Best iPhone Trade-In Deals 2026: Where to Get the Most Value
If you have an iPhone you're upgrading from, trade-in is the easiest way to lower the cost of your new phone. Carriers, Apple, and third parties pay very different amounts. Here are the strongest current trade-in deals on awarded upgrade picks.
Updated · 4 picks · Rankings reflect MKBHD Smartphone Awards outcomes.
How we picked
Trade-in deals current at time of update at major US carriers, Apple, and Best Buy. Award context from MKBHD's recent Smartphone Awards.
- #1
Won Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile run $400–$800 trade-in bonuses on iPhone 11 or newer in good condition. Effective price after trade-in: $399–$499.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2025 Phone of the Year
- Carrier trade-in bonus $400–$800
- Effective price $399–$499
- #2
Runner-up Best Camera at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Carrier trade-in bonuses on iPhone 13 Pro+ in good condition can reach $800–$1,000 — pushing effective price to $499–$599.
Pros
- Runner-up Best Camera 2025
- Carrier bonus up to $1,000 on Pro trade-in
- ProRes Log video
- #3
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. Now $599–$699 list. Carrier trade-in deals on any iPhone in good condition push effective price to $299–$399.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone
- Effective price $299–$399 with trade-in
- Apple Intelligence
- #4
Won Best Design at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Verizon and T-Mobile run aggressive trade-in deals on the iPhone Air specifically — often $500–$700 trade-in bonuses for any working iPhone.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2025 Best Design
- Aggressive carrier trade-in bonuses
- Apple Intelligence
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get the best iPhone trade-in deal in 2026?
Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T trade-in bonuses (with new line activation) typically pay the most. Apple Trade In is the easiest but pays less. Peer-to-peer (Swappa, eBay) typically pays 25–50% more than Apple but requires more effort.
Can I trade in a cracked iPhone?
Yes but values are roughly 50% lower. Apple Trade In and carriers accept cracked phones; some peer-to-peer buyers don't. If your phone has significant damage, Apple's $89 screen repair before trade-in often increases trade-in value by $150–$200.
When is the best time to trade in an iPhone?
Before September each year — values drop 10–20% the week the new iPhone launches. Other than that, anytime is fine. Carrier promotions are usually best around Father's Day, Black Friday, and the new iPhone launch.
About this list
We index every phone that won or placed in MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025) and surface the strongest matches for this category. Award badges link to the full award history. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.