iPhone 18 Trade-In Value Estimator
Independent buyback (rough estimate)
$0Paid promptly, no new line or plan required. This is a rough range from third-party buyback data, not a quote.
Carrier "up to" promotional credit
$1,200Usually requires a new line on a premium/unlimited plan and eligible trade-in model "in any condition" — paid as bill credits over 24-36 months, plus activation fees and tax on full retail price upfront.
Neither number is a real quote — get one from a carrier or buyback service directly before deciding. This tool doesn't favor or link to any specific carrier or buyback company. Independent estimate based on third-party buyback data for base-storage models; actual value varies with storage size and current market demand. Only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the first foldable iPhone launched on Sept 9, 2026 (the standard iPhone 18 is expected in spring 2027), and the $1,200 maximum applies to the 18 Pro/Pro Max. The independent figures are from a June 2026 snapshot, before the launch; older iPhone buyback prices usually dip around a new launch, so expect somewhat lower offers now.
Free, neutral trade-in value estimator for people upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max (the only iPhone 18 models out so far) — see a rough independent buyback range for your current iPhone next to what carrier 'up to $1,200' trade-in promotions actually require (a new line, a premium plan, and credit spread over 24-36 months). No specific carrier or buyback service pushed.
How it works
- Pick your current iPhone model (12 through 17) and its condition
- See a rough independent buyback estimate (paid promptly, no strings attached)
- See it next to the carrier 'up to $1,200' promotional credit, along with what that number actually requires
Frequently asked questions
Which iPhone 18 models are out, and are these numbers current?
As of October 2026 only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the first foldable iPhone have launched (Sept 9, 2026); the standard iPhone 18 is expected in spring 2027. The $1,200 'up to' carrier credit is the reported maximum for the 18 Pro/Pro Max. The independent buyback figures here are a June 2026 snapshot taken before the launch, and buyback prices for older iPhones tend to slip around new launches, so real offers today may be somewhat lower.
Why is the carrier credit so much higher than the independent estimate?
Carrier trade-in credits like 'up to $1,200' are largely a promotional subsidy to get you onto a new phone and a premium plan — AT&T, for example, explicitly offers its top credit for an eligible iPhone 'in any condition.' It isn't really an appraisal of your specific device; it's tied to buying a new iPhone and often a new line or premium plan.
What are the actual conditions for the max carrier credit?
Typically: a qualifying trade-in model (often iPhone 14 or newer), a new or upgraded line on a premium/unlimited plan, and the credit is usually issued as bill credits spread over 24-36 months rather than paid upfront — so switching carriers or canceling service early can forfeit what's left. You'll also still pay activation fees (often $35-40) and tax on the full retail price.
Should I just use an independent buyback service instead?
It depends on your priorities. Independent buyback services typically pay less than a carrier's maximum promotional credit, but pay promptly, in cash, with no new-line or plan commitment attached. Carrier credit can be worth more on paper, but only if you were already planning to commit to that carrier's premium plan anyway.
Does this recommend a specific carrier or buyback company?
No — this estimator is deliberately neutral and doesn't link to or favor any specific carrier or buyback service. It's meant to help you understand the gap between the two kinds of numbers before you compare actual offers yourself.
Related tools
From the blog
Update history
- 2026-10-03 Added links to related tools.
- 2026-10-03 Clarified that only the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max (and a foldable) have launched, with the standard iPhone 18 expected spring 2027; labelled the independent buyback figures as a June 2026 pre-launch snapshot that may now run lower; confirmed the $1,200 max carrier credit.
- 2026-09-23 Launched: neutral iPhone 18 trade-in value estimator comparing an independent buyback range (by model and condition) against carrier 'up to $1,200' promotional credit, with the actual conditions (new line, premium plan, multi-year bill credit) spelled out rather than just the headline number.