What Apple’s New Trade-In Values Mean
Apple trade-in values are the maximum amounts Apple will credit toward a new purchase when you return an eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch in good condition, directly affecting your real upgrade cost and the total cost of ownership of each device over its life. Apple has quietly updated these figures, raising payouts on many recent products and trimming a few older or less in-demand models. The changes range from modest bumps of USD 5 (approx. RM25) to more meaningful boosts of up to USD 70 (approx. RM325), depending on product category and model. While the headline news is higher MacBook Air trade-in and Mac mini trade-in values, iPhone trade-in payout increases and better iPad offers also matter for anyone weighing whether to upgrade now or keep their device for another cycle.
Biggest Winners: MacBook Air, Mac mini, and iPads
Among Macs, the MacBook Air trade-in value climbs from USD 485 (approx. RM2,230) to USD 520 (approx. RM2,390), while the Mac mini jumps from USD 340 (approx. RM1,560) to USD 375 (approx. RM1,720). According to CNET, “of all the affected products, the Mac Mini received the biggest boost: 10.3%, or an increase from USD 340 to USD 375.” MacBook Pro goes up slightly from USD 685 (approx. RM3,150) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,180). On the tablet side, iPad Pro moves from USD 670 (approx. RM3,080) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,170), while iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini each gain USD 15 (approx. RM70) on their maximum trade-ins. These higher ceilings make Apple’s own program more competitive with third-party resale for recent, well-kept hardware.
iPhone and Apple Watch Trade-In Payouts Rise—With a Few Exceptions
Apple has also improved iPhone trade-in payout ranges, especially for recent flagships. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, and 16 Plus each get USD 10 (approx. RM45) boosts, now up to USD 695 (approx. RM3,200), USD 560 (approx. RM2,570), and USD 465 (approx. RM2,130). The base iPhone 16 sees a USD 25 (approx. RM115) jump to USD 460 (approx. RM2,110). Older models such as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus still qualify at USD 35 (approx. RM160) and USD 45 (approx. RM205). On the wrist, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 rise by USD 10 (approx. RM45) to USD 305 (approx. RM1,400) and USD 130 (approx. RM600), though the original Ultra slips from USD 215 (approx. RM990) to USD 205 (approx. RM945). Some devices, like Watch Series 10 and iMac, see no change, while Mac Pro and several Android phones lose value.
How Higher Trade-In Values Change Upgrade Timing and Strategy
For many buyers, Apple device upgrade cost is less about list price and more about the gap between a new model and trade-in value. With MacBook Air and Mac mini trade-ins higher, the effective cost to move into new Apple silicon laptops and desktops narrows, especially if your current machine is in top condition. CNET notes that the Mac Studio can now reach up to USD 1,045 (approx. RM4,810), highlighting stronger support for higher-end users too. On the iPhone side, larger percentage bumps on Pro models reward shorter upgrade cycles, while small increases for budget devices like the iPhone SE 3rd generation (up to USD 80, approx. RM370) still help offset entry-level purchases. Users holding older Intel Macs or aging Watches face more pressure: with some values already reduced, waiting longer risks further cuts or the shift to recycling only.
