Holiday 2026
What to do with
your old iPhone
New iPhone under the tree? Your old one is worth something, either as Apple trade-in credit, as cash, or as a phone for someone else. Pick your old iPhone to see what it's worth and how long it will keep getting updates, then choose the option that fits.
Updated 13 November 2026 ยท Apple's US trade-in values and repair prices
How this page makes money. Some links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links never change a verdict, nothing here is a paid placement, and we don't list Amazon prices because they change by the hour. Repair prices and trade-in values are Apple's own.
Pick your old iPhone.
Your five options
| Option | Best when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Trade it in to Apple | You want it simple: credit on your card or an Apple Gift Card | Mail-in phones must ship within 14 days of getting the new one, and Apple can revise the value after inspection |
| Sell it yourself | The phone is recent and in good shape; private buyers often pay more | More effort, and you deal with buyers and payment yourself |
| Hand it down | It still has a couple of years of iOS updates left | A tired battery: check Battery Health first |
| Keep it as a backup | It's old and worth little; handy for travel or if the new one breaks | Keep it charged now and then, and updated |
| Recycle it | It's worth nothing and nobody needs it | Apple recycles any iPhone for free, whatever the model or condition |
How Apple Trade In works
- In a store or online. If you pay in full for the new iPhone, the credit goes back to your card, up to the purchase price; anything left over comes as an Apple Gift Card.
- By mail. Apple sends a prepaid kit or drop-off instructions, and the phone must ship within 14 days of receiving your new one.
- If the condition doesn't match. Apple offers a revised value. You can accept it, or reject it and get the phone back.
Before it leaves your hands, follow Apple's checklist for trading in, selling or giving away an iPhone.
Buying on Amazon? Prime members get free, fast delivery on millions of items, handy for holiday gifts. Not a member? See Amazon's current Prime offer (affiliate link: we may earn a referral fee if you join). Student or 18 to 24? Prime for Young Adults costs less.
Trade-in value and updates left, by model
| Model | Apple trade-in, up to | iOS updates left | New battery at Apple |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $590 | about 5 years | $119 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $510 | about 5 years | $119 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | $450 | about 5 years | $99 |
| iPhone 16 | $440 | about 5 years | $99 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $445 | about 4 years | $99 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | $365 | about 4 years | $99 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | $325 | about 4 years | $99 |
| iPhone 15 | $305 | about 4 years | $99 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $360 | about 3 years | $99 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | $285 | about 3 years | $99 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | $215 | about 3 years | $99 |
| iPhone 14 | $195 | about 3 years | $99 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $330 | about 2 years | $89 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $265 | about 2 years | $89 |
| iPhone 13 | $180 | about 2 years | $89 |
| iPhone 13 mini | $145 | about 2 years | $89 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | $220 | about 1 year | $89 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | $180 | about 1 year | $89 |
| iPhone 12 | $120 | about 1 year | $89 |
| iPhone 12 mini | $85 | about 1 year | $89 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | $145 | about 1 year | $89 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | $125 | about 1 year | $89 |
| iPhone 11 | $105 | about 1 year | $89 |
Apple's maximum US trade-in values for phones in good condition; damaged phones get less. Updates left is our estimate from Apple's past pattern, not an Apple promise.
Sources: Apple Trade In, checked 12 November 2026 ยท Apple iPhone repair estimates, checked 9 November 2026
Handing it down? Two things it'll need
A fresh case and screen protector make a hand-me-down feel new, and cost far less than a repair. For the full setup, see handing down an iPhone to your kid.
Cases for iPhone 14 Screen protectors
Not sure the new phone was worth it? See what keeping the old one would have cost.
Check an iPhoneQuestions
How much will Apple give me for my old iPhone?
It depends on the model and condition. Apple lists maximum US trade-in values for phones in good condition, such as up to $180 for an iPhone 13. Damaged phones get less, and phones with no value are recycled for free.
How long do I have to send my trade-in to Apple?
For mail-in trade-ins, Apple asks you to ship the old iPhone within 14 days of receiving your new one.
Is it better to sell my old iPhone or trade it in?
Selling privately often gets more money, but takes more effort. Apple Trade In is simpler and gives credit or an Apple Gift Card.