If you’re considering using Apple’s trade-in program to upgrade to the iPhone 16, it’s crucial to get your device repaired if it’s damaged.
As shared by a fellow tech blogger, Apple takes a different approach than you might anticipate regarding device condition. Instead of simply reducing the trade-in value to account for repair costs—which might be as low as $29 with AppleCare—they may determine that your phone has no value at all.
Michael Simon from Macworld learned this firsthand while preparing to upgrade.
Apple advertises trade-in values up to $650, and I thought my 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max was in line for a good amount. However, the moment I started answering Apple’s straightforward questions about its condition, it became evident that wouldn’t be the case.
The issue arose from the cracked back glass; I had dropped it some months ago without a case, and since the front glass remained intact, I postponed the repair, even with AppleCare+. I expected Apple would deduct the $29 repair cost during the trade-in.
That’s not how it operates. When I flagged that my phone was damaged by answering “No” to the condition inquiry, Apple informed me that the trade-in value would be $0.
Instead, they offered to recycle the device for me.
Fortunately, he managed to schedule a $29 repair just before the pre-orders opened, but time is running out for anyone who might need a similar fix.
Given that Apple has set prices for repairs regardless of AppleCare status, it’s puzzling why they don’t simply reduce the trade-in value by this cost. Regardless, they depend on the owner’s honesty in declaring damages when estimating trade-in worth, adjusting it once they receive the phone, which mitigates risk for the company.
Personally, I prefer to keep my devices protected in a case and plan to sell mine to a friend for the trade-in amount, as that’s what I would have done anyway. If you’re looking to trade in a damaged phone, make sure to get it repaired first.