Is Apple Trade-In worth it?
We all love Apple products and want to hand on to them forever. However, like any other electronic device, Apple devices get old and sometimes obsolete especially when you purchase a new device or accessory.
Luckily for you, Apple has a program that allows you to give the device back and earn some credit towards a new Apple device or a gift card. This not only gets the old device off your hands, but you also get to save the environment from waste. However, is the deal worth it?
To determine if Apple Trade-in is worth it, we first have to look at several factors and evaluate the program.
What is the Apple Trade-In program and how does it work?
Apple Trade-In program is a buyback program from Apple and shouldn’t be confused with the iPhone Upgrade program that allows you to pay for a new iPhone over 2 years and upgrade the model after 12 months. It allows customers to trade-in their old iPhones, Apple watches, iPads, or Macs. Apple then gives you credit towards a new device purchase or alternatively, an Apple Store gift card. However, not all devices fetch you a credit or gift card. If a device doesn’t have trade-in value, Apple recycles the device for free.
It’s important to note that Apple doesn’t offer cash for trade-ins and you might have to use third-party trade-in platforms.
Which devices does Apple accept?
Apple accepts a wide range of devices including non-Apple devices on its Apple Trade-In program. Apple accepts iPhones ranging from iPhone 5 through to iPhone XS, Android phones, PCs, tablets though you will only receive credit for an iPad, Smart watches, and other devices that it can recycle for free.
How do I participate in the Apple Trade-In program?
There are two ways to trade-in your devices at Apple. You can trade-in your devices online or in-store. To trade-in your gadgets online, you need to visit the Apple shop and then answer a few questions about your device and its condition. Apple will show you the trade-in estimates based on the device and its current condition. You then need to mail in your old gadget and then wait for Apple to evaluate the device’s conditions and adjust it accordingly. You can then accept the offer and they will send you your payment.
In-store, you just take your old device to the nearest Apple store and do it physically, your device will be inspected and then you will receive the trade-in quote. If you aren’t satisfied with the quote, then you can walk away with your device.
So, how much does Apple give in trade-ins compared to other trade-in options
There are other Apple trade-in options that you can go with if you don’t like Apple’s trade-in value. Some of them include eBay, Swappa, GadgetGone, and Gazelle. Let take a look at how Apple compares to the rest of them in terms of prices on average.
A Comparison table
Device |
Apple |
eBay |
Swappa |
GadgetGone |
Gazelle |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
$240 |
$271 |
$326 |
$225 |
|
iPhone 7 |
$80 |
$154 |
$195 |
$113 |
$91 |
iPhone 8 |
$145 |
$184 |
$252 |
$125 |
$109 |
iPhone X |
$260 |
$398 |
$429 |
$330 |
$214 |
iPad Pro (3rd-gen) |
$505 |
$706 |
$956 |
$570 |
$530 |
2019 MacBook Pro |
$1130 |
$948 |
$1623 |
$1100 |
$976 |
The above prices are a fairly good device and on average. Apple trade-in values from the table are relatively low for specific devices like iPhones and iPads compared to other devices like a MacBook. Apple doesn’t offer more money for devices with better specifications. For example, Apple will offer you the same value for a 256 GB iPhone model and a 32 GB iPhone model. When it comes to networks, Apple will still offer you the same amount for both a carrier-locked phone and a fully unlocked phone.
So, is Apple trade-in worth it?
This depends. For a die-hard Apple fan who wants to upgrade their old Apple device then the Apple trade-in program is ideal for you. However, if you are looking to make the most out of your old device in terms of cash, then other options are better for you. Swappa and eBay have the best resale prices. On the downside, these platforms require you to sign up and pay fees to use their platforms then wait for a while to make a sale.
GadgetGone and Gazelle are other options to consider since they’re also similar to Apple’s trade-in program.
FAQs
Does Apple accept cracked iPhones?
Yes, Apple accepts cracked iPhones with their Apple Trade-In program. However, the price may go down after evaluation depending on how bad the iPhone conditions are. You can repair your screen before trading it in.
Can I get cash when I trade-in at Apple?
No, Apple doesn’t offer cash for products. Apple only offers Apple Store gift cards or credit for future purchases.
