Apple has quietly lowered the cash credit you can get for trading in your old iPhone, making upgrading to the latest model slightly more expensive than before. If you were waiting for the right moment to swap your current device, you might be disappointed to see the new numbers.
Your old iPhone is now worth a little less
We all know that keeping up with the annual iPhone cycle is an expensive hobby. To soften the blow to our wallets, many of us rely on Apple’s trade-in program to knock a few hundred dollars off the price of a new device. However, in an update to its website earlier this week, Apple adjusted its estimated trade-in values, and unfortunately, the numbers are trending down.
As spotted in a recent report, the maximum credit you can receive for most recent iPhone models has dropped by either $10 or $20. The trend is pretty consistent: the higher-end "Pro" and "Pro Max" models generally saw a $20 reduction, while the standard and "Plus" models were cut by $10.
Updated trade-in values for 2026
While these are estimated maximums—meaning your phone needs to be in good condition to get the full amount—here is a look at what you can expect for some of the most popular models:
Older favorites like the iPhone 13 Pro Max also took a $20 hit, dropping to $280. Even the iPhone 12 and 11 series saw $10 reductions across the board. You can check the trade-in value for your specific device by going here.
Trading in vs. selling on third party marketplaces
Old iPhones usually retain their value for a long time. | Image credit — Tron Le (Unsplash)
This latest price cut really widens the gap between convenience and value. We all know Apple’s trade-in program is the "easy button"—you hand over the phone, get your credit, and walk away. There are no photos to take, no listings to manage, and zero worry about a buyer claiming the phone never arrived.
However, that peace of mind costs you. Third-party marketplaces like Swappa or eBay almost always offer significantly more cash than Apple’s trade-in estimates, even before these reductions. If you are willing to put in a little elbow grease to list your device, negotiate with potential buyers, and ship it yourself, you could pocket enough extra cash to cover a storage upgrade or a nice case. It really comes down to what you value more right now: your time or your money.
How do you usually get rid of your old phone?
I trade it in directly with Apple/Manufacturer
0%
I sell it myself on sites like eBay or Swappa
25%
I pass it down to a family member or friend
50%
I keep it in a drawer as a backup or for my collection
25%
Is the trade-in program still worth it?
Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with these trade-in adjustments. It’s frustrating to see the value of a perfectly good device drop overnight, especially if you were just about to pull the trigger on an upgrade. Losing $20 isn't going to break the bank, but it makes the effort of selling privately on a marketplace look much more tempting than it did a week ago.
That said, for the vast majority of people, I still think the official trade-in route is the best option simply for the safety and speed. I’ve sold phones privately before, and the headache of dealing with flaky buyers often isn't worth the extra cash. Not to mention that some third party marketplaces have a "buyers remorse" policy that can be really inconvenient if you are the seller.
If you are sitting on an older iPhone and eyeing a new model, but don't want to deal with any hassle, I’d say go for the trade-in despite the price cut—just try not to wait too long, because these values rarely go back up.
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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