March 4, 2026, 1:50 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Apple has adjusted the prices in its own trade-in program. While selected models of the iPhone 16 series in the U.S. achieve higher trade-in values, other devices lose value. In Germany, at least one model even shows an opposite trend.
Apple has revised the buyback prices in its in-house trade-in program. As the U.S. portal “MacRumors” reports, certain devices of the current iPhone 16 series benefit from higher maximum values.
For instance, the maximum trade-in value for the iPhone 16 Pro Max increases from up to $670 to up to $685. For the iPhone 16 Pro, the maximum amount remains unchanged at up to $550. The iPhone 16 Plus sees a slight increase: Here, the maximum value rises from up to $450 to up to $455. The iPhone 16 is also moderately upgraded, from up to $420 to up to $435.
The adjustments specifically target individual models of the current generation, while not all variants benefit equally.
iPhone 16e New in the Trade-in Program
For the first time, the iPhone 16e appears in the trade-in overview. A comparison with previous trade-in values is not possible in this case, as the model was not previously part of the program. Only after the introduction of the successor iPhone 17e was the device officially added to the list of accepted products.
For interested parties, this does not mean a classic price increase, but a newly established starting value without a previous comparison basis.
Also of interest: iPhone 17e Is Here! Here Are the Areas Where Apple Saves
Older Devices Partly with Lower Amounts
The situation is different for older iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Here, Apple either pays unchanged amounts or has slightly reduced the maximum purchase values. There are no additional financial incentives for earlier generations. The current adjustments clearly focus on selected models of the iPhone 16 series.
It is also important to note the regional difference: The mentioned price changes apply to the U.S. market. In Germany, a decline is observed for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Archived versions of the Apple website via the Wayback Machine show that the maximum trade-in value at the end of February was still up to 725 euros. Currently, Apple only lists up to 680 euros in Germany. Upon request, the company only referred to general information about the trade-in program and the currently listed estimated values.