Apple Trade In Guide 2026: Eligible iPhones, Trade-In Values, and How to Trade In Online or In Store

If you are planning to upgrade your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or another smartphone, Apple Trade In can be one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of your next Apple device.

Instead of keeping an old device in a drawer or selling it privately, you can have Apple or its trade-in partner evaluate the device and receive trade-in credit that can be applied toward a new Apple product. Depending on the device and transaction, you may also receive an Apple Gift Card.

This guide explains how Apple Trade In works in the United States and Canada, which devices are generally eligible, how iPhone trade-in values are determined, and the difference between trading in online and at an Apple Store.

Important: Apple Trade In values change over time and depend on the exact model, storage capacity, manufacturer, condition, and market. The most accurate value is always the live estimate provided through Apple’s Trade In system.

What Is Apple Trade In?
Which Devices Can You Trade In?
iPhone Models Eligible for Trade In
Can You Trade In an Android Phone?
How Much Is an iPhone Worth?
What Determines Your Trade-In Value?
Apple Trade In Online
Apple Trade In at an Apple Store
Online vs. In-Store Trade In
How to Prepare Your iPhone
What Happens If Your Device Has Damage?
What Happens If Apple Rejects or Revises the Value?
Apple Gift Card vs. Trade-In Credit
Apple Trade In in the United States
Apple Trade In in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict

1. What Is Apple Trade In?

Apple Trade In is Apple’s official trade-in program that allows customers to exchange eligible devices for credit toward a new Apple product.

Apple says customers can trade in eligible devices online or at an Apple Store. If a device has no monetary trade-in value, Apple can still recycle it for free.

The program covers more than just iPhones.

Depending on the country and current program availability, customers may be able to trade in:

iPhone
iPad
Mac
Apple Watch
Selected Android smartphones
Other eligible devices

Apple’s U.S. Trade In page specifically states that Apple and third-party devices, including Samsung and Google smartphones, can be eligible for trade-in credit or an Apple Gift Card.

2. Which Devices Can You Trade In?

The exact list of eligible models changes as Apple updates its Trade In program.

Generally, the main categories include:

Device Category	Trade-In Availability
iPhone	Yes
iPad	Yes
Mac	Yes
Apple Watch	Yes
Samsung smartphones	Selected models
Google smartphones	Selected models
Very old devices	May qualify for recycling only
Severely damaged devices	May qualify for recycling only

One important point is that eligibility does not automatically mean a device has monetary value.

A device may be accepted for recycling even when Apple or its trade-in partner determines that it has no trade-in credit value. Apple states that devices that are not eligible for credit can still be recycled free of charge.

3. iPhone Models Eligible for Apple Trade In

For people searching specifically for an iPhone trade-in, recent generations are generally the most relevant.

Apple’s current U.S. and Canadian shopping pages show Trade In offers for iPhone 13 and newer when purchasing newer iPhone models. However, this should not be interpreted as meaning older iPhones can never be submitted. Eligibility and value depend on the current Trade In system and device assessment.

The main iPhone families you should check include:

iPhone Air

iPhone Air

iPhone 16 Series

iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Series

iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 Series

iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Series

iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max

Older models may also be evaluated depending on the current Trade In system, but the exact result should be confirmed using Apple’s current estimator rather than relying on a static model list.

Apple’s current Canadian iPhone shopping page, for example, advertises Trade In credit for iPhone 13 or later toward certain current iPhone purchases.

4. Can You Trade In an Android Phone?

Yes.

This is one of the less widely known features of Apple Trade In.

Apple’s U.S. Trade In program states that eligible Samsung and Google smartphones can be traded in for credit or an Apple Gift Card.

This means you do not necessarily have to own an iPhone to use Apple Trade In.

For example, an eligible:

Samsung Galaxy
Google Pixel
Other supported smartphone

may be evaluated for trade-in value.

However, eligibility varies by model, storage configuration and condition, so the best approach is to enter the exact model into Apple’s Trade In estimator.

5. How Much Is an iPhone Worth?

There is no single fixed Apple Trade In price for every iPhone.

Your estimated value can depend on:

Exact model
Storage capacity
Device manufacturer
Physical condition
Screen condition
Battery and functionality
Whether major components work properly
Current market conditions
Country and trade-in program

Apple explicitly states that trade-in value depends on the device, model, manufacturer and condition.

For that reason, articles that publish one permanent “iPhone 15 trade-in value” or “iPhone 16 trade-in value” should be treated cautiously.

The value displayed by Apple’s current Trade In estimator is more useful than an old price table.

6. What Determines Your Trade-In Value?

Two identical iPhones can receive different trade-in values if their conditions are different.

For example:

iPhone A

Fully functional
Good display
No major damage
Cameras work
Buttons work
Battery and other functions operate normally

iPhone B

Cracked display
Damaged camera
Broken buttons
Significant physical damage

The second device can receive a substantially different valuation.

When completing an online trade-in, answer Apple’s condition questions accurately.

Apple explains that the final trade-in value can change if the device received does not match the condition described during the estimate.

7. How to Trade In an iPhone Online

One of the biggest advantages of Apple Trade In is that you do not necessarily have to visit an Apple Store.

The general process is:

Step 1: Select Your New Apple Product

Visit Apple’s online store and select the product you want to purchase.

Step 2: Choose Trade In

During the purchase process, select the option to trade in your existing device.

Step 3: Enter Your Device Information

You may need information such as:

Model
Storage
Serial number
Condition
Functional status

Apple explains that the serial number can be found through the device’s settings.

Step 4: Receive an Estimated Value

Apple or its trade-in partner provides an estimated trade-in value based on the information you provide.

Step 5: Purchase Your New Device

Your trade-in can be incorporated into the purchase depending on the payment method and transaction.

Step 6: Prepare Your Old Device

Before sending it:

Back up your data.
Transfer your information to the new device.
Sign out of your Apple Account where required.
Disable Find My.
Erase all personal content and settings.
Remove physical SIM cards if applicable.

Step 7: Ship or Drop Off the Device

Apple may provide a prepaid trade-in kit or shipping/drop-off instructions depending on the transaction.

Step 8: Device Inspection

The device is inspected to confirm that its actual condition matches the information supplied.

Step 9: Final Credit

Once the device is verified, the trade-in credit is processed according to the payment method and terms of the transaction.

Apple says online trade-ins generally take around 2 to 3 weeks, although timing can vary.

8. How to Trade In an iPhone at an Apple Store

If you want a faster and more direct experience, visiting an Apple Store may be preferable.

The process is relatively simple.

Step 1: Visit an Apple Store

Bring your old device with you.

Step 2: Tell an Apple Specialist You Want to Trade It In

The Specialist can evaluate the device.

Step 3: Device Inspection

The condition of the iPhone will be checked.

Step 4: Receive the Trade-In Value

If the device qualifies, you can use the available credit according to the terms of your purchase.

Apple confirms that Trade In is available both on apple.com and at Apple retail stores.

One important difference is that the in-store valuation can differ from an online estimate if the physical condition of the device is different from what was originally described.

9. Apple Trade In Online vs. In Store

Feature	Online Trade In	Apple Store Trade In
Convenience	Excellent	Good
Physical inspection	After shipment	On site
Need to visit store	No	Yes
Estimated value	Online	In-store assessment
Shipping	Usually required	Not necessarily
Immediate evaluation	No	Yes
Best for	Remote purchases	Same-day upgrade

Online Trade In Is Better If:

You are purchasing online.
You prefer not to visit a store.
You want to complete everything from home.
You are comfortable shipping the old device.

In-Store Trade In Is Better If:

You want an in-person assessment.
You are already visiting an Apple Store.
You want to ask a Specialist questions.
You want to complete your upgrade in person.

10. How to Prepare Your iPhone Before Trade In

This is one of the most important parts of the process.

Before handing over your iPhone, make sure your personal information has been removed.

Back Up Your Data

Use iCloud or another appropriate backup method to preserve:

Photos
Contacts
Messages
Apps
Settings
Other important information

Turn Off Find My

Make sure Find My iPhone is disabled before the device is transferred.

If Find My remains enabled, it can interfere with the trade-in process.

Erase the iPhone

After confirming your data is safely backed up, erase the device.

The goal is to make sure your personal information is no longer accessible on the device.

Apple’s Trade In terms make clear that the customer is responsible for backing up and deleting personal data before the device is transferred.

11. What Happens If Your iPhone Has Damage?

A damaged iPhone is not necessarily useless.

Apple evaluates the condition of the device, and some devices that do not qualify for trade-in credit may still be accepted for recycling.

Examples of potential problems include:

Cracked screen
Damaged back glass
Camera problems
Non-working buttons
Battery issues
Water damage
Severe physical damage

The important distinction is between:

Trade-in credit eligibility

and

recycling eligibility

Apple states that devices without trade-in value can still be recycled free of charge.

12. What Happens If Apple Revises the Trade-In Value?

This is an important issue for online trade-ins.

Suppose you report that your iPhone is in excellent condition.

Apple receives the device and discovers that the screen is damaged or another major function does not work.

The final value may be lower than the original estimate.

Apple’s Trade In terms state that the quoted value can be revised if the inspection finds that the device differs from the description, if Find My has not been removed, or if the device is not received within the required period.

Therefore:

Always describe your device honestly when obtaining the initial estimate.

This reduces the chance of receiving a revised valuation later.

13. Apple Gift Card vs. Trade-In Credit

Depending on the transaction, Apple Trade In can provide different forms of value.

You may receive:

Credit toward a new Apple purchase
Credit associated with your purchase/payment method
Apple Gift Card

Apple’s Canadian Trade In program also allows customers to obtain trade-in value on an Apple Gift Card for later use.

This can be useful if you are not ready to purchase a new iPhone immediately.

14. Apple Trade In in the United States

For U.S. customers, the official Apple Trade In program supports online and Apple Store trade-ins.

Apple currently advertises Trade In offers for newer iPhones, including credit toward the iPhone 17 family when trading in eligible devices. The exact amount depends on the model and condition.

Apple also states that eligible Samsung and Google smartphones can be included in the U.S. Trade In program.

For U.S. buyers, the safest approach is to use Apple’s current estimator rather than relying on a third-party price list.

15. Apple Trade In in Canada

Apple Trade In is also available in Canada.

Canadian customers can trade in eligible devices:

Online
At an Apple Store

Apple’s Canadian Trade In page states that customers can receive credit toward a purchase or choose an Apple Gift Card, depending on the transaction.

Apple’s Canadian iPhone shopping page currently advertises Trade In credit for iPhone 13 or later toward certain newer iPhone models.

The exact dollar amount should always be checked directly through Apple’s current Canadian Trade In estimator because trade-in values can change.

16. Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Trade In

Can I trade in an old iPhone for a new iPhone?

Yes. Eligible iPhones can be traded in and the value can be applied toward a new Apple product, subject to the current Trade In terms.

Can I trade in an Android phone to Apple?

Yes. Apple’s U.S. program states that eligible Samsung and Google smartphones can qualify for trade-in credit or an Apple Gift Card.

Can I trade in an iPhone with a cracked screen?

It depends on the exact condition and current eligibility rules. A damaged device may receive reduced or no trade-in credit, but Apple can still accept eligible devices for recycling.

Does Apple Trade In require the original box?

Generally, the original box and accessories are not required to receive the trade-in value. Apple states that accessories do not need to be returned to receive the full trade-in value.

Can I get a trade-in estimate online and complete the trade in at an Apple Store?

Yes. Apple specifically says customers can obtain an estimate online and then trade in at an Apple Store. However, the final in-store value may differ if the actual condition differs from the online description.

How long does an online Apple Trade In take?

Apple says the online process generally takes about 2 to 3 weeks, although timing varies.

What happens if my device has no trade-in value?

Apple can recycle eligible devices free of charge even if they do not qualify for trade-in credit.

Is Apple Trade In better than selling an iPhone privately?

It depends on your priority.

Private marketplaces can sometimes produce a higher selling price, but Apple Trade In offers convenience and avoids many of the issues associated with private transactions.

If convenience, security and simplicity are your priorities, Apple Trade In can be attractive.

If maximizing the absolute resale price is your priority, comparing Apple’s quote with other resale options may be worthwhile.

17. Final Verdict: Is Apple Trade In Worth It?

Apple Trade In is primarily a convenience-focused upgrade program rather than simply the highest-price resale option.

Its biggest advantages are:

Official Apple-supported process
Online and in-store options
Simple upgrade experience
Credit toward a new Apple product
Apple Gift Card option in applicable transactions
Free recycling for devices without monetary value
Support for selected non-Apple smartphones

For a relatively new iPhone in good condition, it is worth checking Apple’s current Trade In estimate before upgrading.

However, don’t assume that the displayed estimate is guaranteed. The final value depends on the actual device received and its verified condition.

Best Strategy for North American iPhone Owners

A smart approach is:

1. Check Apple’s Trade In estimate

↓

2. Compare it with private resale and other buyback services

↓

3. Decide whether convenience or maximum resale value matters more

↓

4. Back up your data

↓

5. Disable Find My

↓

6. Erase your personal information

↓

7. Complete the trade-in online or at an Apple Store

For many consumers, the biggest benefit of Apple Trade In is not simply the dollar amount—it is the ability to turn an old device into value toward a new Apple product without dealing with private buyers.

Official Apple Trade In Resources

For the most accurate and current trade-in value, always check Apple’s official Trade In page before publishing or making a purchasing decision.

United States: Apple Trade In — United States

Canada: Apple Trade In — Canada

Because Apple can change trade-in values, eligible models and promotional offers, these official pages should be treated as the final source for current pricing and eligibility.