For years now, Apple has run its Trade In program, through which it appraises your iPhone to deduct money from the new device in exchange for handing it over. Until recently, the maximum amount you could receive was €795 for a 1 TB iPhone 16 Pro Max in perfect condition. But that appraisal has now decreased.
Without making much noise, Apple has been making changes to its program, offering around between 5% and 40% less for your old iPhone. It isn’t unusual, since a couple of times a year it tends to happen (when new iPhones come out and during the middle of their cycle).
How Much Will Apple Pay for Your iPhone When Buying a New One
In percentage terms, the iPhone XS has suffered the largest hit in this latest change, while the iPhone 16 Plus is the only model that keeps the same price in this program.
Here is how the current Spain table looks, with the amount shown being the maximum that will be discounted when purchasing a new iPhone.
If you own an iPhone with lower storage configurations or with noticeable signs of wear on the chassis or screen, the value will drop. That said, as long as it works, Apple will accept it. If it won’t even power on, regardless of the model and exterior condition, the company will not accept it to discount money.
What will happen in those cases is the same as with earlier iPhones listed here: the recycling option. Although you won’t be paid for it, Apple accepts them for disassembly, though always as an optional option.
How the Trade In Works
What doesn’t change is how this program operates, aimed at making the purchase of a new iPhone at Apple more affordable. And that “new” and “Apple” part is important, because it only applies in Apple stores (or purchases made through its website and app) and to new devices, so refurbished units don’t count.
Looking at the current iPhone catalog, these discounts will apply to buying one of these devices officially sold in the company’s stores:
- iPhone 16 in 128 GB version.
- iPhone 16 Plus in 128 GB or 256 GB.
- iPhone 17 in 256 GB or 512 GB.
- iPhone Air in 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB.
- iPhone 17 Pro in 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB.
- iPhone 17e in 256 GB or 512 GB.
The idea behind this process is to inform Apple about your old iPhone when you buy the new one. Variants arrive depending on how the purchase is made:
- If it’s an in-store purchase they will appraise your old iPhone on the spot, and if you accept what they offer you’ll have to hand it over and you’ll be charged the price of the new iPhone minus the value of the old one.
- If it’s an online purchase they will charge the full amount of the new iPhone, and once you receive it they will send a courier to your home to collect the old one. Once they have the appraisal, you will be notified. If you accept the appraisal, the money will be deposited into your account; if you reject it, they will send the iPhone back to your home.
Pros and Cons of This Program
Clearly, Apple’s program isn’t always profitable. In fact, it is often the worst option financially, as you typically get more money by selling the iPhone on second-hand marketplaces. Whether to an individual or a specialty shop, resale value usually exceeds what Apple deducts.
That said, we cannot ignore that Trade In remains the fastest route if you want the discount sooner and to avoid jumping into apps like Wallapop and similar platforms, where scams or bargaining attempts are plentiful and not always rewarding.
It’s also worth considering if you’re thinking about recycling a non-working iPhone. They won’t offer any cash, but at least you’ll have the assurance that Apple can repurpose it to power other devices by dismantling, something that won’t happen at a municipal recycling center.
Cover image | Neil Soni on Unsplash and Ann H on Pexels
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