Apple has quietly raised trade-in values for certain iPhones in China. This move comes as the company tries to recover lost ground in a market filled with rising competition.
As of May 23, 2025, Apple increased the iPhone 15 Pro’s trade-in value to $659 and the 15 Pro Max to $791. The change represents a small bump—only $5 to $11—but the timing is key.
Why the Change Matters
China is home to the 618 shopping festival, one of the country’s biggest retail events. Apple hopes the updated trade-in offer will encourage more users to upgrade. Even small financial incentives could sway buyers during this competitive period.
Apple is facing growing pressure from local brands like Huawei. These rivals have made big gains in recent years. At the same time, some Apple resellers in China have offered steep discounts. It’s unclear whether Apple supported those discounts, but the new trade-in values appear to be a direct effort by the company.
A Shift in Strategy
Apple often uses trade-ins to help customers afford upgrades while reselling older devices. This strategy supports both sales and sustainability. But with China’s smartphone market tightening, Apple must offer more compelling value to stay ahead.
These small increases in trade-in credit might not seem like much. However, in a market as large as China, even modest changes can drive big results.
Looking Ahead
Apple’s updated offer may help it regain momentum during the 618 festival. While the adjustments are minor, they signal a strategic shift. Apple wants to keep users loyal—and maybe even win back some who’ve left.
Whether this tactic pays off will become clearer as the 618 sales data rolls in. For now, Apple is betting that timing, not size, makes the difference.
