Hey everyone! I'm planning to trade in my iPhone 15 Pro Max for a 17 Pro Max soon, and I need some advice. My phone is in great condition overall—no scratches or marks on the screen or camera, and the sides look perfect. However, there are some tiny white marks on the rear glass near the bottom where dust has gotten trapped over the years. You can only see them in certain lighting, and they don't feel like scratches. I'm curious if this is okay for a trade-in? Should I check in-store for assurance, or do you think it'll be fine to trade in online? Thanks for any insights!
3 Answers
Based on what you've described, it sounds like your phone is in good shape. Physical damage typically refers to major scratches, cracks, or deep marks. If those white marks are minor like you say, you should get full value without any issues!
I’m in the same boat! If you’ve been using a case and a screen protector all the time, your phone should trade in just fine. I’m on an annual upgrade plan, and I can’t wait to see the new features in iOS 26!
It's definitely best to trade in at a physical store for peace of mind. You get a direct inspection and confirmation of the trade-in value, which is worth it!
But does it really matter? I heard the store staff don’t do the inspections—it's all handled by a third party anyway.

Thanks! I've read that phones often get marks on the back over time, so I'm relieved to know I’m not alone. I’ll swing by my local store this weekend before the new model announcement to confirm what I might get in return.