Apple's iPhone 13 series trade-in program throws up a few surprises

Apple unveiled the iPhone 13 series a few days ago, and has now opened up pre-orders for the devices. Of course, the company also offers a trade-in program, but this time out with a few surprises.

The most valuable device on Apple's trade-in program is its own iPhone 12 Pro Max, worth up to US$790. The iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, and iPhone 12 Mini are worth up to US$640, US$530, and US$400 respectively. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 are worth up to US$500, US$450, and US$340—in that order. The iPhone SE2 is worth a measly US$170.

Moving away from Apple's own products, the company allows trade-ins for Samsung's flagships. For some reason, however, there's currently no option to trade in any of the Galaxy S21 series phones. The S20 series can be submitted, however, except for the Galaxy S20 Ultra. The Note 20 Ultra is also absent on the list, surprisingly.

The Galaxy Note 20 is worth up to US$400, while the S20+ is worth up to US$325—right about the same as the US$320 iPhone XS Max released three years ago. Google's Pixel phones are also eligible, with the Pixel 5 being worth up to US$315. The only other manufacturer on the list is LG, with the LG V60 leading the line at a trade-in value of US$180. As for other devices, well, Apple's section for that directs to recycling. No hard feelings.

Buy the iPhone 12 Mini on Amazon.