Want to trade your iPhone? Check out which way you should go with our AT&T iPhone Trade-In Vs Apple Trade-In comparison.

Trade-in programs are becoming very popular among iPhone users who want to get the most bucks for their broken or used gadgets.

Different trade-in programs on the internet allure the customers saying they buy iPhones in any condition, also assuring the highest price guarantee.

I have compared the two most popular trade-in avenues for iPhones below to discuss AT&T iPhone trade-in Vs Apple trade-in.

Let’s take a look at which one offers a better deal.

AT&T iPhone Trade-In Vs Apple Trade-In

Table of Contents

Choosing between the different trade-in avenues can be a tricky thing. To get the best out of your chosen route, you need to make an informed decision.

So, let us first go with the iPhone trade-in basics and then compare the AT&T iPhone trade-in and Apple trade-in programs.

What is an iPhone trade-in?

An iPhone trade-in is a program that allows you to exchange your old iPhone for a discount on a new iPhone. The trade-in value of your old iPhone will depend on the model, condition, and age of the device.

There are two main ways to trade in your iPhone:

Trade-in at an Apple Store: You can take your old iPhone to an Apple Store and trade it in for an instant credit on a new iPhone purchase.
Trade-in online: You can trade in your old iPhone online through the Apple website or through a third-party retailer.

To trade in your iPhone online, you will need to answer a few questions about the condition of your device and then ship it to the retailer. Once the retailer has received and inspected your device, they will issue you a trade-in credit.

You can use your trade-in credit to purchase a new iPhone, or you can use it to purchase other Apple products or services.

How to Trade in your iPhone with AT&T Trade In?

AT&T Trade-In is a carrier operated iPhone trade-in program happening on AT&T’s online trade-in portal. To start with, you will have to get the initial quote. Identify the device you wish to trade-in and give its storage capacity.

Answer the basic questions about the condition of the iPhone you are trading-in. It is important that you report every small problem with the device as AT&T will analyze the condition by checking it thoroughly after you ship it to them.

Enter the serial number or IMEI of the device. If you are a current customer, include the mobile number.

Once you have inputted all the details for the questions, you will get the estimated trade-in value for your device. This is only conditional as it will depend on the final inspection of the item after it reaches AT&T.

If you wish to go with the trade-in process, you can choose between in-store trade-in and online trade-in.

How to Trade in your iPhone with Apple Trade In?

If you choose to buy your new iPhone directly from Apple through a plan like the iPhone Upgrade program, you are giving back the device to Apple. If you have got the user device through an outright purchase or paying a monthly installment to own it eventually, you have a few other options as well.

The first step in Apple trade-in is to identify the model of your current iPhone including its storage details. You can find this easily by going to Settings > General > About. You must also check the overall condition of the device and report it in the appropriate space provided.

Remember that the areas that do not work and a cracked screen may reduce the trade-in value.

Also check out: Complete List of Stores that Accept Apple Pay [Updated for 2023]

iPhone Trade in Values for 2023

Trade-in values might fluctuate from time to time. When it comes to the trade-in value of your specific item, it will also depend on the trade-in program you choose, the specifications, functionality, and cosmetic conditions of your iPhone.

However, to give you a rough idea before you check it personally for your device, here are the latest trade-in values for a few popular iPhone models on AT&T and Apple.

iPhone trade-in values on AT&T and Apple

iPhone Model	Apple Trade-In Value	AT&T Trade-In Value
iPhone 14 Pro Max	Up to $650	Up to $500
iPhone 14 Pro	Up to $570	Up to $450
iPhone 14 Plus	Up to $470	Up to $380
iPhone 14	Up to $430	Up to $350
iPhone 13 Pro Max	Up to $580	Up to $360
iPhone 13 Pro	Up to $480	Up to $320
iPhone 13	Up to $370	Up to $280
iPhone 13 mini	Up to $320	Up to $225
iPhone 12 Pro Max	Up to $450	Up to $260
iPhone 12 Pro	Up to $360	Up to $225
iPhone 12	Up to $250	Up to $200
iPhone 12 mini	Up to $200	Up to $130
iPhone 11 Pro Max	Up to $300	Up to $200
iPhone 11 Pro	Up to $250	Up to $150
iPhone 11	Up to $200	Up to $125
iPhone XR	Up to $140	Up to $80
iPhone XS Max	Up to $170	Up to $125
iPhone XS	Up to $140	Up to $90
iPhone X	Up to $120	Up to $80
iPhone 8 Plus	Up to $90	Up to $30
iPhone 8	Up to $60	Up to $30
iPhone 7 Plus	Up to $50	Up to $10
iPhone 7	Up to $40	Up to $10

How to choose the best iPhone trade-in program?

Both AT&T and Apple iPhone trade-in programs have their own pros and cons. In both these trade-in programs, you do not get cash in return.

You only get store credits you can use to subsidize the value of your new purchase. Which one to choose for your specific case depends on your upgrade needs and specific trade-in situation.

However, looking at the pros and cons of these two trade-in programs will guide you in choosing the right program for your iPhone trade-in requirements.

AT&T iPhone trade-in pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Offers better trade-in rates on all models of iPhones when compared to the Apple trade-in program	The credits can be used only on monthly payments on your gadget purchase
You can use the trade-in credits to buy a wide range of gadgets other than those of Apple too	You can’t get trade-in credits upright
Convenient for existing and new AT&T customers	Not convenient for AT&T customers who own iPhones

Apple iPhone trade-in pros and cons

Pros	Cons
The best option is when you want to use the trade-in credits to purchase other Apple products at subsidized rates.	You can’t use the trade-in credits to buy gadgets other than those of Apple
You can use Apple’s iPhone trade-in program for all of the top carriers including AT&T	Older iPhone models are not worth considering for the trade-in program
You can choose to save on the monthly cost of the latest iPhone model	You can’t get cash in return for the iPhone you traded-in
You get the credits on your trade-in upright to use them conveniently	The Prices are comparatively much lower than those offered by AT&T

How do iPhone trade-in programs work?

While trading in your used iPhone through either of these trade-in programs, you can choose between in-store trade-in and online trade-in programs.

In-store trade-in program

The in-store trade-in program lets you bypass the online process. In this way, you avoid the tension of sending your iPhone to someone you do not know. Instead, you get the value of the device estimated by a friendly face in the mobile shop in person.

To go with this process, you need to take the device to the nearest AT&T location or an authorized Apple showroom. The personnel in the store will examine the device closely to assess it for any functionality and cosmetic issues. After the inspection, you will get the trade-in value. It is left to you to accept or reject the offer.

Online trade-in

If you find the online trade-in process convenient, you can get the quote online by filling in the details about your device in the relevant sections on the respective websites. If you are happy with the offer price, you can ship the device.

Mailing the device to AT&T or Apple is free. It is necessary that the device is shipped to the company within 30 days of initiating the trade-in process. After shipping the item, you can check the status of the trade-in process online.

After the device is checked, the trade-in value will be confirmed. If you accept, you will receive the credit within two weeks.

Tips for getting the best trade-in value for your iPhone

Here are some tips for getting the best trade-in value for your iPhone:

Trade in your iPhone as soon as possible. The longer you wait to trade in your iPhone, the less value it will have. This is because new iPhone models are released every year, and older models become less desirable to buyers.

Compare trade-in values from different retailers. Don’t just trade in your iPhone to the first retailer you see. Take the time to compare trade-in values from different retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Make sure your iPhone is in good condition. The better the condition of your iPhone, the higher its trade-in value will be. Be sure to fix any cracks or scratches on your iPhone’s screen and back glass before trading it in.

Erase your iPhone before trading it in. This will protect your personal data and ensure that the retailer cannot access your information.

Remove any cases or screen protectors before trading in your iPhone. Retailers want to be able to inspect the condition of your iPhone, so it’s important to remove any cases or screen protectors before trading it in.

Here are some additional tips that may help you get the best trade-in value for your iPhone:

Trade in your iPhone during a sale or promotion. Retailers often offer special trade-in deals during sales and promotions.

Trade in your iPhone with a new iPhone purchase. Some retailers offer additional trade-in credit when you trade in your iPhone with a new iPhone purchase.

Bundle your trade-in with other services. Some retailers offer additional discounts when you bundle your trade-in with other services, such as a new wireless plan or accessory purchase.

AT&T iPhone Trade-In Vs Apple Trade-In – Takeaway

While you may be highly excited about buying your new iPhone, you may also be curious to know what to do with your old iPhone. The two popular iPhone trade-in programs I have compared for you in this post are the AT&T iPhone trade-in and Apple trade-in.

The best way to get the top price on your used iPhone is to get valuations from both the trade-in programs on their respective websites and check which one offers you a better price.

I am sure you have found this post useful in deciding how to choose the right iPhone trade-in program. So, go forward and upgrade your iPhone at a subsidized price and enjoy all the benefits of the upgrade you are opting for.

Also Read:

Damien

Should I, Do I, How to – these are some of the topics I would love to cover to share what I know about All apple products.