Apple raises trade‑in payouts for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Watches

Apple has quietly updated its trade‑in payout ranges, increasing the maximum amount users can receive for a range of iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches [2]. The adjustments, which vary by model, configuration and condition, come just days before the company’s WWDC 2026 developer conference scheduled for June 8 [1].

Key takeaways

• iPhone 15 Pro gets a $35 increase, raising the top payout to $410 [2].
• Mac Studio’s maximum trade‑in value climbs by $70 to $1,045 [2].
• All iPad models see higher payouts, with the iPad Mini reaching $265 [2].
• Some older devices, such as the second‑gen iPhone SE and original Watch Ultra, receive lower trade‑in values [2].
• Apple’s trade‑in program no longer accepts the latest Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24 phones [2].

Trade‑in value bumps across Apple’s product line

The most noticeable changes affect the newest iPhone Pro models. The iPhone 15 Pro’s top payout rises to $410, a $35 increase, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max now tops out at $490, up $25 from the previous figure [2]. Similar lifts apply to the iPhone 16 ($460, +$25) and the iPhone 14 Pro Max ($375, +$25). Mid‑range devices also benefit: the third‑generation iPhone SE sees its ceiling rise to $80, a $5 bump [2]. Conversely, the second‑generation iPhone SE experiences a reduction, illustrating that not all models receive upward adjustments [2].

Mac computers receive comparable attention. The MacBook Air’s maximum payout climbs to $520, an increase of $35, while the Mac Mini jumps from $340 to $375, a 10.3% rise [2]. The most substantial Mac boost goes to the Mac Studio, whose top payout now stands at $1,045, up $70 [2]. These changes occur despite Apple’s shift away from Intel‑based hardware, suggesting a continued market for used Intel Macs [2].

Apple’s wearable lineup also sees modest gains. The Watch SE (2nd generation) can fetch up to $60, a $5 increase, and the Watch Ultra 2’s ceiling rises to $305, up $10 [2]. The newer Watch Series 9 receives a $10 bump, reaching $130 [2]. However, older models such as the original Watch Ultra see reduced payouts, highlighting a selective approach to valuation [2].

Why it matters

The timing of the trade‑in updates, just before WWDC 2026, may influence consumer decisions as new hardware is typically announced at the conference [1]. Higher payouts could soften the financial impact of upgrading to the latest devices, while the removal of Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24 phones from the program signals a narrowing focus on Apple’s own ecosystem [2]. For users with eligible devices, the revised maximum values provide clearer expectations for resale or upgrade pathways, but actual amounts will still depend on condition and specific configurations. As Apple continues to refine its trade‑in program, shoppers should monitor both the announced payouts and upcoming product releases to gauge the best moment to trade in.