When it comes to Apple device trade-ins, you basically have three options: 

1. Get credit toward a purchase
2. Receive a store gift card
3. Sell your device for cash

All are valid options, and choosing the right one depends on what you are looking to accomplish. This post will focus on how does Apple trade-in work online. But if you want to explore other options, please check out our Sell Used MacBook Pro Online vs. In-Person and How To Sell Used iPad posts.

Apple Trade-In Online Options Rundown

Say you want to upgrade your current iPhone to the newest model. In this case, the Apple Trade-In program is the best choice. It is pretty darn impossible to beat their credit towards new purchase offers. Third-party competitors rarely can come close to what Apple can offer. And it makes sense: Apple wants to keep the customer locked in. So if you have no intention to switch devices, opting for a credit towards the new buy gets you the best possible value for your older iPhone.

But if you are an Apple fan and have no intention to buy a new toy just yet, you might want to take advantage of their Trade-In for a gift card instead. We suggest getting rid of your unwanted Apple tech sooner rather than later. The reason being is that by the time you are ready for your next purchase, the device you have might (and likely will) drop in value. Gift cards, on the other hand, do not expire.

Now, if you have no interest in upgrading or gift cards but actually need cash, Apple is no help here. But there are third-party buy-back services out there that will gladly take your Apple device and pay you actual money.

Credit, Gift Card or Cash?

Apple Trade-In: Credit Towards a Purchase

So, you have an older iPhone that you would gladly swap out for one of the iPhone 12 models. It can easily be done, and the best part is you don’t even have to leave your house. 

Pick a comfy spot and open your web browser head over to the Apple store. Pick the device you want to buy. And once you select your model, specs, and color, Apple will ask you if you have a smartphone to trade in. The cool thing is that it does not even have to be an Apple device. They will also accept Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and certain LG phones. If you have some other brand and model, you can have it recycled through Apple.

Apple will provide a pre-paid return kit and shipping label to send your older gadget in. They will check your device to verify its model and condition. If the offer stands, Apple will adjust the total you owe for the new phone. 

Online Apple Trade-In For a Gift Card

The same procedure works with an Apple online trade-in for a gift card; you’d just need to visit the Apple Trade-In site directly. From then on, answer a few questions to get an offer and finalize the checkout process. You have 14 days to send the device in. Depending on the test results, you will receive an Apple Gift Card over email with the original or adjusted dollar value. Once again, we’d like to remind you that the card can only be redeemed at Apple, either online or in-store. 

Apple Trade-In For a Cash Payout

There is an option for those wanting to get paid for their pre-owned Apple products. But also not willing to deal with eBay, marketplaces, and Craigslist scammers. Luckily, there are plenty of online buy-back companies willing to accommodate. Us being one of them. The procedure of a Macbook appraisal is quick and very similar to the trade-in process described above. All you need to do is:

• Visit the website and provide some information about the Apple product you are selling.

• Get a dollar estimate, and if you are willing to move forward with the sale, fill out a quick checkout form. All from the comfort of your own home.

Prepaid shipping label is provided either via email or mailed to you per request. Unlike with Apple, you have 30 days to send the device in. And if you change your mind, there are no obligations or hard feelings. Once we receive your device, our trained team of technicians will give it a quick check to make sure your online valuation is correct. After that, the order is going to be submitted for payment. Basically, you are getting paid within two business days of us receiving your MacBook Pro, iPad, or iPhone. Still, we do our best to process everything the same day. As to payments, you can choose between a traditional paper check, PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo. The last four are instant, meaning, as soon as we process your payment, it clears on your end right away.

What About iPhone Upgrade Program? 

Technically, this one has nothing to do with the Apple Trade-In. What it does is it allows you to upgrade your current iPhone each year, if eligible. For example, you bought a new phone and are paying it off monthly. Under this program, iPhone users can upgrade to the latest model if those two conditions are met: 1 – make at least 12 payments; 2 – send in your current phone back to Apple.

Bottom Line

Suppose you are an avid Apple fan and have no intention to switch brands. In that case, there is no better option than Apple Trade-In when it comes to getting rid of older technology. But for those not interested in upgrading through Apple or seeking monetary reimbursements, there are secure and convenient options out there. With Gadget Salvation, for example, you can do an iPhone trade-in, sell a used iPad or other devices in exchange for a cash payout. We hope we were able to shed some light on how does Apple trade-in work online in this article. The whole process is done online and is entirely free for sellers. So why not give it a go risk-free?