I'm planning to visit my nearest Apple Store on Friday to trade in my current iPhone 16 Pro Max and immediately upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. I started the trade-in process for an Apple Gift Card on September 6, when the estimated value was $720, before the value dropped. The trade-in kit arrived on September 10, and the email says the quoted value is valid for 14 days after delivery, which should make it valid through September 24. However, Apple Support told me the trade-in would now be worth $610, matching the current online estimate. Has anyone dealt with this situation? Will the store honor the original $720 value if I bring the trade-in in before the stated deadline?
3 Answers
The quoted value should remain valid through the expiration date shown in your trade-in instructions. Make sure you complete the trade-in before that date.
Bring the trade-in email and order details with you, and explain that the process was started before the value changed. If the 14-day validity period applies to your transaction, the store should be able to verify the original $720 quote, but it’s worth having the documentation ready.
I’ll bring the email and order number so they can look up the original request. Thanks for the advice.
Be aware that an online trade-in estimate may not automatically lock in the same value for an in-store trade-in. Store trade-ins can be processed separately, so the staff may use the current in-store valuation instead.
That’s what I’m hoping for. I’ll make sure to go in before the deadline.