Trade-in roundup: iPhone 7 has landed, here's where to get the most cash for your old iPhones

The best time to sell your old iPhone or iPad is when Apple introduces new models, like it did with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Here's a guide to help you net the highest trade-in value for your iPhone from Apple, Gazelle, BuyBack World, NextWorth, Amazon, or one of the many other buyback services.

Trade-in values typically drop 20 to 50 percent in the 60 days around the introduction of a new model, with much of that dip transpiring after the unveiling. Therefore, consumers who plan to purchase an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus should consider locking in a rate for their old iOS device right now before buyback offers drop even more. There's no downside to locking in an offer now, given that you are not bound to send your device in if you later choose not to, and can always lock in a higher rate later with the same — or alternative service — if a better offer presents itself.

Yes, it's also true that selling your old iPhone on eBay or Craigslist will likely net you a bit more than some of the buyback services, but not everyone has the time to set up and manage eBay listings, nor do they have the desire to set up a chance meeting with the clientele in the market for a used Apple device. So if this doesn't sound like your idea of a great Saturday afternoon, one of the following offers will likely save your a considerable amount of time and frustration.

Apple

As an existing iPhone and iPad owner, you can trade your device in directly through Apple's iPhone Trade-up Program, either online or at any Apple Store in the U.S. The online option is powered by Brightstar and requires you to mail in your device in for final inspection. For the in-store option, Apple employees appraise the device in-store. In return for your old device, Apple doles out gift cards that can be used towards future purchases from an Apple Store; Apple does not pay cash for trade-ins. The gift card payouts are also lower in value in some cases (especially iPads) than competitive cash payouts. Nevertheless, a significant number of customers nonetheless choose the in-store option out of convenience.

Currently, Apple is offering the following flat rate on all capacities, colors and carriers of each product line.

Apple iPhone trade-in payouts (store credit or gift card only):

iPhone 6s Plus: $315 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 6s: $275 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 6 Plus: $250 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 6: $225 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 5s: $125 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 5, 5c: $75 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 4s: $50 Apple Gift Card

In addition, trade-ins can be applied to Apple's Trade Up with Installments plan, which spreads out the cost of a new handset over 24 months.

BuyBackWorld

BuyBackWorld has been a fixture in our Trade-In Payout Guide for several years and operates its electronics buyback service in very much the same manner as Gazelle, but often pays slightly higher rates.

To begin, you first lock in your trade-in price by visiting BuyBackWorld's website, where you will be asked to assess the physical and operational condition of your device. A few days after locking in your price quote, a pre-paid shipping box will show up on your doorstep. You'll then have 30 days to pack up your device even if you lock in a trade-in offer today. Alternately, you can use your own shipping box and simply print and affix a pre-paid shipping label from BuyBackWorld's website during the price lock process. Once BuyBackWorld receives your old device, the company will issue a check within two business days. You can instead choose to be paid more quickly by selecting PayPal as your payment method.

$10 bonus cash on Apple trade-ins with coupon

On top of this, BuyBackWorld is now offering AppleInsider readers an additional $10 payout bonus on all Apple product trade-ins valued at $50 or more when you use the links below and apply promo code APPLEINSIDER10 during the price lock process (where it says "Enter a promotional code"). The same promo code will also work on non-Apple trade-ins as well. A complete, detailed list of BuyBackWorld's current iPad and iPhone trade in cash payouts is also available on BuyBackWorld's site.

With the $10 cash bonus, BuyBackWorld is currently paying out:

iPhone trade-in values (cash payouts)

Apple iPhone 6s Plus: Up to $311.00 *

Apple iPhone 6s: Up to $301.00 *

Apple iPhone 6 Plus: Up to $236.00 *

Apple iPhone 6: Up to $231.00 *

Apple iPhone SE: Up to $221.00 *

Apple iPhone 5s: Up to $121.00 *

Apple iPhone 5: Up to $80.00 *

* Prices shown are after $10 bonus coupon code APPLEINSIDER10 is applied.

BuyBackWorld is also offering cash payouts for iPads. Don't see your model? More iPad trade-in values can be found on BuyBackWorld's site.

iPad trade-in values (cash payouts)

Apple 12.9" iPad Pro: Up to $550.00 *

Apple 9.7" iPad Pro: Up to $510.00 *

Apple iPad Air 2: Up to $230.00 *

Apple iPad Air: Up to $169.00 *

Apple iPad 4: Up to $157.00 *

Apple iPad 3: Up to $97.00 *

Apple iPad mini 4: Up to $290.00 *

Apple iPad mini 3: Up to $170.00 *

Apple iPad mini 2: Up to $150.00 *

* Prices shown are after $10 bonus coupon code APPLEINSIDER10 is applied.

In addition to the devices listed above, BuyBackWorld also pays cash for MacBooks, iMacs, Apple Watches and accessories. Just supply the make, model and condition of the device you're looking to trade in to get an instant quote on BuyBackWorld's site.

Gazelle

Gazelle is the nation's leading consumer electronics trade-­in service and arguably the most recognizable brand in the buy-back arena, having serviced more than 1 million trade-ins to date with payouts in excess of $100,000,000. The Boston-based firm pays cash quickly for old electronics (via PayPal, check, or other means) and prides itself on providing the most streamlined and hassle-free experience for consumers looking to sell their electronics with the least possible effort and time commitment.

Unlike some of its competitors, Gazelle handles all trade-in inspections itself, doesn't nitpick over the trade-in value of devices that arrive in good working order, and will even completely wipe your device of data before passing it along to its new owner. When it comes to trade-in services that pay cold hard cash, Gazelle is one of two services that have earned AppleInsider's distinction in recent years for outstanding service and value. It offers a 30-day price lock window from when you lock in an offer till when the device needs to be in the company's hands — unless you take advantage of their special offer, which gives you until Oct. 14 to send in your device if you lock in a price today. Offer ends Sept. 7.

You can read more about how the service works here, or check out complete list of the company's current iPhone trade-in prices on their website. But basically, you visit Gazelle's website, select your model and condition and how you'd like to be paid. A few days after you lock in a cash offer, a pre-paid postage box will show up on your doorstep and you'll have 30 days to place your old iPhone in the box and drop it in the mail to Gazelle. Once they receive it, they issue payment.

Next Worth

Similar to Gazelle in many respects is NextWorth — another one of industry's largest buyers of used electronic devices. It's also offering some of the highest rates, particularly for Verizon iPhones.

Consumers can also receive payment in the form of a PayPal deposit or check. Most customers receive payment within a week following the receipt of the device.

Current cash payouts for iPhone trade-ins

iPhone 6: Up to $214

iPhone 5s: Up to $75

iPhone 5c: Up to $41

iPhone 5: Up to $70

iPhone 4s: Up to $8

iPad Air 2: Up to $250

iPad Air: Up to $180

iPad 4: Up to $150

iPad 3: Up to $95

iPad 2: Up to $75

iPad mini 4: Up to $250

iPad mini 3: Up to $140

Amazon

Amazon also offers some very competitive trade-in rates, though the online retailer doesn't widely advertise its services. Like the Apple Store, Amazon offers payment in store gift cards (in this case, you'll receive an Amazon.com gift card). The prices below are for iPhones without scratches or dents:

iPhone 6s Plus 16GB (Unlocked): $375.05

iPhone 6s Plus 64GB (Unlocked): $301.38

iPhone 6s Plus 128GB (Unlocked): $411.50

iPhone 6s 16GB (Unlocked): $350.00

iPhone 6s 64GB (Unlocked): $325.60

iPhone 6s 128GB (Unlocked): $326.58

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (AT&T): $260.00

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (AT&T): $300.00

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (AT&T): $325.00

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (Unlocked): $265.00

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (Unlocked): $300.05

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (Unlocked): $375.62

iPhone 6 16GB (AT&T): $250.00

iPhone 6 64GB (AT&T): $240.00

iPhone 6 128GB (AT&T): $280.00

iPhone 6 16GB (Unlocked): $265.00

iPhone 6 64GB (Unlocked): $295.00

iPhone 6 128GB (Unlocked): $285.00

iPhone 5s 16GB (AT&T): $92.00

iPhone 5s 32GB (AT&T): $118.00

iPhone 5s 64GB (AT&T): $122.06

iPhone 5s 16GB (Unlocked): $108.00

iPhone 5s 32GB (Unlocked): $118.00

iPhone 5s 64GB (Unlocked): $138.04

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi: $236.25

iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi: $288.80

iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi: $367.55

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $237.58

iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $367.55

iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $474.36

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi: $165.91

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi: $211.93

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi: $236.25

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi: $250.92

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): $112.80

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): $146.90

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): $179.85

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): $209.90

Best Buy

Like Apple, Best Buy offers both on-site and mail-in trade-in programs. You'll receive a Best Buy gift card in exchange for your device, not cash. However, Best Buy's payouts via gift cards have been notably inferior to its competitors' offers:

iPhone 6s Plus 16GB (AT&T): $298.00

iPhone 6s Plus 64GB (AT&T): $368.00

iPhone 6s Plus 128GB (AT&T): $405.00

iPhone 6s Plus 16GB (Unlocked): $335.00

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (AT&T): $181.00

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (AT&T): $251.00

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (AT&T): $276.00

iPhone 6 16GB (AT&T): $167.00

iPhone 6 64GB (AT&T): $200.00

iPhone 6 128GB (AT&T): $219.00

iPhone 5s 16GB (AT&T): $87.00

iPhone 5s 32GB (AT&T): $111.00

iPhone 5s 64GB (AT&T): $122.00

iPhone 5s 16GB (Unlocked): $101.00

iPhone 5s 32GB (Unlocked): $125.00

iPhone 5s 64GB (Unlocked): $137.00

iPad Air 2 16GB (Wi-Fi): $193.00

iPad Air 2 64GB (Wi-Fi): $212.00

iPad Air 2 128GB (Wi-Fi): $213.00

iPad Air 2 16GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular): $145.00

iPad Air 2 64GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular): $209.00

iPad Air 2 128GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular): $209.00

iPad Air 16GB (Wi-Fi): $141.00

iPad Air 32GB (Wi-Fi): $143.00

iPad Air 64GB (Wi-Fi): $157.00

iPad Air 128GB (Wi-Fi): $163.00

iPad Air 16GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular, AT&T): $131.00

iPad Air 32GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular, AT&T): $151.00

iPad Air 64GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular, AT&T): $141.00

iPad Air 128GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular, AT&T): $143.00

Walmart

Walmart, too, provides both in-store and mail-in trade-in opportunities. In-store trade-ins will receive a gift card on the spot, while mail-in trades will receive an electronic gift card.

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (AT&T): $184.50

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (AT&T): $225.00

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (AT&T): $250.00

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (Unlocked): $184.50

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (Unlocked): $225.00

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (Unlocked): $250.00

iPhone 6 16GB (AT&T): $175.00

iPhone 6 64GB (AT&T): $200.00

iPhone 6 128GB (AT&T): $225.00

iPhone 6 16GB (Unlocked): $175.00

iPhone 6 64GB (Unlocked): $200.00

iPhone 6 128GB (Unlocked): $225.00

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi: $140.00

iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi: $165.00

iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi: $185.00

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (All models): $150.00

iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (All models): $175.00

iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (All models): $200.00

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi: $100.00

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi: $112.50

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi: $125.00

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi: $135.00

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): $110.00

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): $120.00

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): $135.00

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): $150.00

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (Unlocked): $110.00

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (Unlocked): $120.00

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (Unlocked): $135.00

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (Unlocked): $150.00

Target

Target's trade-in program also offers store gift cards for Apple devices, but their prices are typically lower than those from BuyBackWorld, NextWorth and Gazelle. You also have to mail in your device, but shipping is free similar to Gazelle and BuyBackWorld.

Wireless Carriers

Finally, we'll note that many U.S. carriers do offer trade-in plans. In these instances however, the carrier resells your phone for you and pockets any profit, and your trade-in goes toward the purchase of a new plan or handset while you see no cash.

Additional Apple Deals

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running a handful of additional exclusive promotions this month on Apple hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in free gifts like Parallels 12 or a SuperDrive. These deals are as follows:

• Deal #1: $190-$430 off 15" MacBook Pros with AppleCare and no tax in 48 states
• Deal #2: Free SuperDrive & up to 51% off AppleCare with 13" MacBook Airs
• Deal #3: Apple's Early 2015 12-inch MacBooks with over 50% off AppleCare
• Deal #4: $50-$120 off 12.9" iPad Pros with free shipping and no tax outside NY
• Deal #5: $140-$250 off 27" iMac 5Ks with AppleCare and no tax in 48 states
• Deal #6: Save up to 98% on courses, gadgets and software in the AppleInsider Shop

See if there is a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch or Certified Used iPhone deal that will save you $100s by checking out prices.appleinsider.com and deals.appleinsider.com.