Apple reduces trade-in values for iPhone, iPad and Mac

Apple Trade In has for years served as the tech giant's device recycling program, offering customers an option to turn in older hardware in exchange for an Apple Gift Card. The strategy is pitched in part as an environmental initiative that redirects electronics waste from landfills and into future devices.

Trade-in values regularly fluctuate depending on a variety of factors including device age and demand for new products. As spotted by MacRumors on Tuesday, Apple once again shifted pricing overnight to lower maximum payouts for nearly all eligible iPhone and iPad models, as well as a few Macs.

For example, the last-generation iPhone 12 Pro Max now fetches up to $700, down from $790 seen on Monday, according to a cached version of Apple's trade-in webpage hosted by the Internet Archive. Similarly, values for iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini were reduced from respective top-end estimates of $640, $530 and $400 down to $600, $450 and $350. Pricing for the iPhone 6s, the oldest handset to be included in the program, remains unchanged at $30, though its larger iPhone 6s Plus stablemate gets a reduction from $60 to $50.

The iPad sees similar value changes, with iPad Pro netting up to $550, depending on model and release date. That figure is down from estimates of $580. Trade-in pricing for iPad, iPad Air and iPad mini is set at $205, $345 and $205, respectively, down from estimates of $240, $360 and $225 offered prior to the change.

Mac remains largely unaffected, though the values of Intel-only models like iMac Pro and Mac Pro are down to $2,510 and $2,720, respectively. Previously, Apple was handing out gift cards worth up to $2,930 and $3,240 for those models. Mac mini payouts are set at up to $800, down from $900.

Apple also lowered trade-in values for Android handsets, but kept Apple Watch unchanged at a high of $270 for Apple Watch Series 6.

Apple last issued sweeping changes to its Trade In program in early 2020 when it cut price estimates across all product lines.

AppleInsider readers looking to trade in their device will likely find a better deal from Decluttr, which is extending an extra 10% to sellers with code INSIDERTEN. Make sure to check out our trade-in guide for the best prices on your Apple gear.