, shipping, and buyer communication. Mobile carriers also run promotions that tie iPhone trade-in payout incentives to long‑term plans. Compare quotes, bonus credits, and payment types before you decide where to trade.
Match Device Condition to Quotes and Avoid Deduction Surprises
Every buyer attaches condition requirements to the headline Apple trade-in values you see online, and failing to meet them can lead to reduced payouts. Devices usually need to power on, have a working display, and be free from major damage to receive the highest quoted iPhone trade-in payout. Scratches, cracks, battery issues, or unresponsive buttons can lead Apple or third‑party buyers to lower their offers after inspection. Clean your device, remove cases and screen protectors, and photograph it so you can compare its condition to each trade-in program’s descriptions before accepting a quote. Make sure Activation Lock is disabled by turning off Find My and signing out of iCloud, since locked devices might be rejected or valued only for recycling. Taking the time to prepare and accurately grade your device helps you avoid surprises and reach the best possible trade-in value.
