Apple Trade-In Values Your iPhone at $0 If Damaged

Apple Trade In Values Your iPhone at 0 If Damaged.jpeg Apple Trade In Values Your iPhone at 0 If Damaged.jpeg

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.

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