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Freedom251 › Blog › Apple Trade In

How to Upgrade from an iPhone XR to an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

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You can’t convert an iPhone XR into an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max with a setting or app. The practical upgrade is to buy the new phone, transfer your information from the XR, check that everything important works, and then decide whether to trade in, sell, keep, or recycle the old device.

Choose between iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

The main listed difference to weigh is size. Apple’s specifications list the iPhone 18 Pro with a 6.3-inch display and the Pro Max with a 6.9-inch display; the Pro Max is also wider, taller, and heavier. These are Apple’s product specifications, not independent comparative testing.

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Model Display Width Height Weight
iPhone 18 Pro 6.3 inches 71.9 mm 150.0 mm 211 g
iPhone 18 Pro Max 6.9 inches 78.0 mm 163.4 mm 249 g

Both models are listed in 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities on Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro specifications page. Use your XR’s current storage and your plans for photos, videos, apps, and offline media to choose a capacity. For total cost, check current Apple and carrier checkout terms in your country rather than relying on an old price or an unverified carrier credit.

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Back up your iPhone XR

Make a backup before you start moving devices. Apple lists iCloud, Mac, and PC backup methods in its iPhone backup guide, published May 15, 2026. Choose a method based on your available iCloud storage, access to a computer, connection quality, and how much data needs to be backed up. The guide links to the instructions for each method.

#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

Set up the replacement and transfer your data

During setup of the replacement iPhone, use Apple’s setup assistant to restore a backup. Apple also documents a temporary iCloud-storage option for moving apps and data when replacing an iPhone. Its instructions give this Settings path: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Get Started. Follow the prompts shown on your phone; wording and steps can vary by software version and locale. The instructions are in Apple’s Hong Kong-hosted guide to selling, giving away, or trading in an iPhone.

Apple Support describes the temporary-storage option this way: “If you’re replacing your iPhone with another one you have on hand, you can use extra free storage in iCloud to move your apps and data from one iPhone to another.” A transfer does not guarantee that every app, password, payment card, or third-party account will be ready without further sign-in or setup.

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 2TB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

Check the new iPhone before erasing the XR

Before you erase or hand over the old phone, check the information and services you rely on. Confirm that important contacts, photos, and messages are present, and test calls, messages, and access to key accounts. Some apps or services may require you to sign in or complete setup again.

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Decide what to do with the iPhone XR

You can keep the XR as a spare, sell it, recycle it, or seek trade-in credit. Apple’s U.S. trade-in estimate varies by model and condition, and Apple says it verifies the device after receiving it; the estimate is not a guaranteed fixed amount. Check the Apple Trade In page for a current estimate and terms for your location. Apple says it can recycle a device for free if it is not eligible for credit. Availability and conditions can differ outside the United States.

Rank #3
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

Prepare the XR for an Apple trade-in

Apple’s current U.S. trade-in preparation guide says to back up and erase the iPhone, check Parts and Service History for unfinished repairs, and remove a physical SIM or contact your wireless carrier about suspending eSIM service. Follow Apple’s instructions for your specific phone and carrier. Apple says its trade-in kit includes packing material and warns not to include accessories.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$1,169.95
Bestseller No. 2
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 2TB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 2TB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$1,609.99
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$1,167.00
Bestseller No. 5
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 2TB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 2TB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$1,597.89
Best Value
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, US Version, 2TB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #4
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Cell Phone, 512GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Photo Edits, Large Screen, Long Battery Life, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Blue Shadow
  • BIGGER, YET SLIMMER THAN EVER: Who would’ve guessed that wider could also be lighter? The design of Galaxy Z Fold7 is refined to feel like a traditional smartphone with its expanded cover display.
  • BEST CAMERA ON A FOLD YET: You asked for more – now you can have the most. Galaxy Z Fold7 now boasts an ultra-premium 200MP camera with Pro-Visual Engine so you can effortlessly take incredibly detailed pics.
  • SCREENSHARE FOR STREAMLINED ASSISTANCE: Intrigued by something you see? Go Live with Google Gemini, then screenshare or point your camera at it for additional info or assistance on the fly.¹
  • DO AND VIEW MORE, ALL AT ONCE: With an 8” screen that allows you to view up to three windows at once, Galaxy Z Fold7 is the ultimate device for seeing and doing more.²
  • ALL THE POWER AND SPEED YOU NEED Smoothly run your day with the power and speed of Galaxy Z Fold7. With its customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for Galaxy, you can stream your favorite shows, edit photos, scroll social feeds and more with ease.³

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Apple Trade IniPhone 18 ProiPhone 18 Pro MaxiPhone data transferiPhone XR

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