What Apple’s Higher Trade-In Values Mean for You
Apple trade-in values are the estimated amounts Apple offers to credit toward a new purchase or gift card when you hand in an eligible iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac in good working condition after proper device trade-in preparation. Apple has raised trade-in values for the entire iPhone 16 family, all current iPad models, select Apple Watch models, and certain Macs, making upgrades more affordable if your device is in good condition. According to Smartprix, the standard iPhone 16 now carries the largest trade-in value increase at USD 25 (approx. RM115), with other iPhone 16 models rising by USD 10 (approx. RM45). Some Macs like Mac Studio have also increased, while others saw reductions, so knowing your model’s category matters. These higher offers mean your iPhone trade-in payout can cover more of an iPhone 17 or other new device—if you prepare your device correctly before sending it in.
Backups and Sign-Outs: First Steps to Protect Data
Before you think about price, focus on your data. Start device trade-in preparation by backing up everything. Use iCloud by going to Settings, tapping your name, then iCloud, iCloud Backup, and Back Up Now. If you prefer a computer, connect your phone to a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, open Finder, select your iPhone, choose General, then Back Up All of the Data on This iPhone to This Mac, and tap Back Up Now. On older macOS or Windows, open iTunes, select your phone image, choose Summary, then Back Up Now. Next, sign out of key services so the device is ready for a new owner. Turn off Find My from Settings > your name > Find My, then disable it for that device. Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store through Settings by choosing your name and tapping Sign Out.
Unpair Accessories and Cleanly Erase Your iPhone
To maximize trade-in value, your iPhone should arrive as a clean slate without connection issues. Unpair accessories that are tied to it. In Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPods and select Forget This Device so they are ready for your new phone. If you have an Apple Watch, open the Watch app, go to My Watch > All Watches, tap the info circle, and choose Unpair Apple Watch, removing any cellular plan if you are moving to a new iPhone. Then remove your SIM card if your device has one by using a paper clip in the SIM tray. Finally, erase the phone itself: go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings and confirm each prompt. A properly wiped device lowers the risk of activation problems, which can reduce your iPhone trade-in payout.
Where to Trade In and How to Capture the Increased Value
Higher Apple trade-in values only help if you trade in through a channel that passes those gains to you. Apple Trade In lets you send your device in exchange for credit toward a new purchase or an Apple gift card, applied either directly to a paid-in-full order or to an installment plan. PCMag notes that Apple increased what it pays for an iPhone 16, adding USD 10 (approx. RM45) to the Plus, Pro, and Pro Max and USD 25 (approx. RM115) to the base model, so your iPhone trade-in payout can meaningfully cut the cost of an iPhone 17 or other hardware. You can also compare Apple’s credit with what carriers and third-party resale sites offer, especially if you have an older Mac, Apple Watch, or Android phone where values differ. Take time to compare, then choose the path that turns your prepared device into the highest return.
