Apple quietly retooled its trade-in tables this week, and the results look like a mixed bag for anyone planning to trade a device in for credit.
It wasn't dramatic theater—no new product announcement, no keynote fireworks—just an update to the numbers on Apple's Trade In page. But the changes matter: some iPhones lost a little value, a handful of Macs suddenly gained a lot, and in China Apple broadened the program to accept major domestic Android brands.
Small dents for iPhones, watches, and iPads
Across the iPhone line in the U.S., the pattern is straightforward: most models lost between $10 and $20 in the "up to" estimates Apple publishes. Newer Pro and Pro Max models were hit more often with $20 cuts, while standard and Plus models mostly saw $10 reductions. Examples reported include:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: down from $670 to $650
- iPhone 16 Pro: down from $550 to $530
- iPhone 15 Pro: down from $400 to $380
- "Up to" is not a guarantee. Final offers come after inspection and depend on condition, storage size, and whether accessories/boxes are included.
- Selling privately often yields more money, but it's slower and demands trust and logistics work; Apple's program is fast and convenient.
- If you own a high-end Mac, check the live trade-in estimate now—values have recently swung in sellers' favor.
Apple also nudged down trade-in estimates for several iPad and Apple Watch models by similar small amounts. These quoted figures are maximums—actual amounts depend on condition, configuration and the country where you trade in, and Apple's trade-in partners handle the final appraisal. For the official program details, see Apple's Trade In page: Apple Trade In.
Why the decreases? No official explanation was given. The simplest explanation is market-driven: used-device prices fluctuate with demand, availability of trade-in stock, and the release cadence of new phones. For people weighing options, this is a reminder that trading sooner rather than later can matter, and that selling privately often yields more cash—if you're willing to wrangle listings and buyers.
Macs: the wild reversal
If the iPhone numbers were a polite trimming, the Mac side looked like a bell-ringer. Apple substantially raised the "up to" estimates on a number of Mac models—most notably the MacBook Pro and Mac Pro—resulting in increases of hundreds or even over a thousand dollars for some entries. One published update shot the MacBook Pro's maximum trade-in value to $2,515 (from what had been a conspicuously low $760), and the Mac Pro jumped into the multi‑thousand‑dollar range.
The reported swings were so large that Apple adjusted the Mac values again within hours, producing more volatility. That kind of back-and-forth suggests an internal pricing correction or a publishing error rather than a sudden, predictable change in secondary-market pricing. Either way, if you own a higher-end Mac, it may be worth checking the live trade-in estimate—this moment could be unusually favorable.
If you’re watching laptop prices for an upgrade, remember there are also deals and rumors in the pipeline: Apple has had refreshes and lower-cost models in the rumor mill, and past sale patterns (like the recent MacBook Air deals) are useful context when deciding whether to trade in now or wait. And if you're thinking about a lower-cost option from Apple, keep an eye on the rumored budget MacBook J700 chatter that could affect resale demand.
China: Android brands now accepted
In China, Apple expanded the official trade-in roster to include major domestic Android brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO and vivo. That means select flagship models from those makers now appear on Apple's trade-in list with yuan-denominated maximums—for example, the Huawei Mate X5 and various Mate and P-series phones, as well as high‑end models from OPPO and Xiaomi.
Reported maxima in China include up to ¥5,800 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and up to ¥2,850 for the Huawei Mate X5, among other values. The expansion reflects Apple tailoring its program to local market realities: in China a significant portion of buyers have strong loyalty to domestic brands, so accepting those devices makes trade-ins more broadly accessible.
Practical notes for would-be traders
If you want to compare trade-in options against selling yourself, or to time an upgrade around possible new models and discounts, it helps to watch both resale markets and Apple's promotions. For example, past discounts on the MacBook Air have changed the calculus for some upgraders, and rumors of new budget laptops could shift demand for used machines.
Apple's trade-in program is run through partner services in each country, so regional differences and periodic adjustments are normal. For the most current figures and rules, consult Apple's official Trade In page.
Interested in related coverage? We tracked recent discount cycles like the MacBook Air deals and have been following rumors about a rumored budget MacBook J700, both of which could influence when you choose to trade in or sell.