Apple offers trade-in value for select products, and users can receive credit toward a new device or an Apple gift card. Are Apple Watches included?
Apple offers a trade-in program for its devices that allows users to receive store credit or a gift card, if applicable, and recycle older devices with no trade-in value — but can users trade in an Apple Watch? Though the company historically undervalues devices in comparison to the value products can garner on the resale market, there are still reasons a user might want to trade in their old device. With an Apple trade-in, people don’t have to worry about returns or shipping issues. Instead, they can walk into an Apple Store or initiate an online trade-in and promptly receive trade-in credit or a gift card. For many, it’s a better option than the risks associated with the resale market.
The easiest way to complete a trade-in for an Apple device is at an Apple Store, where a user’s device can be evaluated on the spot and exchanged for instant trade-in credit or a gift card. Most actions taken at an Apple Store require an appointment or placement on a waitlist, so it is wise to contact Apple Support to schedule an appointment ahead of time. The benefit of trading in a device at an Apple Store is in-person evaluation. Since trade-in values depend on the device model and condition, a particular item might not be worth the maximum value listed on the company’s website. However, going to an Apple Store in person allows users to easily back out at any time and be present for the evaluation. It’s a simple and painless way to obtain trade-in credits for older devices without the hassle of shipping them to a third-party trade-in center.
Apple periodically lowers the trade-in values of eligible devices as they age — and as new products become available — so it is best to check trade-in values on Apple’s website for the current information. The last decrease in value occurred in July 2022, and some of Apple’s products lost trade-in value. Namely, last year’s iPhone 12 lineup and the older Apple Watch SE were decreased by $50 and $20 in value, respectively. This is a usual occurrence in the summer months, as the company is making room for the current lineup of iPhones when a new lineup replaces it in the fall. So despite the slight decreases in value, trading in an Apple Watch is a great way to lower the cost of upgrading to a newer model.
How Trading In An Apple Watch Works
Apple Watches don’t receive as much trade-in value as a smartphone, but they can lower the cost of upgrading to a new device. The process is essentially the same as trading in any other Apple device and can be done in-store or through the mail. Watches in good condition and newer models will receive the most value, but all Apple Watches Series 3 and newer are eligible for some trade-in value. Interestingly, there is one notable difference between trading in an Apple Watch and trading in another device type. Although an Apple Watch band is included with the purchase of each Apple Watch model, users aren’t required to turn in their current band when completing a trade-in. That’s a minimum of $49 in value that is kept and can be used to expand a user’s collection of bands.
The Apple Watch Series 6 will provide users with the highest trade-in value at up to $150, with the Series 5 coming in as a close second at up to $115. The more affordable Apple Watch SE still gives users up to $105 in trade-in value and might be due for an upgrade soon. The Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 3 garner little trade-in value, at up to $75 and $40, respectively. Though current trade-in values for Apple Watches certainly aren’t enough to convince someone to upgrade from a previous generation, they are an excellent way to save money for people who have already decided to upgrade.
Source: Apple
