Apple increases trade-in value for several iPhones ahead of iPhone 15 launch

iPhone lineup
US pricing for the current iPhone lineup (Image credit: Apple)

Apple has increased the maximum trade-in values of older Pro iPhone models in anticipation of the iPhone 15 in September. Conversely, the maximum trade-in values for other phones – particularly the older iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini models – have been reduced.

The adjustments, which you can check for yourself on Apple's site, primarily affect the Pro models. Non-Pro and pint-sized models, such as the iPhone 12 mini either see decreases (from $220 to $200), or slight increases, with the iPhone 13 mini going keeping its $330 value in the US and seeing a small £335 to £340 rise in the UK. The 2020 iPhone SE also sees a decrease in value, from $100 to $90, while the 2020 iPhone SE’s value remains unchanged at $160. Here's the full updated pricing breakdown:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
ModelNew trade-in valueOld trade-in value
iPhone 13 Pro MaxUp to $640 / £630Up to $630 / £590
iPhone 13 ProUp to $530 / £525Up to $530 / £510
iPhone 13 miniUp to $330 / £340Up to $330 / £335
iPhone 12 Pro MaxUp to $460 / £390Up to $440 / £390
iPhone 12 ProUp to $360/ £420Up to $350 / £350
iPhone 12 miniUp to $200/ £210Up to $220 / £220
iPhone SE (2nd generation)Up to $90 / £105Up to $90 / £105
iPhone 11 ProUp to $250/ £245Up to $240 / £240

On the other hand, the trade-in values of high-end models like the iPhone 11 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, and 13 Pro Max have been increased. Apple's aim is likely to cater to customers seeking higher-value devices and the absolute best iPhones. The UK phones see the most substantial increases, with iPhone 13 Pro Max seeing a rise from £590 to £640, while the 12 Pro goes from £350 to £420.

A true value king

Apple's iPhones are renowned for retaining their value over time, making them an attractive choice for customers who prefer to hold on to their devices, rather than upgrading every year or two. With the assurance of a fixed maximum trade-in value, users can comfortably use an iPhone for three or four years, knowing that they can cash in their handset when the time comes to upgrade.

While the highly anticipated Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are expected to be announced in September, these favorable trade-in values can also be taken advantage of by customers looking to benefit from the reduced prices of older or refurbished models offered by Apple. 

Michael Allison
Staff Writer, Phones

A UK-based tech journalist for TechRadar, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a primary focus on mobile phones, tablets, and wearables.

When not writing on TechRadar, I can often be found reading fiction, writing for fun, or working out.