T-Mobile's $1,200 iPhone 18 Pro Deal: Here's How Much You Can Get for Your Older iPhone

Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro carries a hefty starting price, but T-Mobile customers could potentially offset the entire cost through a new carrier trade-in promotion. Apple says eligible buyers can save up to $1,200 (£886) when trading in a qualifying device, making the deal particularly notable as the company's latest Pro phones become more expensive.

The promotion arrives as Apple prepares to release the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on 18 September. The phones start at $1,199 (£885) and $1,299 (£960), respectively, both $100 (£74) more than their predecessors. Pre-orders open on 12 September.

T-Mobile Offers Up to $1,200 for iPhone 18 Pro

Apple is advertising carrier deals from T-Mobile and AT&T worth up to $1,200 (£886) with an eligible trade-in, potentially covering the base price of the iPhone 18 Pro for customers who qualify. Apple's online store says T-Mobile's promotion accepts eligible trade-ins in any condition.

The headline figure, however, is an 'up to' amount rather than a guaranteed $1,200 (£886) payment for every old iPhone.

T-Mobile says customers can check their device's estimated trade-in value using its trade-in service, while the final savings can also depend on available promotions. Customers should therefore check the specific eligibility and promotional requirements attached to their purchase.

How Much Is Your Older iPhone Worth?

Customers who would rather use Apple Trade In will see substantially different values. Apple's maximum direct trade-in credit currently reaches $885 (£653) for an iPhone 17 Pro Max, while an iPhone 17 Pro can fetch up to $785 (£580).

An iPhone Air or standard iPhone 17 is worth up to $585 (£432).

Older models have lower maximum values. Apple currently offers up to $610 (£450) for an iPhone 16 Pro Max, $510 (£377) for an iPhone 16 Pro, $430 (£317) for an iPhone 16 or 16 Plus and $270 (£199) for an iPhone 16e.

For the iPhone 15 generation, maximum values stand at $455 (£336) for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, $370 (£273) for the 15 Pro, $315 (£233) for the 15 Plus and $305 (£225) for the standard iPhone 15.

An iPhone 14 Pro Max can fetch up to $360 (£266), while the iPhone 14 Pro is valued at up to $285 (£210). The iPhone 14 Plus and standard iPhone 14 are worth up to $210 (£155) and $195 (£144), respectively.

Apple says an iPhone 13 or newer can currently qualify for between $175 (£129) and $885 (£653) through Apple Trade In, depending on the model and condition.

Apple Changes iPhone Trade-In Values

The latest figures also represent a change from the boosted values Apple offered before its September launch.

For example, the iPhone 16 Pro Max previously commanded up to $720 (£532) before dropping to $610 (£450), while the iPhone 15 Pro Max fell from $530 (£391) to $455 (£336). The iPhone 14 Pro Max moved from $405 (£299) to $360 (£266).

That makes comparing Apple's direct programme with carrier promotions such as T-Mobile's particularly important for buyers considering an iPhone 18 Pro upgrade.

What To Do Before Trading in Your iPhone

Before handing over an old iPhone, users should back up their data and transfer anything they need to their new device. T-Mobile also instructs customers to turn off Find My and erase the old phone before sending it in, as Find My must be disabled to receive the full promotional trade-in value.

Customers trading through T-Mobile can either send their device using the provided trade-in process or bring it to a store, with the carrier stating that eligible devices must be submitted within the required trade-in period.

The maximum $1,200 (£886) T-Mobile promotion and Apple's standard trade-in values are separate offers, so the amount an iPhone owner ultimately receives will depend on the device and the terms of the promotion they choose.