Trade-in guide: Where to get the most money for your used iPhone, iPad, Watch or Mac ahead of Apple's Sept. 12 event

By Christine McKee

With iPhone launch season around the corner, we're rounding up where to get the most money for your used device at leading buyback providers, such as Gazelle, BuyBack World and MyPhones Unlimited, with special coupons and exclusive trade-in bonus deals.

As consumers await new iPhone models rumored to be announced next month, now is the time to lock in a price quote for your used device. Considering values typically drop when new phones are released, you can weather the dip in prices and get the most money for your pre-owned device by securing a quote now thanks to special bonuses being offered by leading providers. Plus, there's no downside to locking in an offer early, given that you are not bound to send your device in if you later choose not to. In fact, you can always lock in a higher rate later with the same -- or alternative service -- if a better offer presents itself. Right now, though, AI readers can secure a $20 cash bonus on every Apple device with coupon code appleinsider at MyPhones Unlimited. BuyBackWorld, also an AppleInsider partner, is offering a $10 bonus on all trades over $50 with promo code APPLEINSIDER10 -- or a $20 bonus on trade-ins valued at $200 or more with code APPLEINSIDER20. Gazelle is running a limited-time promotion tacking on a $25 cash bonus on Mac trades valued at $250 or more now through Aug. 26.

BuyBack World

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 and MyPhones Unlimited, and often paying industry-leading 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 a 30-day grace period from the time you lock in your trade-in offer to the time you need to pack the device securely in the box and drop it in the mail. 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 and inspects your old device, the company will issue payment via PayPal or one of the many other available methods, including check, Quick Pay or Quick Pass.

$10 to $20 Bonus Cash on all Apple Trade-ins over $50

In addition to above average cash payouts, BuyBackWorld is now offering AppleInsider readers an additional $20 bonus on all Apple device trade-ins valued at $200 or more when you use the links below and apply exclusive coupon code APPLEINSIDER20 during the price lock process (where it says "Enter a promotional code"). Readers with Apple trades valued at $50 to $199 can also take advantage of a $10 cash bonus with promo code APPLEINSIDER10. Both coupons work on non-Apple trade-ins as well, so if you have a Samsung Galaxy S8 or Google Pixel collecting dust, it can easily be traded for cash to upgrade to a new iPhone. A complete, detailed list of BuyBackWorld's current iPad and iPhone trade in cash payouts can be found on BuyBackWorld's website. The $20 bonus ends Sept. 30.

With the $20 cash bonus using promo code APPLEINSIDER20, BuyBackWorld is currently paying out the following for iPhones valued at $200 or more:

Apple iPhone X: Up to $575 *

Apple iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $485 *

Apple iPhone 8: Up to $470 *

Apple iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $365 *

Apple iPhone 7: Up to $295 *

*Price with coupon code APPLEINSIDER20.

BuyBackWorld is also offering AppleInsider readers a $20 cash bonus on iPads valued at $200 or more, including Pro models. Below is a sampling of current cash payouts; more iPad trade-in values can be found on BuyBackWorld's site.

iPad trade-in values (cash payouts)

64GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $440

64GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $470

128GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $320

128GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Up to $340

256GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $380

256GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Up to $425

512GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only) Up to $445

512GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Up to $410

64GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $275

64GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $380 *

256GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $380 *

256GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $420 *

512GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $450 *

512GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $490 *

32GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $240 *

32GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $250 *

128GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $265 *

128GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $280 *

256GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $295 *

256GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $320 *

*Price with coupon code APPLEINSIDER20.

With the $10 cash bonus using promo code APPLEINSIDER10, BuyBackWorld is currently paying out:

iPhone SE: Up to $155 *

iPhone 6: Up to $132 *

iPhone 5s: up to $80 *

iPad Air 2: Up to $192 *

iPad Air: Up to $145 *

iPad 4: Up to $115 *

iPad 3: Up to $75 *

iPad mini 4: Up to $190 *

iPad mini 3: Up to $155 *

Apple Watch 2 Space Black Stainless Steel (Black Sport Band): Up to $150 *

Apple Watch 2 Rose Gold Aluminum (Midnight Blue Sport Band): Up to $150 *

Apple Watch 2 Space Gray Aluminum (Black Woven Nylon Band): Up to $150 *

Apple Watch 2 Silver Aluminum (Pearl Woven Nylon Band): Up to $150 *

Apple Watch Sport Space Gray Aluminum (Black Sport Band): Up to $95 *

Apple Watch Rose Gold Aluminum (Lavender Sport Band): Up to $85 *

Apple Watch Sport Gold Aluminum (Midnight Blue Sport Band): Up to $90 *

Apple Watch Silver Aluminum (White Sport Band): Up to $90 *

Apple Watch Sport Space Gray Aluminum (Black Woven Nylon Band): Up to $90 *

Apple Watch Stainless Steel (Black Sport Band): Up to $100 *

*Price with promo code APPLEINSIDER10.

MyPhones Unlimited

Another popular trade-in service, MyPhones Unlimited offers competitive prices for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple watches. Like Gazelle and BuyBackWorld, MyPhones Unlimited provides customers with shipping supplies and prepaid postage. And for ease of use, there aren't multiple conditions to decide between that affect the net payout. As long as your device is fully functioning with no cracks, the device is categorized as "good" with the highest cash payout. Once MyPhones Unlimited receives your trade-in (quotes are good for 14 days), payment is issued via check with a majority of customers receiving the money within 10 business days of mailing in the device. By keeping margins low and refurbishing everything in house, MyPhones Unlimited is able to offer some of the best trade-in prices on Apple products.

It also pays to be an AppleInsider reader, because MyPhones Unlimited is offering AI users a $20 cash bonus on all trade-ins with coupon code appleinsider. Simply begin the quote process and enter the coupon code during checkout (please note, the code is case sensitive). On the confirmation page, you should see +$20.00 under the price in green (see below).

$20 bonus on iPhone trade-ins

iPhone X: Up to $570 *

iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $455 *

iPhone 8: Up to $410 *

iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $350 *

iPhone 7: Up to $300 *

iPhone 6s Plus: Up to $200 *

iPhone 6s: Up to $155 *

iPhone 6 Plus: Up to $160 *

iPhone 6: Up to $120 *

iPhone SE: Up to $110 *

iPhone 5s: Up to $65 *

*Price with coupon code appleinsider. Code is case sensitive.

$20 bonus on iPad trade-ins

12.9" iPad Pro: Up to $470 *

10.5" iPad Pro: Up to $400 *

9.7" iPad Pro: Up to $285 *

iPad mini 4: Up to $170 *

iPad mini 3: Up to $135 *

iPad mini 2: Up to $100 *

iPad Air 2: Up to $160 *

iPad Air: Up to $105 *

iPad 4: Up to $105 *

*Price with coupon code appleinsider. Code is case sensitive.

$20 bonus on Apple Watch trade-ins

38mm Apple Watch Sport Series 0: Up to $60 *

42mm Apple Watch Sport Series 0: Up to $70 *

38mm Apple Watch Series 0: Up to $70 *

42mm Apple Watch Series 0: Up to $90 *

38mm Apple Watch Series 1: Up to $80 *

42mm Apple Watch Series 1: Up to $95 *

38mm Apple Watch Nike+ Series 2: Up to $100 *

42mm Apple Watch Nike+ Series 2: Up to $130 *

38mm Apple Watch Stainless Series 2: Up to $160 *

42mm Apple Watch Stainless Series 2: Up to $180 *

38mm Apple Watch Series 3 GPS (Aluminum): Up to $140 *

42mm Apple Watch Series 3 GPS (Aluminum): Up to $160 *

38mm Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular (Aluminum): Up to $170 *

42mm Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular (Aluminum): Up to $190 *

38mm Apple Watch Series 3 GPS (Stainless): Up to $210 *

42mm Apple Watch Series 3 GPS (Stainless): Up to $230 *

38mm Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular (Stainless): Up to $170 *

42mm Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular (Stainless): Up to $190 *

*Price with coupon code appleinsider. Code is case sensitive.

$20 bonus on Mac trade-ins

2017 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Up to $1,320 *

2016 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Up to $920 *

2017 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Up to $920 *

2016 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Up to $720 *

2015 13" MacBook Air: Up to $320 *

2016 12" MacBook: Up to $470 *

2015 12" MacBook: Up to $370 *

*Price with coupon code appleinsider. Code is case sensitive.

Gazelle

Gazelle

is one of the nation's leading consumer electronics trade-in services and arguably the most recognizable brand in the buy-back arena, having serviced more than 2 million trade-ins to date with payouts in excess of $200,000,000. Now part of the ecoATM family, the buyback firm pays cash quickly for old electronics (via Amazon gift card, PayPal or check) and prides itself on providing a streamlined and hassle-free experience for consumers looking to sell their electronics with the least possible effort and time commitment. While trade-in values for Apple devices normally tend to come in lower than BuyBackWorld and MyPhones Unlimited, Gazelle is tacking on a $25 cash bonus on all MacBook trades valued at $250 or more through Aug. 26. This deal can make your offer much more competitive on MacBook trade-ins.

For those that haven't used the service before, you can read more about how Gazelle works here, or check out a complete list of current Apple trade-in prices at Gazelle.com. 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 and inspect it, payment will be issued.

Gazelle's current iPhone trade in prices:

iPhone X: Up to $540

iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $455

iPhone 8: Up to $400

iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $330

iPhone 7: Up to $260

iPhone 6s Plus: Up to $180

iPhone 6s: Up to $135

iPhone 6 Plus: Up to $110

iPhone 6: Up to $70

iPhone SE: Up to $80

Gazelle's current iPad trade in prices:

64GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $355

64GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $400

128GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $235

128GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Up to $275

256GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $380

256GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Up to $425

512GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only) Up to $445

512GB 12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Up to $465

64GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $275

64GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $310

256GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $335

256GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $365

512GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $375

512GB 10.5" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $410

32GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $200

128GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $215

128GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $225

256GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi Only): Up to $240

256GB 9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $260

Gazelle's current Mac trade in prices with the $25 bonus:

2017 13" MacBook Pro (2.3GHz): Up to $716 *

2016 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (3.1GHz): Up to $949 *

2017 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (2.8GHz): Up to $1,311 *

2016 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (2.6GHz): Up to $1,125 *

2015 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (2.2GHz): Up to $840 *

*Must use Gazelle pricing links above to activate $25 bonus on MacBook trades over $250.

Deals on Apple Hardware

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 discounts on AppleCare, software and accessories. These deals are as follows:

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.

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 discounts on AppleCare, software and accessories. These deals are as follows:

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.