Use the Apple Trade In Program to save on your next iPhone

Apple's Trade In program lets you put money towards a new phone when you trade in your old one. Here's everything you need to know!

The time for new iPhones will soon be upon us, and if you're looking to upgrade, you might already be searching for the best way to trade in your current phone for money towards a new one. While there are a few options out there from carriers to big box retailers, you might want to take a look at Apple's Trade In program. The program lets you trade in your iPhone, either in-store or online, for credit towards a new phone or towards your monthly payments to your carrier. Trade In offers you as much as $500 for an iPhone XS Max.

Here's everything you need to know about Apple's Trade In program.

What is Apple's Trade In program?

Trade In is Apple's program where you can exchange your existing devices for credit that you can use towards a new device.

Is this related to the iPhone Upgrade Program?

No. The iPhone Upgrade Program sees you pay off the full cost of an iPhone with Apple over 24 months. In that program, you're eligible for an iPhone upgrade when you trade in your current device after 12 payments.

How do I trade in my device?

You can make your trade-in either at an Apple Retail Store or through the Apple Trade In website. If you do the latter, you can mail in your device for free and get an Apple Store gift card for the value of your iPhone or other device mailed to you.

If you plan to trade in your device in person at an Apple Retail Store, you need to be ready to buy your new device at that time. In-store trade-ins will be applied immediately to your new device. If you're not ready to make a purchase, but want to go ahead and trade in your older device, you'll need to do so through Apple's online portal.

Can I trade in any iPhone?

Not exactly. For its in-store Trade In program, Apple only accepts the iPhone 6s through iPhone XS Max. You can trade in other recent smartphones or Apple devices, but when it comes to iPhones, those are the ones Apple's willing to take.

So how much is each iPhone worth?

Apple breaks down the maximum trade-in value for each eligible iPhone like so:

• iPhone 6s: Up to $80
• iPhone 6s Plus: Up to $100
• iPhone 7: Up to $120
• iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $150
• iPhone 8: Up to $170
• iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $250
• iPhone X: Up to $320
• iPhone XR: Up to $300
• iPhone XS: Up to $420
• iPhone XS Max: Up to $500

Both Apple and Brightstar note that the iPhone you trade will be evaluated on a number of criteria, including whether or not the device powers on, damage (normal wear and tear is fine), and if it's been damaged by liquid. How an iPhone does in its evaluation will determine the full value that you get for your trade-in.

Does Apple Trade In only accept iPhones?

Nope. You can trade in more recent iPads and Macs, as well as Series 1-4 Apple Watches, and still expect a decent credit. Here's how iPads break down:

• iPad mini: Up to $80
• iPad Air: Up to $70
• iPad: Up to $100
• iPad Pro: Up to $220

Mac:

• Mac mini: Up to $230
• Mac Pro: Up to $1,700
• iMac: Up to $1,500
• iMac Pro: Up to $4,150
• MacBook: Up to $610
• MacBook Air: Up to $660
• MacBook Pro: Up to $2,530

Apple Watch:

• Series 1: Up to $30
• Series 2: Up to $100
• Series 3: Up to $100
• Series 4: Up to $100

Apple also lets you trade in "any eligible smartphone," though the company doesn't specify exactly which smartphones are eligible. It does say that trade-in values will range from $15-$260.

Do I have to use my credit towards a new iPhone?

Apple says that you can use your credit towards the full price of a new iPhone, or to lower the monthly payments you make to your carrier for your device.

Update February 2020: Updated with Apple's new trade-in values for some iPhone models, and added updated information for iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.