Apple just raised the trade-in value of some of its newer iPhones, but not enough to make them a good value compared to alternative options.
In the US, Apple's estimated trade-in values for the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro are up $30, and it's also offering an additional $20 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It's a similar story in the UK only with slightly lower increases: an extra €15 for Apple's two iPhone 13 Pro models and just a €5 increase for the iPhone 13 Mini.
These slight increases are a welcome contrast to January, when Apple slashed iPhone prices for its official Trade In program, and that apparently went a bit too far. It's also worth keeping in mind that these are "estimated trade-in values" which, like other trade-in services, vary based on factors like the condition and specifications of your iPhone.
Slide to scroll horizontally iPhone Trade-in Price Changes (US, March 2023) NowPreviouslyChangeiPhone 13 Pro Max €600 €570 + €30 iPhone 13 Pro €500 €470 + €30 iPhone 12 Pro Max €420 €400 + €20Still, the prices give us an idea of the maximum trade-in values Apple is willing to offer, and they're generally well below what you can get from phone carriers, third-party trading services, or private marketplaces. like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Here are these Apple Trade In price changes for the UK.
Swipe to scroll horizontally iPhone Trade-in Price Changes (UK March 2023) NowPreviouslyChangeiPhone 13 Pro Max € 580 € 565 € 15 iPhone 13 Pro € 500 € 485 € 15 iPhone 13 Mini € 330 € 325 € 5To give you an idea, we've compared the maximum potential prices to trade in iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 with other services below. Apple's pricing generally lags behind the alternatives, with the exception of rivals like Carphone Warehouse (in the UK).
That's not to say you should never use the official Apple Trade In program - it's still one of the easiest ways to upgrade to a new iPhone, and that's probably why Apple has raised its prices a bit during a difficult period. . the timing of smartphone sales.
Slide to scroll horizontally iPhone Trade-in Price ComparisonServiceiPhone 13 ProiPhone 13Apple Trade-Inup to €500/€500 up to €400/€390ItsWorthMore (US)up to €696up to €533Carphone Warehouse (UK) up to €485 up to €380 eBay (typical price) up to €849/€700 up to €599 / €525But Apple's program won't necessarily recycle your old iPhone, either. The program's fine print says that if your phone is "in good standing," it will "help pass it on to a new owner." And that's part of why Apple's trade-in prices aren't as good as alternative options, because it comes at a cost.
Naturally, with the highest possible prices, going the private sales route also carries the most potential issues in the form of buyer questions and the risk of litigation. But you may find that there is a middle ground between third-party services and Apple's trade-in prices, even though the latter has increased slightly.
Analysis: Recovery research pays off
There's no better way to trade in your old iPhone; instead, the options are more on a sliding scale of convenience versus value. The exception is if you have an old device that you want to recycle rather than resell, as you'll want to use a reputable recycler like Apple Trade In (Opens in a new tab), EcoATM (Opens in a new tab) (in the United States United Kingdom), or Fonebank (opens in a new tab) in the United Kingdom.
Some programs, like Three's Reconnected (opens in a new tab) and Vodafone's Great British Tech Appeal (opens in a new tab) in the UK, also allow you to donate your old iPhone to someone in need, which is another Good compromise between sale and recycling. .
But if you need the financial boost from your current iPhone to switch to a new option, Apple's official program is just one of the many options we've rounded up in our guide to the best Apple Trade In alternatives.
Apple's service can still be a good no-hassle option, especially if you do it in-store. If you go the online route with Apple Trade In, the company says it "generally takes 2-3 weeks." Once the device is verified by Apple, you'll get instant credit toward a new iPhone or an Apple Gift Card.
But to get the best price for your old iPhone, it's even more rewarding to go through phone carrier trade-in programs or sell privately on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.