Apple Cuts iPhone Trade-In Values for 2026

Apple has quietly reduced the amount of credit users can receive when trading in older iPhones, making upgrades slightly more expensive for millions of users across the U.S.

If you were holding onto your device waiting for the “right moment” to upgrade, that moment may have already passed.

Your iPhone Is Now Worth Less

Apple’s official trade-in program has long been the fastest way to reduce the cost of a new iPhone. But according to updated listings on Apple’s website, most recent iPhone models have now dropped in value by $10–$20.

As usual, the biggest reductions hit higher-end models:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max – Up to $650 (was $670)
• iPhone 16 Pro – Up to $530 (was $550)
• iPhone 16 Plus – Up to $440 (was $450)
• iPhone 16 – Up to $410 (was $420)
• iPhone 15 Pro Max – Up to $450
• iPhone 14 Pro Max – Up to $350

Even older favorites like the iPhone 13 Pro Max saw a $20 reduction, while iPhone 12 and 11 models dropped by $10.

You can verify your device’s current value directly on Apple’s trade-in page: https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in

Trade-In vs Selling Privately

Apple’s trade-in program is convenient. No listings. No negotiations. No shipping stress.

But convenience comes at a cost.

Marketplaces like Swappa and eBay still offer higher payouts for well-maintained iPhones, even after fees. For users willing to manage photos, messages, and shipping, private resale can easily cover a storage upgrade—or a premium phone case.

The deciding factor is simple: time versus money.

Why Phone Condition Matters More Than Ever

As trade-in values continue to slide, the physical condition of your phone has never mattered more. Scratches, chipped corners, and worn frames can push your device into a lower valuation tier instantly.

This is where protection stops being optional.

Using a high-quality case from day one can preserve resale value and keep you eligible for maximum trade-in credit. Komodoty’s latest wood and aramid fiber iPhone cases are designed to stay slim while protecting impact zones that Apple checks first during trade-ins.

If you’re upgrading—or planning to—protecting your next iPhone early is simply cost control.

First-time Komodoty customers receive 10% off with code 10OFF at checkout.

Is Apple’s Trade-In Still Worth It?

For users who want speed and certainty, yes. Apple’s trade-in remains the safest route with zero friction.

But with values trending downward and unlikely to rebound, waiting longer rarely pays off. If you’re sitting on an older iPhone and planning to upgrade soon, trading in earlier—or selling privately—now makes more sense than later.

As always with Apple pricing, hesitation costs money.