You've got an old MacBook Pro gathering dust in a drawer, or maybe an iMac that’s starting to chug when you open more than three Chrome tabs. Naturally, you're wondering: does Apple do Mac trade ins?
The short answer? Yes. Absolutely. But honestly, the "how" and the "how much" are where things get a little messy.
If you just walk into an Apple Store expecting a mountain of cash, you're going to be disappointed. Apple doesn't really do "cash." They do credit. And depending on the day of the week—literally, as we saw with the massive value shifts in early 2026—the quote you get today might be hundreds of dollars different from the one you got last month.
The 2026 Mac Trade-In Shakeup
Back in January 2026, Apple pulled a fast one on everyone. They updated their trade-in values, and for once, the news wasn't depressing for Mac owners. While iPhone and Apple Watch values were getting slashed by $10 or $20, Mac values actually skyrocketed.
We’re talking about a "correction."
For a while, a high-end MacBook Pro trade-in was capped at a measly $760. After the January refresh, that ceiling jumped to a staggering **$2,515**. Even the Mac Pro—that behemoth of a desktop—saw its trade-in value leap from $2,520 to over **$3,200**.
Why the sudden generosity? Apple doesn't say. But it basically means that if you checked your value in 2025 and walked away disgusted, it’s time to check again. The "low-ball" era for Intel and early M-series Macs seems to be thawing out a bit.
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How the Process Actually Works (Online vs. In-Store)
You basically have two paths here. You can do the mail-in dance or the in-person handoff.
The In-Store Route (The "Safe" Way)
If you're like me and you don't trust couriers with a $2,000 piece of glass and aluminum, go to the store. A Specialist will look at your Mac right there. They check for screen delamination, "sticky" keys, and whether the bottom case looks like it was dragged behind a car.
The best part? You get the credit instantly. If you’re buying a new Mac right then, they just take the value off the total. Done.
The Mail-In Route (The "Patience" Way)
If you’re buying online, you tell Apple what you have during checkout. They send you a trade-in kit.
- The Kit: It’s a box with some padded flaps. Don't include your charger. Apple doesn't want it, and they won't send it back if you include it.
- The Deadline: You have 14 days from the moment your new Mac arrives to get the old one in the mail.
- The Inspection: This is the stressful part. A third-party partner (usually Phobio or Likewize) inspects it. If they find a "streak" on the screen you didn't notice, they might drop your $500 offer to $0. It happens.
What Most People Get Wrong About Eligibility
"My Mac is broken, so they won't take it."
Not necessarily. While a cracked screen or a dead battery will kill your monetary value, Apple will still take the machine for recycling. They’re big on the "closed-loop" thing—using recycled cobalt and gold in new devices.
Also, engraving. If you had Apple engrave your name on your MacBook, it doesn't actually lower the trade-in value. Third-party engravings? Yeah, that’s a different story. That’s considered "damage" in the eyes of the trade-in partner.
Does Apple Give the Best Price?
Kinda... but usually no.
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Apple's trade-in program is built for convenience, not maximum profit. If you sell your Mac on Swappa, eBay, or even a specialized buyback site like Techable or GoRoostr, you will almost certainly get 15-20% more.
But then you have to deal with people. Shipping. Scams. Returns.
Apple is the path of least resistance. You hand them a laptop, they hand you a discount. No one is going to message you two weeks later claiming the "E" key feels slightly mushy and demanding a refund.
Real Payout Examples (Estimated Jan 2026)
| Mac Model | Max Trade-In Value |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro | Up to $2,515 |
| MacBook Air | Up to $900 |
| iMac | Up to $875 |
| Mac Studio | Up to $1,030 |
| Mac Pro | Up to $3,215 |
| Mac mini | Up to $340 |
Note that the Mac mini actually saw a small drop in value recently. Life is unfair.
Preparing Your Mac So You Don't Get Screwed
If you decide to go through with it, do not just wipe the screen and put it in a box. There are "software" hoops you have to jump through or Apple will reject the trade-in entirely.
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- Back up everything. Use Time Machine. Once it's gone, it's gone.
- Sign out of EVERYTHING. iCloud, iMessage, and especially Find My Mac. If "Find My" is still active, the Mac is a paperweight to Apple. They won't give you a dime for a locked device.
- Erase All Content and Settings. On newer Macs (Ventura or later), this is a simple button in System Settings. It’s basically the "factory reset" for computers.
- Clean it. Seriously. A Mac covered in cat hair and coffee rings is more likely to be downgraded to "Fair" condition.
Actionable Steps for Your Trade-In
If you're ready to pull the trigger, don't just wing it. Start by getting a baseline quote on Apple’s website using your serial number. Compare that number against a site like Swappa to see how much "convenience tax" you're paying.
If the gap is only $50, just go with Apple. If the gap is $300, it might be worth the extra effort to sell it privately.
Whatever you do, try to time your trade-in around late summer. Values usually dip the moment a new chip generation (like the M5 or M6) is announced. Getting your quote locked in right before a keynote is the pro move for maximizing your credit.