7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Use Apple’s Trade-In Program in 2025 - And What You Should Do Instead
06/07/2025
06/07/2025
(And What to Do Instead)
Apple keeps launching sleek, powerful devices—often multiple times a year. Whether it’s the new M4 MacBook Pro, the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max, or an upgraded iPad Air, it’s tempting to trade in your older device for the newest release.
But here’s the catch: Apple’s trade-in program isn’t always the best deal.
If your MacBook, iPhone, or iPad is showing signs of age, has suffered water damage, or simply needs to be replaced, you might be considering trading it in. Before you do, here are 7 reasons why you may want to avoid Apple’s trade-in program—and what you should consider instead.
What many people don’t realize is that Apple’s trade-in program is actually managed by Phobio, not Apple itself. That means you’re not dealing directly with Apple when you send your device in.
Meanwhile, at GoRoostr.com, you get direct, transparent customer service from a company that specializes exclusively in Apple device buybacks. No middlemen. No confusion.
When you trade in with Apple, you’ll only receive store credit or a gift card—never actual money. This limits you to buying directly from Apple, which is often more expensive than third-party retailers or certified refurbished marketplaces.
By contrast, at GoRoostr, you can sell your used, broken, or even water-damaged MacBook for real cash, which you can use however and wherever you want—on a new device, a repair, or anything else.
Apple’s quote tool offers only basic condition options. If their inspection team decides your device doesn’t meet their expectations (which happens frequently), your offer can be significantly downgraded.
At GoRoostr.com, we ask detailed condition questions upfront, which means your quote is more accurate from the start. No bait-and-switch.
Apple may refuse to offer a trade-in value at all for broken or water-damaged devices. Instead, they’ll offer to “recycle your device for free.” Translation? They make money off your broken device while you get nothing.
GoRoostr specializes in buying damaged Apple products. Whether your MacBook won’t boot, your iPhone screen is shattered, or your iPad has water damage, we’ll still make you an offer.
Let’s compare.
Want a real quote for your MacBook, iPhone, or iPad?
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Did you:
If yes, Apple will likely disqualify your device from trade-in entirely.
GoRoostr is far more flexible. We buy devices that Apple won’t—including those with third-party repairs, screen damage, and non-functional parts.
Here’s the fine print Apple doesn’t emphasize: You must pay for your new device in full at the time of purchase—even if you’re using your trade-in. Only afterward do they process your trade and issue credit.
So, if you don’t have the full cost of an iPhone 16 Pro or a new M4 MacBook handy, that trade-in credit won’t help you much right away.
With GoRoostr, you can get cash for your old device first, and then use that cash however you like—including buying a new device from any store or reseller you choose.
Not really. Apple, GoRoostr, and most other trade-in programs all follow the same basic process:
What’s different is how much you get paid, and what format it’s in. With GoRoostr, you can expect faster service, higher payouts, and real cash—not Apple gift cards. Also, with GoRoostr you can even sell Apple devices such as MacBooks in bulk
Feature | Apple Trade-In | GoRoostr |
Run by Apple | ❌ (Managed by Phobio) | ✅ Direct-to-Consumer |
Pays in Cash | ❌ Store Credit Only | ✅ Multiple Payout Methods |
Accepts Broken Devices | ❌ Often Refuses | ✅ Accepts Broken, Water-Damaged, Dead |
Quote Accuracy | ❌ Often Reduced Post-Inspection | ✅ Transparent Upfront Pricing |
Flexibility | ❌ Must Buy from Apple | ✅ Use Cash Anywhere |
Better Payouts | ❌ Low Offers | ✅ Industry-Leading Offers |
Get more value for your used, broken, or dead MacBook, iPhone, or iPad.