Apple raises trade‑in values for iPhone 16, iPad, Mac and Watch models

Apple announced a refresh of its U.S. trade‑in program, boosting the maximum credit you can receive for a range of recent iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models [1]. The adjustments add between $5 and $35 to the top payouts, with the biggest jumps for the base iPhone 16 and several Mac computers.

Key takeaways

• iPhone 16 base model gets a $25 increase, raising its max trade‑in value to $460 [1].
• MacBook Air trade‑in rises to $520; Mac mini jumps to $375, the largest increase for Apple computers [1].
• Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 9 and original Ultra each gain $10 in trade‑in value [1].
• iPad Pro’s maximum value climbs to $690, while iPad Air, iPad and iPad mini each receive a $15 bump [1].
• Students with a max‑value MacBook Air trade‑in may qualify for a free MacBook Neo [1].

Trade‑in value bumps across Apple’s product line

Apple’s updated trade‑in schedule adds modest but noticeable credit to many of its newest devices. For the iPhone 16 family, the Pro Max, Pro and Plus models each receive an extra $10, while the base iPhone 16 sees a $25 increase, bringing its top payout to $460 [1]. The oldest eligible iPhones, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, remain at $35 and $45 respectively.

Mac computers also see higher payouts. The MacBook Pro’s maximum value rises from $685 to $690, and the MacBook Air jumps from $485 to $520 [1]. The Mac mini receives the largest computer boost, moving from $340 to $375, reflecting its strong demand. Apple notes a special student incentive: a max‑value MacBook Air trade‑in combined with a student ID could qualify the buyer for a complimentary MacBook Neo [1].

Apple Watch trade‑in values are adjusted by $10 for the Ultra 2, Series 9 and the original Ultra, while the Series 10 value stays at $150 [1]. iPad trade‑in values increase by up to $20, with the iPad Pro reaching $690 and the iPad Air, iPad and iPad mini each gaining $15 [1].

Why it matters

The higher trade‑in credits make upgrading to the latest Apple hardware slightly more affordable, especially for customers who prefer Apple’s instant‑credit system over third‑party resale options [2]. The changes are live but may be revised without notice, so shoppers are advised to check Apple’s official estimator for device‑specific amounts based on condition [2]. By enhancing payouts on a broad set of devices, Apple aims to retain users within its ecosystem and encourage upgrades, while also offering a unique student benefit that could drive higher education sales.