What Apple’s Latest Trade-In Value Update Means
Apple’s latest update to its trade-in program is an adjustment to the maximum payouts it offers for used iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, and desktop Macs, increasing many valuations so that customers trading in older hardware can lower the effective cost of their next device while Apple refreshes its own refurbished inventory. The Apple trade-in program, which began in 2013, gives you credit based on model, configuration, and condition, with newer devices worth more than older ones. Recent changes raise many maximum values by USD 5–70 (approx. RM25–RM325), while a smaller group of products sees lower or unchanged payouts. For upgraders, these revised Apple trade-in values can translate into meaningful device upgrade savings, especially if you own a recent iPhone Pro, Mac mini, or MacBook Air and are ready to move to newer hardware.
iPhone Trade-In Prices: Where the Biggest Gains Are
Apple has boosted several iPhone trade-in prices, especially for newer and Pro-tier models. According to CNET, “the Pro models of the iPhone 13, 14 and 15 received the largest percentage adjustments of all the phones: USD 20 (approx. RM95), USD 25 (approx. RM115) and USD 35 (approx. RM160), respectively.” Apple’s own ranges, compiled by MacRumors and cited by Mashable, show iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pro, and Plus estimates rising by USD 10 (approx. RM45) each, while the base iPhone 16 jumps by USD 25 (approx. RM115) to a maximum of USD 460 (approx. RM2,115). CNET also notes increases up to USD 490 (approx. RM2,255) for iPhone 15 Pro Max and USD 410 (approx. RM1,885) for iPhone 15 Pro. For many owners of recent flagships, this means a larger chunk of the next iPhone’s price can now be covered by the Apple trade-in program.
iPads, Macs, and Apple Watch: Ecosystem-Wide Value Shifts
Beyond phones, Apple has raised trade-in estimates on every iPad line and several Mac and Watch models, supporting wider device upgrade savings. Mashable reports the iPad Pro up to USD 690 (approx. RM3,175), iPad Air up to USD 460 (approx. RM2,115), iPad up to USD 235 (approx. RM1,080), and iPad mini up to USD 265 (approx. RM1,220), all with USD 15–20 (approx. RM70–RM95) boosts. On the Mac side, CNET highlights notable jumps for MacBook Air (up to USD 520 / approx. RM2,395), Mac mini (up to USD 375 / approx. RM1,725) and Mac Studio (up to USD 1,045 / approx. RM4,815), while Mashable notes smaller increases for MacBook Pro and Mac mini. Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 each gain USD 10 (approx. RM45), and Watch SE 2nd generation adds USD 5 (approx. RM25), although the original Watch Ultra and Mac Pro lose some value.
Winners, Losers, and the Strategy Behind the Changes
Not every device benefits from higher Apple trade-in values. Mashable points out that iMac and Apple Watch Series 10 remain unchanged, while the original Watch Ultra drops from USD 215 (approx. RM990) to USD 205 (approx. RM945) and the Mac Pro falls by USD 45 (approx. RM210) to USD 2,045 (approx. RM9,415). CNET notes that some Android devices fare worse: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra falls from USD 230 (approx. RM1,060) to USD 200 (approx. RM920), Google Pixel 8 Pro from USD 170 (approx. RM785) to USD 165 (approx. RM760), and recent Galaxy S23 and S24 models have been removed from Apple’s list entirely. These shifts arrive shortly before Apple’s WWDC event and amid higher component prices driven by AI-related demand, suggesting Apple is using sweeter trade-in offers on its own ecosystem to soften upgrade sticker shock while de-emphasising Android trade-ins.
How to Maximise Your Upgrade Savings Now
For anyone already inside Apple’s ecosystem, the refreshed Apple trade-in program makes upgrading more attractive in the near term. Recent iPhone Pro owners, especially iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max, now get some of the strongest percentage increases, which can significantly cut the net cost of moving to an iPhone 16 series device. iPad users see across-the-board gains, so trading in an older iPad or iPad Pro before more depreciation sets in can be smart. MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Studio owners also benefit from higher ceilings, while owners of older Intel-based Macs may want to act before macOS drops full support. Meanwhile, Android users receive lower valuations and fewer eligible models, making Apple’s trade-in pathway most rewarding for those already planning to stay within or deepen their commitment to Apple hardware.