How does iPhone Trade in work?

Louismac90 wrote:

I have pre ordered the iPhone 16 Pro online and decided to trade in my 15 Pro Max. My new iPhone is booked in for collection at store however Apple are sending a trade in box for my old phone to my billing address. Can I just trade the phone on collection day for them to check the phone and refund me the difference or do I actually have to send it off in the post? I don’t want an Apple Credit I would like the difference refunded to my original payment method.

Thanks

Louis

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

For the last several years, I have preordered my iPhone. Sometimes for Store pickup. Sometimes for home delivery. Either way, even if Apple sends you a trade-in box, you can trade the phone at your Apple Store directly and get the credit applied to your new iPhone on the spot. You will get emails reminding you your trade is due, which you can ignore. The trade partner Apple uses, won't be aware you have already traded your phone. But you'll already have your credit.

I think that if they're sending you a box then they'll expect to get it shipped back. But it would be best to contact the Apple Store and ask. I've seen conflicting information on this, and also it may vary in different countries.

In either case, I believe they'll only credit your original payment method. To my knowledge they'll never give you payment in-store.

Regards.

+1 on on varjak paw's wise advice on contacting Apple, not the community of end users here. Apple uses partner firms for trade-in many countries and different partners may have different requirements.

They will send you a box with a shipping label and packaging where you put your phone inside and ship it. They will initially charge for the order then refund your trade-in value.