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Issue with Apple Trade-In: Sent iPhone 15 Pro Max, but Got a Revised Trade-In Value for iPhone 13


Hi everyone,


I wanted to share a frustrating experience I had with Apple’s trade-in program, hoping to get some advice or at least warn others. I recently traded in my iPhone 15 Pro Max (Natural Titanium, 512GB) with a quoted trade-in value of $650, toward the purchase of an iPhone 16 Pro Max.


After receiving my new phone, I carefully erased my old iPhone 15 Pro Max, which was in perfect condition with no scratches, and sent it back in the box Apple provided for the trade-in.


Here’s where things went wrong: After Apple received my device, they revised my trade-in value down to $250, claiming I had sent them an iPhone 13 instead of my iPhone 15 Pro Max. I’ve never owned an iPhone 13, and I’ve always purchased Pro Max models. When I contacted Apple Support, the representatives casually insisted that I had sent them an iPhone 13, which is clearly not the case.


I rejected the revised trade-in offer, and now I’m waiting for them to send my device back. This experience has left me extremely frustrated, and I’ve decided never to use the trade-in service through shipping again. For my previous devices, I opted for Apple gift cards and didn’t encounter any issues, so I’ll stick with that method moving forward.


I’m concerned about what happened—whether it’s a scam, an issue during transit, or possibly something on Apple’s end. I wanted to raise awareness in case anyone else has experienced similar problems. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of mix-up during a trade-in?


I’d appreciate any advice on what to do next. Thanks for your help!

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Posted on Oct 17, 2024 5:18 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 17, 2024 5:50 PM

I have had SEVERAL issues with trade-ins as well, it is nothing less than a nightmare to trade in a device with Apple. So I want to first say that I feel your frustration on this topic and I'm sorry this happened to you as it's highly unacceptable. When I traded in a few devices earlier this year I also had several issues and had to contact Apple Support numerous times. I spoke with quite a few reps throughout all of it and I'd say 1 out of 4 (average) were helpful. The others completely brushed off my issues or indicated it was a different team that dealt with the issue I was calling about. However, I knew that wasn't the case because the same issue occurred with a different trade in a couple weeks prior. Finally I gave up trying to get through to the rep and called a few hours later and thank goodness it was a rep that was helpful and assisted me with the issue. I apologize I don't have too much advice necessarily, however, I wanted to express the issues I have had as well. Also, as I mentioned-- when you call Apple Support if you end up with a useless rep, I would recommend just letting it go and ending the call then try back a couple hours later and hopefully you'll get a rep that is helpful. I have found that to be a good solution because it's very frustrating when a rep is telling you things you know are inaccurate, etc. so it saves some frustration at least lol. My issues were not necessarily a mix-up with phone models, however I sent back 5 or so devices within a month (which one would honestly think that wouldn't be an issue, I mean it's 2024)-- but when I tried tracking my refunds/credit for the trade ins it was a NIGHTMARE. I spent almost 3 hours on the phone with a rep trying to find out where the money went and for what device, and to this day for 2 of the devices it remains unknown as to where my "credits" ever went. That really, really gave me a negative and 'scam-like' feeling with trading in devices with them. From now on I will likely utilize other trade in services and completely avoid Apple's, so that would be my other recommendation. I hope this helps some! <3 :)

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 17, 2024 5:50 PM in response to shivaram007

I have had SEVERAL issues with trade-ins as well, it is nothing less than a nightmare to trade in a device with Apple. So I want to first say that I feel your frustration on this topic and I'm sorry this happened to you as it's highly unacceptable. When I traded in a few devices earlier this year I also had several issues and had to contact Apple Support numerous times. I spoke with quite a few reps throughout all of it and I'd say 1 out of 4 (average) were helpful. The others completely brushed off my issues or indicated it was a different team that dealt with the issue I was calling about. However, I knew that wasn't the case because the same issue occurred with a different trade in a couple weeks prior. Finally I gave up trying to get through to the rep and called a few hours later and thank goodness it was a rep that was helpful and assisted me with the issue. I apologize I don't have too much advice necessarily, however, I wanted to express the issues I have had as well. Also, as I mentioned-- when you call Apple Support if you end up with a useless rep, I would recommend just letting it go and ending the call then try back a couple hours later and hopefully you'll get a rep that is helpful. I have found that to be a good solution because it's very frustrating when a rep is telling you things you know are inaccurate, etc. so it saves some frustration at least lol. My issues were not necessarily a mix-up with phone models, however I sent back 5 or so devices within a month (which one would honestly think that wouldn't be an issue, I mean it's 2024)-- but when I tried tracking my refunds/credit for the trade ins it was a NIGHTMARE. I spent almost 3 hours on the phone with a rep trying to find out where the money went and for what device, and to this day for 2 of the devices it remains unknown as to where my "credits" ever went. That really, really gave me a negative and 'scam-like' feeling with trading in devices with them. From now on I will likely utilize other trade in services and completely avoid Apple's, so that would be my other recommendation. I hope this helps some! <3 :)

Oct 19, 2024 10:20 AM in response to shivaram007

My trade-in of my iPhone 15 Pro for a iPhone 16 Pro is the identical situation. I did not accept the revised estimate they offered. The offer was for an iPhone 12, NOT an iPhone 15 Pro. They are sending me back some iPhone, hopefully the 15 Pro I sent. I'm not too optimistic. The original offer was $520, revised to $220. I have been a very happy Apple customer, BUT my confidence is diminishing. I contacted 1800MYAPPLE five separate times between October 5 - 17, 2024. I was informed the order had lengthy notes. I'm not sure if the calls helped or not, obviously not.

I'm also wanting advice of what to do next...

Issue with Apple Trade-In: Sent iPhone 15 Pro Max, but Got a Revised Trade-In Value for iPhone 13

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