If you were planning to trade in a Samsung Galaxy S24 or Galaxy S23 for a new iPhone 17, Apple just made that more complicated.
The company updated its U.S. trade-in prices this week and quietly removed some popular Samsung phones from its online trade-in page entirely, alongside boosting prices for select iPhones. Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 price drop has also seen changes to its trade-in pricing.
Read on for more and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for instant deal updates.
Apple Quietly Removes Top Samsung Phones From iPhone 17 Trade-In
Before this week’s update, Apple’s trade-in page listed prices for the Samsung Galaxy S24 ($220), Galaxy S24 Plus ($240) and Galaxy S24 Ultra ($350). Those options have now disappeared from Apple’s online trade-in tool entirely, according to a comparison of the current live page against an archived version captured by the Wayback Machine on May 24th.
The Galaxy S23 series has also disappeared from the current trade-in page. Before the update, Apple offered $230 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra online. That option is now gone too.
Apple’s trade-in page currently states that “some trade-in devices and values are available in-store only,” which means Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S23 owners may still be able to trade in their device at an Apple Store, but the option doesn’t appear to be available online. It’s not clear why Apple removed these devices from its online tool, or whether the in-store prices match what was previously listed on its site.
Apple Also Cuts Remaining Samsung Trade-In Values
For the Samsung devices that remain on Apple’s trade-in page, the news isn’t much better. The Galaxy S22 Ultra fell from $135 to $130, and the Galaxy Note 20 dropped from $95 to $90. The Google Pixel 8 Pro also fell from $170 to $165.
The Google Pixel 8a and OnePlus 12 stayed flat at $105 and $200 respectively. MacRumors did manage to capture Galaxy S23 figures after the update, which showed the Galaxy S23 Ultra dropped from $230 to $200, a $30 cut.
If the reduced Android prices are anything to go by, don’t be surprised if the removed Galaxy S24 is worth less too.
Good News If You’re Upgrading Your Apple iPhone
Apple raised trade-in values across most of its iPhone 16 lineup this week. The iPhone 16 Pro Max went from $685 to $695, the iPhone 16 Pro from $550 to $560, the iPhone 16 Plus from $455 to $465, and the base iPhone 16 from $435 to $460. iPad, Mac and Apple Watch values also moved upward across most models.
Samsung And Apple Price Your Used Phone Very Differently
It’s not just Apple tinkering with its trade-in pricing, Samsung has also boosted its trade-in valuations for Galaxy phones too.
There are a few key differences between the two companies. Samsung accepts a wider range of devices online and its prices fluctuate more frequently. Currently Samsung is running a Galaxy S26 deal with enhanced trade-in prices. Here’s how they compare against Apple’s new numbers.
Samsung will pay $512 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is $183 less than Apple’s $695. $374 for the iPhone 16 Pro, $186 less than Apple’s $560. $343 for the iPhone 16 Plus, $122 less than Apple’s $465. And $333 for the iPhone 16, $127 less than Apple’s $460.
To get something close to what Apple will pay for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, you’d have to give Samsung your iPhone 17 Pro Max, which Samsung values at $640. That’s a 47% depreciation on a phone that launched at $1,199 last September.
On the flip side, Samsung’s Galaxy trade in prices are more generous. Samsung will pay $500 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is $300 more than Apple’s $200. $350 for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, $220 more than Apple’s $130. And $130 for the Note 20 Ultra, $40 more than Apple’s $90.
Samsung also values the Pixel 8 Pro higher at $193, which is $28 more than Apple’s $165. However, there’s no option to trade in a OnePlus or other non-Samsung Android phone through Samsung directly.
If you’re planning to upgrade, the advice is clear: sticking with your current brand will net the biggest trade-in windfall. If you’re desperate to cross over, though, then you will have to wait until either Apple or Samsung run a promotion with enhanced trade-in prices for rival tech. The launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, or iPhone 18, might be that opportunity.
