Simo Elalj, CEO of RefurbMe
• Jul 25, 2023
You don’t know what to do with your old Apple devices, such as an iPhone, a MacBook, an iPad, or an Apple Watch? Are you also looking for a new Apple device but don’t want to pay the total cost in the Apple Store? The Apple Trade In program might be what you are looking for. However, there are additional options for you to consider, such as buying refurbished devices. Keep reading to know everything about the program and the refurbished alternative.
Table of contents
- What is the Apple Trade In program?
- How does the Apple Trade in program work?
- How to trade in your current Apple device on the Apple Store
- The alternative: Buying refurbished devices
- Where to compare and buy the best refurbished Apple devices
- FAQ
What is the Apple Trade In program?
The Apple Trade In program allows Apple users to turn in their old eligible devices in exchange for credit toward the next purchase or an Apple Gift Card that can be used anytime. At the same time, if the device is not eligible for credit, they will recycle it for free and help reduce electronic waste while saving natural resources.
If you have your eyes on a new Apple device, such as a new iPhone or a MacBook Pro, but prices are too high at the moment, Apple’s trade can ease the burden so you can keep more of your precious cash.
How does the Apple Trade in program work?
The Apple Trade In program is pretty easy to use. As an Apple customer, you first need to choose whether your item is worth a replacement. Maybe your iPhone is running slower, or your Mac isn’t compatible with the latest OS anymore. Whatever the reason, and even if your soon-to-be-old device is working in perfect condition, Apple will find a new owner after completing the store trade.
How to trade in your current Apple device on the Apple Store
- Visit the Apple Trade In site.
- Check the eligible devices and their estimated value for the trade-in.
- Select a device you want to purchase on the same site to get a more detailed quote.
- Choose the configuration, such as the color, storage, and carrier.
- Answer Yes to the question about the iPhone ownership to make the trade.
- Choose your old device for the quote.
- Answer Yes or No if your device is in good condition.
- The trade-in value would appear next, along with special trade-in deals with the carrier you chose (if applicable).
- Lastly, you only have to select payment and delivery options.
After you have chosen your new product and it arrives at your destination or decide to pick it up at an Apple Store, the company will send you an email with instructions to prepare the trade-in. You can return it using the prepaid trade-in kit or go to a local store. Next, a team will inspect the device and check if everything is correct and that the condition you described is accurate.
If you don’t want an online trade, the same process works for in-store exchanges. Bring your device with you to the closest Apple Store and let the technicians perform a quick check. After a short time, they will give you a quote. Any estimate is obligation-free, so don’t be afraid to say no to the device’s trade if you don’t find it a great deal.
It’s worth noting that Apple offers an easy-to-use service to transfer your data and personal information to your new device. In addition, you’ll have temporary access to all the iCloud storage you need to complete the process.
The alternative: Buying refurbished devices
If you wish to upgrade your current Apple device and save money, Apple’s Trade In Program is not the only option. You can also opt to buy refurbished devices.
New Apple products are usually expensive. Even though their durability is high, you may not be comfortable paying the total amount. Buying refurbished will allow you to get a perfectly working device—sometimes indistinguishable from a brand new model, as it happens when purchasing from the Apple Certified Refurbished program.
Refurbishers and sellers alike have defined cosmetic conditions to let customers quickly know what they can expect from a refurbished item in terms of appearance.
Countless computers, smartphones, and tablets are sold worldwide each year, and the trend will persist in the future. We also acknowledge the importance of boosting the circular economy when users choose to buy refurbished products and want to be part of this change.
Where to compare and buy the best refurbished Apple devices
On RefurbMe, we specialize in comparing hundreds of refurbished Apple products from multiple merchants. We only list products from reputable sellers that offer a warranty. No more visiting and comparing all the deals individually; you will only need a couple of clicks on our platform.
Head on to our bestselling page to start comparing deals. Look for specific configurations, set price and stock alerts, sort items by the best discount, and add any other filter necessary to find your favorite tech item.
MacBook Pro 13.3"
500GB Hard Drive
2.5Ghz Intel Dual-Core i5 3rd gen
4GB memory • Silver
2012 release
Good condition, by Amazon
$178
new $1,199 -85%
View deal
+1 deals
iPhone X
Unlocked
64GB storage
Space Gray
Fair condition, by Gazelle
View deals
+3 deals
iPhone Xs
Unlocked
64GB storage
Space Gray
Fair condition, by Gazelle
$167
new $999 -83%
View deals
Compare all Refurbished Apple Products
Don’t also forget to check our partnership with Decluttr to sell your tech and save even more money when buying an iPad.
Happy buying!
FAQ
Can I trade in refurbished devices at the Apple Store?
Yes. As with any other device, Apple will examine your device’s current condition to give you a quote and accept the trade-in of a refurbished device to buy a new one. However, if the refurbishment process involved opening up the device or the replacement of a part by an unauthorized third party, Apple may reject it.
Can I trade in my refurbished Apple device for another at the Apple Store?
Yes. If Apple accepts your current refurbished device, you can choose to get credit in an Apple Gift Card and use it to buy another refurbished device at Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store. Back up your data on iCloud or your computer manually before your purchase because you won’t be able to migrate it directly with this workaround.
Can you trade in an Apple device before buying a new one?
Yes, you can always choose to trade in your device to get credit in an Apple Gift Card and purchase a new or a refurbished device later on.
What devices can I trade in at Apple?
You can trade iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, although Apple won’t take iPods or Apple TVs. The company can responsibly recycle the devices it won’t accept for a trade-in without cost.
Can I trade in more than two Apple devices at the same time?
Yes, you can trade in multiple devices and use your balance to buy a new one.
Is Apple Trade In safe?
Yes, Apple Trade In follows the same standards and reputation as any other Apple service. Expect to get high-quality customer service and excellent handling of your devices.
Do Apple Certified Refurbished devices have a warranty?
Yes, Apple Certified Refurbished devices have the same 1-year warranty as their new products.
Simo Elalj
CEO and Founder at RefurbMe. I made this project back when I was 15 when I had to wake up at 2am to buy my own refurbished Macbook Pro. Passionate about circular economy, great UX and goats.
