Apple raises trade-in values for iPhones, iPads, Android phones and more

Just weeks before pre-orders begin for premium iPhone 18 models, Apple hikes trade-in values.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro render.
Apple hikes trade-in values at a good time | Image by FPT
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We are probably about a month away from watching Apple introduce its first foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra. Alongside the iPhone Ultra, Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The base iPhone 18 model, the svelte iPhone 18 Air, and the low-priced iPhone 18e will see the light of day next March.

Apple splits the release of the iPhone 18's premium and standard models


Apple decided to split the introduction and release of the premium iPhone models from its other iOS-powered handsets for a few key reasons. The shortage of smartphone DRAM memory chips was due to production of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chips for AI. This demand also prevents TSMC from having enough capacity to produce more chips for Apple.

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There are other reasons why Apple is divvying up the release of its more expensive iPhone models from its "less expensive"  versions. Offering its higher-margin Pro, Pro Max, and foldable Ultra variants during the fall-holiday shopping season should help Apple maximize revenue from September through the end of this year and perhaps a little beyond. This is a brilliant strategy to kick off the reign of Apple's new CEO John Ternus.

Apple raises the value of some trades by as much as 30%


What brings all of this up, and it is a lot to digest, is that Apple has raised the valuations of the devices it accepts as a trade-in toward the purchase of certain new Apple products. Some devices have seen their trade-in valuation soar by as much as 30%. 


This change affects the valuation of devices including iPhone models, iPads, Apple Watch timepieces, Macs, and certain Android phones. Among Android models added to the list are particular Google Pixel models, and specific Samsung Galaxy S flagship and OnePlus handsets.

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As of August 6, 2026, here are the prices as quoted on Apple's Trade-in website.

Apple iPhones



Android phones


Apple iPad


  • iPad Pro-$720 (was $690)
  • iPad-$260 (was $235)
  • iPad Air-$490 (was $460)
  • iPad mini-$300 (was $265)

Apple Watch


  • Apple Watch Series 10-$165 (was $150)
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2-$305 (Unchanged)
  • Apple Watch Series 9-$135 (was $130)
  • Apple Watch Ultra-$205 (Unchanged)
  • Apple Watch Series 8-$95 (was $90)
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)-$60 (Unchanged)
  • Apple Watch Series 7-$70 (was $65)
  • Apple Watch Series 6-$45 (Unchanged)
  • Apple Watch SE (1st generation)-$30 (Unchanged)

Nearly half of iPhone buyers sell or trade-in their previous iPhone when purchasing a new one


Apple allows device owners to make a trade-in toward an online purchase, or initiate a trade-in at an Apple Store and get instant credit. According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, nearly 50% of  iPhone buyers trade in or sell their previous device when purchasing a new one. 37% of these devices are kept as a back up or given to someone as a hand-me-down, while 14% of these units are lost or stolen.

If you enjoy reading about trade-in valuation for older iPhone models, you'll love these articles:

Not happy with carrier trade-in deals? Try Gazelle.

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