Other iPhone Trade-In at Apple Store - Worth it?

[ET iPhone Home]

I was wondering how many here trade-in their older iPhones at the Apple Store? I recently acquired a 12 Pro Max Pacific Blue last night 11/29th. and was now wondering if I should've traded-in my XS Max. According to Apple, the value is $370. When will the current value decrease even more? Is it worth trading it in at Apple?

I'm still on the fence about the color I chose. I'm leaning on, maybe, ordering the Graphite and including a XS Max trade-in after Christmas and the remaining balance is $829. And return the Pacific Blue separately.

I guess my question is, do most people here trade-in their older phones at Apple? Is their trade-in value worth it? Thanks.

 

[chscag]

According to Apple, the value is $370. When will the current value decrease even more? Is it worth trading it in at Apple?

Trading in at Apple is like trading in your older auto at the dealership when buying a newer one. You would likely do better selling your XS Max privately.

 

[TheIntruder]

I can't comment on the values Apple offers relative to other options, but I will say that if you do opt for a trade-in, do it at a store, and not through Apple's contracted mail-in service for trades, Phobio. Search for that term, and you'll find less than happy experiences.

 

[Apple_Robert]

If you wait until after Christmas, the trade-in value will probably have dropped, as the market will already have begun getting flood with older phones.

 

[Soondae]

You can do better at third party trade in locations than what Apple offers. While in the United States I used Best Buy for my last two trade ins on iPads, they gave me quite bit more than what Apple was offering. You can see the trade in values online. I am currently in Thailand and the Thai Apple web site was only offering 6900 baht trade in for my iPhone X 64gb ($226). I traded it in at the authorized Apple reseller here Studio7, they gave me 9000 baht ($295) trade in value toward my iPhone 12 mini. (U.S. Apple trade in web site valued the X model at $260).

The other benefit of trading in at this store was that they deducted the trade in value at time of purchase so I paid 9000 baht less than the retail price and did not have to wait for credit to an account as Apple makes you wait for 48 hours or so. The same was true at Best Buy in USA they deducted the trade in value from the retail price at time of purchase.

 

[Woyly]

You can definitely sell it for a higher price I have done that with my 7 plus.
After that every year I just traded in my phone with Apple it is simply easier and more reliable I think. Also they refund you tax too. So a little more than the quoted value.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

You can do better at third party trade in locations than what Apple offers. While in the United States I used Best Buy for my last two trade ins on iPads, they gave me quite bit more than what Apple was offering. You can see the trade in values online. I am currently in Thailand and the Thai Apple web site was only offering 6900 baht trade in for my iPhone X 64gb ($226). I traded it in at the authorized Apple reseller here Studio7, they gave me 9000 baht ($295) trade in value toward my iPhone 12 mini. (U.S. Apple trade in web site valued the X model at $260).

The other benefit of trading in at this store was that they deducted the trade in value at time of purchase so I paid 9000 baht less than the retail price and did not have to wait for credit to an account as Apple makes you wait for 48 hours or so. The same was true at Best Buy in USA they deducted the trade in value from the retail price at time of purchase.

Thank you so much. I went to Best Buy iPhone trade in and the value is $400 compared to Apple's $270. My next question is if Best Buy carries the Sim-Free (Non-Carrier) version. I should look into this before the value decreases.

 

[chscag]

My next question is if Best Buy carries the Sim-Free (Non-Carrier) version. I should look into this before the value decreases.

I don't think they do. At least I've never seen them advertise a SIM free version. They mostly handle specific carrier versions (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) And they usually want you to opt into a contract or activate another line.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

I don't think they do. At least I've never seen them advertise a SIM free version. They mostly handle specific carrier versions (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) And they usually want you to opt into a contract or activate another line.

Thanks. I prefer no-contract. I prefer pay-as-you-go plans, which is why I purchase sim-free iPhones.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

I read Apple's trade-in policy. I was under the impression, the trade-in takes place when I pick up the new phone.It appears I need to mail in the phone for inspection within 14 days of picking up the new phone. Only then is the value decided by an inspector. My fear is they will low ball their offer to less than $370. So my next question is do I have the option to get the phone back? No where is it stated.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Trading in at Apple is like trading in your older auto at the dealership when buying a newer one. You would likely do better selling your XS Max privately.

They offer reasonable prices on older models. In many cases it’s as much as eBay after fees are factored in without the added hassle, which is a smart strategy since it provides incentive to upgrade.

 

[TheIntruder]

I read Apple's trade-in policy. I was under the impression, the trade-in takes place when I pick up the new phone.It appears I need to mail in the phone for inspection within 14 days of picking up the new phone. Only then is the value decided by an inspector. My fear is they will low ball their offer to less than $370. So my next question is do I have the option to get the phone back? No where is it stated.

Phobio will return the device, more or less. sans any accompanying accessories.

The benefit of doing it at the store is that you get an instant appraisal, and instant offer of a credit on a purchase, or a gift card.

If you read about the bad experiences people have with Phobio, it's being offered a high quoted value online, then receiving a ridiculous low ball appraisal after it has been submitted. Plus there is the waiting period, and the risk of lost shipments in transit.

When I did a trade for my XS, it was painless, and there was no issues with availability given the extra spiff Apple put on the hoods of the 2018 to drive sales. I'd think there would be a way to accommodate an in-store trade given the current stock situation. But you might have to be a little more proactive in being vigilant about desired stock at the local store.

The phones at BB and elsewhere are sold under the Reseller Flex Policy. While the phones are technically shipped with no carrier attachment, they will lock themselves to the first SIM card when activated, and follow that carrier's policies. That is not the way to go for a "strings-free" phone. Apple's SIM-Free models are the most reliable source for unlocked phones.

 

[chanerz]

For ATT trade-in, if you pay off your device early, you will lose your credits! I sold mine privately.

 

[edhchoe]

Worth it if you want simple, no headache transaction

 

[broncosfan98]

I read Apple's trade-in policy. I was under the impression, the trade-in takes place when I pick up the new phone.It appears I need to mail in the phone for inspection within 14 days of picking up the new phone. Only then is the value decided by an inspector. My fear is they will low ball their offer to less than $370. So my next question is do I have the option to get the phone back? No where is it stated.

I traded in an XS Max through Apple. I used my Apple Card to buy an iPhone 12. Like you, the offer was $370 for the XS Max.(on 10/23/2020). They sent me an email saying my phone checked out and they would be issuing a refund of $370. When the refund showed up on my Apple Card, it was actually $395. So I guess you can take this as anecdotal evidence that they are reputable when evaluating your phone. (Mine was in great condition, always used a case)

 

[scubacat]

Does anyone know how the trade-in process works for the Verizon special going on right now ($440 for any iPhone 8 or newer)? The deal is available if I buy the phone through Apple, but can I turn the phone in to Apple when I pick up the new one or do I have to mail it in to Apple or Verizon?

 

[nburwell]

I can certainly see the ease of simply trading in your old iPhone to Apple, but if you want to maximize the amount of money you'll get for your older device, you're better served selling it privately (ie. Swappa).

 

[thadoggfather]

the two times I did it worked out well:

$285 for my 128GB 7+ when I got an XR, a credit issued retroactively on my full retail purchase. At the time probably could've done a bit better, like 100+ or so but not worth it for me for a phone that was 2 years old

$500 for my 64GB X when I got XR, but on standby. Still have $450 left, just bought a green sport loop otherwise on standby for a future iPhone upgrade.

it (my AT&T X) was contract locked and bought on loyalty for like $550 I think at the time with a 2 year, so definitely couldn't do much better selling privately, at least that would be worth the hassle

generally though the prices are lower than I like especially if you had the bleeding edge flagship device, only a year earlier.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

I traded in an XS Max through Apple. I used my Apple Card to buy an iPhone 12. Like you, the offer was $370 for the XS Max.(on 10/23/2020). They sent me an email saying my phone checked out and they would be issuing a refund of $370. When the refund showed up on my Apple Card, it was actually $395. So I guess you can take this as anecdotal evidence that they are reputable when evaluating your phone. (Mine was in great condition, always used a case)

Hey! I appreciate this. THANK YOU!!!! I'm stalking Apple.com for Graphite in-store pickup. I'll be including a trade-in when I place the order.

 

[Frankfurt]

My Apple trade in value for the XS was $300. I sold it on swappa for $500.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

Phobio will return the device, more or less. sans any accompanying accessories.

The benefit of doing it at the store is that you get an instant appraisal, and instant offer of a credit on a purchase, or a gift card.

If you read about the bad experiences people have with Phobio, it's being offered a high quoted value online, then receiving a ridiculous low ball appraisal after it has been submitted. Plus there is the waiting period, and the risk of lost shipments in transit.

When I did a trade for my XS, it was painless, and there was no issues with availability given the extra spiff Apple put on the hoods of the 2018 to drive sales. I'd think there would be a way to accommodate an in-store trade given the current stock situation. But you might have to be a little more proactive in being vigilant about desired stock at the local store.

The phones at BB and elsewhere are sold under the Reseller Flex Policy. While the phones are technically shipped with no carrier attachment, they will lock themselves to the first SIM card when activated, and follow that carrier's policies. That is not the way to go for a "strings-free" phone. Apple's SIM-Free models are the most reliable source for unlocked phones.

Thank you. I've decide to trade-in my XS Max at Apple. $370 is better than nothing and it was $30 less than the $400 BB quoted.. A guy here posted that Apple gave him $395 even though his quote was $370. I hope the same happens to mie. My XS Max is pristine - always in a case with Belkin Glass Screen Protector.

 

[broncosfan98]

Hey! I appreciate this. THANK YOU!!!! I'm stalking Apple.com for Graphite in-store pickup. I'll be including a trade-in when I place the order.

No problem. I should add that my XS was a space gray 64gb model on Verizon. I don't know if any of that played into the final refund or not. Hope it works out for you.

 

[Devyn89]

I only recommend trading in at Apple if you don’t want to go through the headache of selling your phone privately (or even to a differnet trade-in company). The value is ok at Apple, but you’ll get more selling privately (though more work, finding a buyer and then either sending them the phone or meeting somewhere to trade the phone for money).

 

[vitacura]

Thank you. I've decide to trade-in my XS Max at Apple. $370 is better than nothing and it was $30 less than the $400 BB quoted.. A guy here posted that Apple gave him $395 even though his quote was $370. I hope the same happens to mie. My XS Max is pristine - always in a case with Belkin Glass Screen Protector.

The extra amount was probably tax credit. I traded my iPhone XS in at Apple for $300 and received $325.50 refund on my card. This could be state dependent on their tax rules.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

I was able to return my Pacific Blue and purchase Graphite 12 Pro Max. Let me preface my saying, I am keeping the Graphite. No issues. But, I was wondering, how many times can anyone return an iPhone before being flagged by Apple? I read, last year, that someone here kept returning their 11 Pro Max due to yellow tint. Just me giving an example of why an iPhone was being returned. Is their a cap on how many returns Apple will allow?