What Apple’s New Trade-In Values Mean for You
Apple trade-in values are the estimated amounts Apple will credit you for eligible iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Watches when you hand them in toward a new purchase, and Apple has now raised many of these values, making upgrades more affordable and attractive for owners of recent devices. As of late May, Apple has increased estimated payouts on all four iPhone 16 models, every current iPad, and a selection of Apple Watch and Mac computers. PCMag reports that the base iPhone 16 now tops out at USD 460 (approx. RM2,160), with the Plus, Pro, and Pro Max at USD 465 (approx. RM2,185), USD 560 (approx. RM2,630), and USD 695 (approx. RM3,270), respectively. These changes sharpen Apple’s competitiveness against third‑party resellers and give users more ways to unlock upgrade savings across the ecosystem.
The Biggest Winners: iPhone 16, iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini
Among phones, the base iPhone 16 gets the standout bump, gaining USD 25 (approx. RM120) over its previous estimate, while the iPhone 16 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max each gain USD 10 (approx. RM45). For tablets, all current iPads move up, with the iPad Pro seeing the largest increase, from USD 670 (approx. RM3,150) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,240). On the Mac side, values are more mixed but often higher: MacBook Air climbs from USD 485 (approx. RM2,280) to USD 520 (approx. RM2,450), and MacBook Pro nudges from USD 685 (approx. RM3,220) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,240). The Mac mini gets one of the most notable boosts, jumping from USD 340 (approx. RM1,600) to USD 375 (approx. RM1,770), reflecting strong demand. According to PCMag, these are maximum estimates, and “the actual amount may vary depending on the condition of the product.”
Apple Watch and Mac: Mixed Changes but Better Options Overall
Apple Watch and Mac trade-in increases are more uneven but still open useful upgrade savings. For wearables, PCMag notes that Ultra 2 and Series 9 values climb by USD 10 (approx. RM45), while Smartprix points out that the original Apple Watch Ultra’s estimate has been trimmed by USD 10 (approx. RM45), highlighting that not every older device benefits. On desktops and pro machines, Mac Studio gains a healthy USD 70 (approx. RM330) in trade-in value, whereas Mac Pro drops by USD 45 (approx. RM210), showing how Apple aligns offers with current demand. At the entry and midrange, though, the strong increases for MacBook Air and Mac mini make Apple’s own channel more compelling. Compared with some Android phones, whose trade-in values have been cut, Apple owners are now in a better position to turn aging hardware into meaningful discounts.
Data Security First: How to Prepare Your iPhone for Trade-In
Higher iPhone trade-in worth only helps if your data is safe and the device is ready to hand over. Before doing anything, back up your iPhone, either to iCloud via Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now, or locally to a Mac or PC as PCMag’s device trade-in guide explains. Next, turn off Find My under Settings > your name > Find My, sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store, and disable iMessage to avoid any lingering message-routing issues. Unpair accessories like AirPods and Apple Watch, removing the cellular plan from GPS + Cellular watch models if you are not moving it immediately. Finally, erase everything via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, and remove any physical SIM card. These steps protect your privacy and help you qualify for the best condition-based value.
Maximizing Upgrade Savings Across Apple’s Ecosystem
With increased Apple trade-in values across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch, stacking offers can turn into serious upgrade savings. Trading in a MacBook Air at its new maximum of USD 520 (approx. RM2,450) plus an eligible iPhone 16 can offset a large share of a new purchase in one transaction. PCMag even notes that, at the top estimate, a MacBook Air trade-in combined with student pricing can cover a MacBook Neo. To maximize what you get, keep devices in good physical condition, include original accessories if possible, and time your trade-in near new product cycles, when estimates tend to be refreshed. Compare Apple’s quote with reputable third‑party resellers, but weigh those against Apple’s convenience and instant credit at checkout. For many, especially those with several devices, Apple’s program has turned into a practical, ecosystem-wide device trade-in guide for funding regular upgrades.