Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThere is no single value for an old iPhone: the model, storage, condition, account status and route all matter. Apple’s U.S. buying page displayed a Trade In range of $35–$885 toward a new iPhone when accessed in 2026. Carrier promotions showed higher ceilings, but those are conditional credits rather than cash appraisals. A private sale may bring a different amount again, with fees and selling effort to account for.
What the published figures mean
The figures below are snapshots from pages accessed in 2026, not guaranteed offers for a particular phone. Apple and carrier pages can change, and Swappa’s model-level figures do not account for your exact storage, condition or eligibility.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Route | Displayed figure | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Trade In | $35–$885 | Apple’s displayed U.S. range toward a new iPhone; the estimate depends on the specific device and must be verified. Apple’s iPhone buying page |
| Carrier promotion through Apple | Up to $1,200 for AT&T and T-Mobile; up to $1,020 for Verizon | Promotional credit ceilings shown on Apple’s buying page, not cash values for the old phone. Eligibility and terms apply. Apple’s iPhone buying page |
| Swappa model-level figures | iPhone 16: $620 average price and $322 trade-in; iPhone 15: $457 average price and $213 trade-in | Swappa’s figures displayed in 2026; snapshots, not guaranteed sale proceeds or an offer for a specific device. Swappa price page |
These amounts are not directly interchangeable. Apple’s estimate may be purchase credit or a gift card; carrier promotions are typically delivered as credits under offer terms; and a marketplace sale depends on the listing and completed transaction. Compare what you will actually receive, when you will receive it and what you must do to qualify.
How the three routes differ
Apple Trade In: simpler, but subject to inspection
Apple’s online estimate is tied to the model and condition details you provide. The device is then evaluated, and the final value can differ if its actual condition does not match the description. Apple’s Trade-In terms say its third-party service vendor may revise the original quote if inspection differs from the description, Find My iPhone has not been removed, or the trade-in is not received within 14 days of delivery of the trade-in box. Read the current Apple Trade In terms and process before sending the phone.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Trade-in value is not automatically cash: confirm whether the specific transaction applies value toward a purchase or issues a gift card. The route trades some potential upside for a more direct process, but the quote is not final until verification.
Carrier credit: potentially larger headline, more conditions
The carrier ceilings displayed by Apple are deal maximums. They do not establish that your phone, plan, line or account qualifies, or that you receive the full amount immediately. Check the current promotion with the carrier and verify the eligible device, required plan and line status, any financing term, and the credit schedule. Calculate only the credits you are eligible for and willing to complete; a multi-month credit is not equivalent to a one-time cash offer.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Start with the offer shown for your own account and location, then read the terms linked to it. The Apple buying page presents carrier offers, but the final conditions are specific to the promotion. Check Apple’s current iPhone and carrier offers.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Selling it yourself: more control, with fees and work
A private sale can let you set a price, but a displayed average is not a guaranteed payout. Swappa’s 2026 page showed the iPhone 16 at a $620 average price and $322 trade-in, and the iPhone 15 at $457 average price and $213 trade-in. Those are model-level snapshots; your storage, condition, carrier status and buyer demand affect what you can sell for.
Rank #3
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Swappa says listing is free and buyer and seller each pay 3% once a sale completes. Account for your seller fee, shipping and the time spent preparing the listing, responding to buyers and completing the sale. Swappa also requires functional, activation-ready devices and excludes certain damage, account-lock and balance situations. Confirm the current device eligibility rules and seller information and fees before listing; marketplace policies may change.
Compare the value you can actually keep
Make a like-for-like comparison for your exact phone. Record its model and storage, describe its real cosmetic and functional condition, and check whether it is locked, fully paid off, activation-ready and free of account locks. Then collect a fresh estimate from each route you are considering.
Rank #4
- 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.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Apple: save the itemized estimate and note whether it is purchase credit or a gift card. Treat it as provisional until the device is verified.
- Carrier: write down the required plan, line status, financing terms, trade-in criteria and monthly credit schedule. Compare the total credits you reasonably expect to receive, not just the maximum advertised amount.
- Self-sale: use comparable listings for the same model and capacity, then subtract the platform fee and shipping. Include the time and effort involved, and check that the device meets marketplace requirements.
Do not compare a carrier’s multi-month maximum with an immediate cash amount without accounting for the conditions and timing. Nor should a marketplace average be treated as money in hand before a buyer completes the transaction.
Which route should you choose?
- Choose Apple Trade In if you value convenience and the verified estimate suits your upgrade, while accepting that inspection can change it.
- Consider carrier credit if you qualify for the specific promotion and are comfortable maintaining the required plan or financing arrangement for the credit period.
- Consider selling yourself if you are willing to handle a listing and sale, your device meets the marketplace’s requirements, and the likely net proceeds justify the effort.
Before committing, refresh the quotes and terms for the exact device. Model, capacity, condition, payoff and lock status, fees, shipping, sale timing and carrier obligations can change the practical result.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
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.
