Apple Just Raised Trade-In Values and Expanded Its Refurbished Store in 2026
Apple made two refurbished-friendly moves in 2026: it raised trade-in values across its lineup, and it expanded its Certified Refurbished store with new Macs and Apple Watches. Both are good news if you care about getting more value from the tech you own - and both reinforce why certified refurbished is going mainstream.
Prices, trade-in values, and product availability cited below are as reported in late May and June 2026 and can change at any time. Always check current figures before you buy or trade in.
Apple raised trade-in values across the lineup
In late May 2026, Apple updated its trade-in estimates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and even Android phones. Among the changes, the top iPhone 16 Pro Max estimate rose from about $685 to $695, with increases for the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16 Pro as well, and the top iPad Pro estimate moved from roughly $670 to $690. The increases are modest, but the direction matters: Apple is competing harder to bring used devices back into the system.
A bigger, fresher refurbished store
In late June 2026, Apple added several 2026 Macs - including the MacBook Air (M5) and MacBook Pro (M5 Pro and M5 Max) - plus a new Studio Display to its Certified Refurbished store. It also began selling refurbished versions of the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 for the first time. The takeaway: refurbished is no longer an afterthought, even at Apple.
The bigger trend: pre-owned is booming
The data backs it up. Counterpoint Research projects pre-owned handset volumes to rise around 12% year over year in 2026, even as new smartphone shipments are expected to fall. Counterpoint also counted more than 600 million idle devices sitting in drawers last year, versus roughly 338 million that actually reached the refurbished market - meaning demand for quality refurbished devices continues to outpace supply.
What it means for you
Higher trade-in values and a stronger refurbished market are great for buyers who think ahead. Trade in or sell the device you are replacing to offset your next purchase, then buy certified refurbished to save again on the way in. At Strictli, that means a fully tested, unlocked device with a 1-year warranty - often for hundreds less than new.
Explore refurbished iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads, or see everything in stock.
Frequently asked questions
Did Apple really raise trade-in values in 2026?
Yes. In late May 2026, Apple increased trade-in estimates across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. The exact amounts vary by model and condition, and Apple can adjust them at any time.
What did Apple add to its refurbished store?
In late June 2026, Apple added 2026 Macs such as the MacBook Air (M5) and MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max), a new Studio Display, and refurbished Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 models.
Is buying refurbished better than trading in?
They work best together: trade in or sell your old device to offset cost, then buy certified refurbished to save again. You reduce e-waste and keep more money in your pocket on both ends.
Why is refurbished tech growing so fast?
Rising new-device prices, longer software support, and trusted warranties have made certified refurbished mainstream. Research firms expect pre-owned device demand to keep climbing through 2026.
Sources
MacRumors and 9to5Mac (Apple trade-in value updates, May 27, 2026); Tom's Guide (trade-in increase coverage); MacObserver and Appleosophy (Apple Certified Refurbished store additions, June 2026); The Register and TechRadar (Counterpoint Research pre-owned market data, 2026). Figures are as reported on those dates and subject to change.
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