What Apple’s New Trade-In Value Boost Means
Apple’s latest update to its trade-in program is a pricing adjustment that raises the maximum trade-in values for selected iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, giving existing users higher credits toward new devices and signaling a renewed push to speed up upgrade cycles. The change, rolled out in late May, affects all iPhone 16 models, all current iPad models, and several Mac and Apple Watch lines, while leaving other products unchanged or even slightly lower. The increases range from small bumps of USD 5 (approx. RM25) on some devices up to USD 70 (approx. RM325) on certain Macs. While actual payouts still depend on condition and configuration, the updated Apple trade-in values shift the upgrade math in consumers’ favor and hint that Apple is preparing the ground for its next wave of hardware launches.
iPhone 16 and iPad: Bigger Credits, Easier Upgrades
Apple’s flagship phones see some of the clearest gains in iPhone trade-in worth. The base iPhone 16 gains USD 25 (approx. RM115), taking its maximum value to USD 460 (approx. RM2,130), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, and 16 Plus each rise by USD 10 (approx. RM45) to USD 695 (approx. RM3,220), USD 560 (approx. RM2,595), and USD 465 (approx. RM2,155) respectively. Older devices still hold modest value, with Apple paying USD 35 (approx. RM160) for the iPhone 8 and USD 45 (approx. RM210) for the iPhone 8 Plus. On the tablet side, the iPad Pro’s maximum climbs from USD 670 (approx. RM3,105) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,200), the iPad Air rises from USD 445 (approx. RM2,060) to USD 460 (approx. RM2,130), the iPad from USD 220 (approx. RM1,020) to USD 235 (approx. RM1,090), and the iPad mini from USD 250 (approx. RM1,160) to USD 265 (approx. RM1,230).
MacBook Trade-In Increase and Mac Desktop Shifts
For Mac owners, the Apple device upgrade cost looks more manageable thanks to several notable MacBook trade-in increases. The MacBook Air records one of the standout boosts, with its maximum trade-in value rising from USD 485 (approx. RM2,255) to USD 520 (approx. RM2,420). The MacBook Pro sees a smaller move, from USD 685 (approx. RM3,185) to USD 690 (approx. RM3,210). Desktops are a mixed story: the Mac mini jumps from USD 340 (approx. RM1,585) to USD 375 (approx. RM1,750), and the Mac Studio gains USD 70 (approx. RM325) to reach USD 1,045 (approx. RM4,865), while the Mac Pro drops from USD 2,090 (approx. RM9,725) to USD 2,045 (approx. RM9,510). According to CNET, “the Mac mini received the biggest boost: 10.3%, or an increase from USD 340 (approx. RM1,585) to USD 375 (approx. RM1,750),” underscoring Apple’s strong focus on popular desktop configurations.
Apple Watch Gains, Android Cuts, and Upgrade Timing
Apple Watch owners also benefit, though not uniformly. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 moves from USD 295 (approx. RM1,375) to USD 305 (approx. RM1,420), and Watch Series 9 rises from USD 120 (approx. RM560) to USD 130 (approx. RM605). Some models, however, lose value: the original Apple Watch Ultra drops from USD 215 (approx. RM1,005) to USD 205 (approx. RM960), and the Mac Pro follows a similar downward path. At the same time, maximum trade-in values for prominent Android flagships are being trimmed, with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro seeing lower payouts. Together, these moves make Apple’s own ecosystem more financially attractive and encourage users to stay within it. With iPhone 18 expected later this year, higher Apple trade-in values are likely designed to pull upgrades forward, rewarding those who trade in while their hardware is still near the peak of its valuation.
