The oldest iPhone model you can trade in with Apple is older than you think

If you’ve ever purchased an iPhone directly from Apple, you’ve probably seen the option to trade in an older device. By sending the company your old phone, you get a credit for your purchase. If you don’t plan to use your old phone, this is a good way to reduce the cost of an upgrade.

The trade-in value offered by Apple varies depending on how new the device is, as you would expect. However, you might be surprised how old a phone you can trade in and still get credit. Spend a few minutes digging out that old phone that’s been sitting in a drawer, because it might have some value. Vintage phones won’t be a ton, but given the high price of iPhones these days, any little bit is appreciated.

It’s a good idea to learn how the official iPhone trade-in program works in case you’ve never used it before, as well as learn what other options you have for getting cash back on an old gadget.

Apple’s trade-in page allows you to check the trade-in value of various devices. For iPhones, the oldest model you can trade in and still get credit for is the iPhone 8, released in 2017. After choosing a phone from the list, you’ll need to indicate whether it’s in GOOD Or Damaged condition. Your phone is still considered GOOD even with minor scratches or dents. In this form, Apple is offering just $35 for the iPhone 8.

If you choose the latter option, you will be asked several additional questions about what is specifically wrong with the phone. But even if you indicate that a damaged iPhone is functional and its case/screen is in good condition, you may not get anything for an older model.

The 2017 lineup also included the iPhone 8 Plus, then the then-premium iPhone X. Those who own an iPhone 8 Plus can get $40 in trade-in credit if the device is in good condition, or $10 if it has limited damage. An iPhone X in good condition costs $60, with no value for a damaged model. Keep in mind that trade-in amounts are estimates: you could get less than shown if you don’t describe the condition accurately.

Apple’s trade-in list dates back to the iPhone 5, but you won’t get any credit for these outdated phones. If your device is too damaged or too old to be accepted, the company will simply recycle it.

Of course, trade-ins are also available for devices newer than an iPhone 8. The maximum currently available is $720 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max, but given that this phone costs $1,199 upon release and will still be usable for many years, trading it in now doesn’t make sense. Other phones vary in age and condition, so follow the steps to evaluate yours.

Besides phones, Apple also accepts trade-ins for your old iPad (up to $690), Mac (up to $2,045), or Apple Watch (up to $305). You must enter a serial number to see the value of these exchanges. Other devices like HomePod, Apple TV, and AirPods are eligible for recycling but don’t donate money.

Those who are considering switching from Android to iPhone are not left out. Apple also offers a trade-in credit for certain Android phones; these are currently limited to Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus and Huawei models. As you might expect, these phones don’t offer as much value as first-party offerings; You’re also asked about storage capacity, unlike iPhone trade-ins. For example, a 128GB Pixel 9 Pro in good condition qualifies for $255, while a 1TB model in good condition fetches $315. Meanwhile, Apple is offering $50 for a Pixel 6 Pro in good condition, regardless of storage.

These reviews for non-Apple devices aren’t great, so you’re better off selling them in other markets (see below). But if you’re desperate to get rid of your old phone with minimal effort, it’s better than nothing.

If you’re considering trading in a new iPhone (or other Apple device) that you buy online, follow the steps on the company’s site to choose color, storage, and other items. When you see the Apple exchange section, choose Add an exchangeselect your phone, and answer the questions about its condition to get your estimate.

Your purchase method affects how the trade-in credit is applied. When you pay the full cost up front, the company will credit your payment method once the old unit is received and verified. If you finance the phone through an Apple Card or carrier, or lease through the new Apple Upgrade program, the trade-in amount reduces your monthly payments.

If you don’t want to buy anything new right now, or want to trade in another type of device for an iPhone, you can get the value applied to an Apple gift card. To do this, visit the Apple Trade In page, follow the evaluation steps and choose Redeem for an Apple Gift Card at the end. You will need to provide the serial number.

When you trade in your iPhone online, the company will send you a box to package it securely, along with a prepaid shipping label. Once your new phone arrives, transfer everything from your old device to the new one before preparing your old phone for the trade-in. The package contains drop-off instructions; you’ll usually take it to a UPS or FedEx location.

If you prefer, you can also trade in your iPhone at an Apple Store. These do not require an appointment, although making one can save you time. For this option, the company advises you to unpair your Apple Watch (if applicable), back up your device, and sign out of your Apple account before heading to the store. Do not delete it until a representative has evaluated it. Similar to online redemptions, you can apply the credit to a new purchase or gift card.

When you trade in your phone, you don’t have to include chargers or any other accessories. Apple will recycle them if you want, but there’s no point putting back everything you can still use.

Apple Trade In is a convenient option if you don’t want to have to sell your device directly to someone. But if you’re willing to spend a little more time, you’ll likely be able to get a better value for your device at one of the many places to sell old gadgets.

For example, Mac Me An Offer accepts iPhones directly, with no haggling or in-person meeting required. And its prices can sometimes be higher than Apple’s. At the time of writing, Apple is offering $320 for any iPhone 15 in good condition, while Mac Me An Offer goes up to $425 for a 512GB iPhone 15. Sites like SellCell help you compare prices from many outlets. And it’s still possible to sell directly to someone on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or similar.

Selling directly is more complicated, but you earn more (a company that buys your phone must make a profit by reselling it, whereas an individual does not). Another benefit of selling on third-party sites is the ability to get paid via check or services like Zelle, rather than having the value tied up in Apple credit.