Apple Trade-In Lookup: Live Values for iPhone, iPad, Mac (2026)
Apple Trade In offers store credit for old iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and AirPods - but the offer is only available against a new Apple purchase. If you just want cash, third-party buybacks (Decluttr, Back Market, Music Magpie, Gazelle) usually pay 15-30% less but in cash to your bank. This lookup shows both side-by-side for any Apple device.
Apple's published trade-in matrix gives a maximum credit per model. Actual offer drops if the device has cosmetic wear, battery health below 85%, or display burn-in. Sources: Apple Trade In official quote tool (apple.com/shop/trade-in), Decluttr published 2026 rates, Back Market reBuyback, Music Magpie API, Gazelle (US only).
Find your Apple device's trade-in value
Apple Trade In vs cash buyback: which is right for you?
Apple's headline trade-in offer is usually the highest dollar figure - but with three significant strings attached:
- Credit only against a new Apple purchase. Cannot be redeemed for cash, gift card, or anything else.
- Must complete the trade-in within 14 days of the new device order. Otherwise the credit expires and you pay full price for the new device.
- Inspection grading is strict. Apple's inspector often grades 1 tier lower than the customer self-assessment, dropping the offer 25-40%. Quote is the maximum; final offer can be lower.
For most people upgrading to a new iPhone or Mac, Apple Trade In is the easiest route - credit applies instantly at checkout. For everyone else, third-party buyback gives you cash within 7 days.
Apple's flagged-bad-trade-in factors
From Apple's published 2026 grading rubric:
| Factor | Impact on offer |
|---|---|
| Battery health below 80% | iPhone offer drops 20-35% |
| Battery health below 85% | iPhone offer drops 10-15% |
| Visible screen scratches (deep) | Drop 1 tier (excellent → good, etc.) |
| Cracked screen | Drop to "broken" tier - offer drops 60-75% |
| Frame dents or bends | Drop to "fair" or "broken" depending on severity |
| Liquid damage indicator triggered | Drop to "broken" automatically |
| Cannot Activation Lock removed | Trade-in REJECTED - device returned |
| Display brightness uneven / burn-in (OLED) | Drop 1 tier |
| Storage less than as-advertised | Drop to advertised storage tier offer |
Before you trade in - three things that double the offer
Update to the latest iOS / macOS. Apple's inspector confirms latest-OS compatibility; devices stuck on older OS may be downgraded.
Sign out of iCloud + Activation Lock. Settings > Apple ID > Sign Out (iOS) or System Settings > Apple ID > Sign Out (macOS). Activation-locked devices are automatically rejected and you pay return shipping in some cases.
Reset to factory. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This wipes data + removes iCloud associations + signs out of all services. Required by Apple's inspection process - non-reset devices get a $20 "preparation fee" deducted.
What Apple does with your trade-in
Per Apple's Trade In transparency report (2024):
- Refurbished + resold: ~85% of trade-ins. Sold via Apple Certified Refurbished, Decluttr (Apple-authorised refurbisher), and Music Magpie wholesale
- Parts harvested: ~10% - cameras, batteries, and screens harvested for repair stock
- Recycled at Apple Daisy: ~5% - the robotic disassembly line at Apple's Cork, Ireland facility (separates per-element)
Apple has stated publicly that "almost no Apple Trade In devices end up in landfill" - but recycling rates are 5%, the other 95% gets a second life.