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š± Introduction: Apple Devices Lose ValueāFast!
Apple has quietly updated its trade-in program, cutting the value of almost every major product category, including iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, and even iPads. While this isnāt unusualāApple frequently adjusts its trade-in rates based on age, market demand, and upcoming launchesāthis latest round of changes has some users frustrated. The reductions mostly affect 2023 models, though older devices havenāt been spared either. Even worse, Apple has now classified two older products as completely valueless, removing them from the trade-in program altogether.
So what exactly changed, and what does it mean for Apple users considering an upgrade?
š Apple Trade-In Cuts: Key Takeaways
Apple has revised trade-in values for many devices, with iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, and even iPads seeing reduced returns when exchanged for store credit. Hereās a breakdown of whatās happening:
š» iPhone Trade-In Reductions
Appleās latest iPhones are now worth slightly less when traded in:
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Reduced from $630 to $600
iPhone 15 Pro: Reduced from $500 to $480
iPhone 15 Plus: Reduced from $440 to $430
iPhone 15: Reduced from $400 to $380
These changes affect the maximum value Apple will offer, assuming the device is fully functional and in good cosmetic condition. Even older iPhone models have been hit with smaller reductions.
š» Mac Trade-In Hits
All Mac models now offer lower trade-in values, with the Mac Studio seeing the steepest cut:
Mac Studio: Down from $1,140 to $990
Thatās a \$150 reduction, which stings for those who recently invested in higher-end machines expecting decent returns.
ā Apple Watch and iPad
Apple Watch trade-in cuts hit both the Ultra (1 & 2) and the Series 5. The iPad Air also saw a reduction, while the base iPad got a minor bump in value.
ā Products Now Worth Nothing
Two Apple devices are no longer accepted for trade-in:
12-inch MacBook
Apple Watch Series 4
This move officially marks them as obsolete in
š Apple-Highlighted Accessories
While trade-in values drop, Apple still promotes high-margin accessories:
Anker 511 Nano Pro charger
Spigen MagFit iPhone case (adds MagSafe)
Apple MagSafe Charger with 25W power
Apple 30W USB-C charger
Anker 240W braided USB-C cable
š§ What Undercode Say: Market Trends, Timing & User Value
The trade-in value cuts by Apple signal several key trends:
š Strategic Timing Ahead of New Releases
Apple often reduces trade-in values just before new product announcements. With the iPhone 16 and updated MacBooks expected later this year, this pricing shift likely aims to protect margins and nudge users toward new purchases at full price.
šø Declining Value vs. Private Sale
Apple’s trade-in program offers convenience, but at a steep cost. For instance, an iPhone 15 Pro Max in excellent condition might sell for \$750+ in private marketplaces, compared to Apple’s \$600 offer.
š Accelerated Depreciation of Macs
The Mac Studioās \$150 drop reflects Appleās evolving product cycle and possibly a repositioning of the desktop lineup. It may also suggest slower demand for professional-grade hardware amid rising prices and economic uncertainty.
š§¾ What āNot Acceptedā Really Means
The exclusion of the 12-inch MacBook and Apple Watch Series 4 is symbolic. It doesnāt just mean Apple wonāt take themāit also sends a message that these devices are no longer part of the supported ecosystem, nudging users toward full replacement.
šļø Retail Ecosystem Strategy
By emphasizing accessoriesālike MagSafe chargers and braided cablesāApple continues to upsell high-margin add-ons that bolster profits, even when trade-in values drop.
š§āāļø User Sentiment & Brand Loyalty
For many Apple users, the ecosystemās ease is more important than maximizing resale value. Apple banks on this loyalty, knowing that convenience often outweighs cost in a userās upgrade decision.
ā Fact Checker Results
Apple did officially update its trade-in values in July 2025. ā
The Mac Studio now trades in for \$990, a confirmed cut from \$1,140. ā
The 12-inch MacBook and Apple Watch Series 4 have been removed from the trade-in eligibility list. ā
š® Prediction: Whatās Next for Apple Users?
Expect more aggressive trade-in cuts as Apple gears up for its fall 2025 keynote. New models, particularly the iPhone 16 series and updated Apple Silicon Macs, will likely be priced at a premium. Users holding onto devices older than 2021 should consider selling soonābefore their products become valueless in Appleās ecosystem. Accessories will continue to be a big push, especially as Apple expands its MagSafe and USB-C lineup. Keep an eye on Amazon and third-party resellers if you’re looking to stretch the value of your older Apple gear.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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