If there’s one constant in the smartphone world, it’s that Apple does not make inexpensive smartphones. Apple sees itself as a premium brand, and even for its “lower-cost” models like the Apple iPhone 16e you still pay a premium.
When the new crop of flagship iPhones comes out, your wallet has to take a hefty hit, right?
That’s not necessarily so. One of the true benefits of iPhone ownership is that they do tend to hold their value over time, especially relative to their Android counterparts.
So while a new iPhone 17, iPhone Air or iPhone 17 Pro might come with a price tag with a hefty quantity of zeroes behind it, it’s entirely feasible to take some of that sting out by realising the value inherent in an iPhone you already own.
One route to make the most out of your iPhone financially is to sell it privately, and that can have its advantages in terms of setting the price, but also some risks around scams, as well as complexity in working out where to list it, waiting for it to sell and hoping that it all goes smoothly.
One easier option if you’re after a simpler approach, and especially if you’re keen on splitting the cost of your iPhone 17 out over a period of time by getting one on contract through one of the big three telcos is to opt for a trade-in deal instead.
How much you’ll actually get for your existing iPhone model does depend on its condition and also its age; trading in a newer iPhone will nearly always get you more credit than trading a similar model from an older iPhone generation.
Vodafone iPhone 17 trade-in deals
Here's a look at the value you can expect to get from Vodafone when trading in an old iPhone:
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (64GB) | $105 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (128GB) | $120 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (256GB) | $140 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (64GB) | $155 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (128GB) | $185 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (256GB) | $205 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (128GB) | $235 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (256GB) | $260 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (512GB) | $305 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (128GB) | $330 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (256GB) | $355 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB) | $365 | $10 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (128GB) | $245 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (256GB) | $260 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (512GB) | $270 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (128GB) | $275 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (256GB) | $295 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (512GB) | $340 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (128GB) | $365 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (256GB) | $415 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (512GB) | $450 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (1TB) | $475 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (128GB) | $475 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (256GB) | $500 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (512GB) | $520 | $10 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (1TB) | $550 | $10 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 14 (128GB) | $600 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone 14 (256GB) | $600 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone 14 (512GB) | $600 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (128GB) | $600 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (256GB) | $600 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (512GB) | $600 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) | $600 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (256GB) | $600 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (512GB) | $600 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (1TB) | $650 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (128GB) | $650 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (256GB) | $635 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (512GB) | $675 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (1TB) | $730 | $55 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 15 (128GB) | $600 | $85 |
| Apple iPhone 15 (256GB) | $600 | $85 |
| Apple iPhone 15 (512GB) | $600 | $85 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) | $600 | $85 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (256GB) | $600 | $85 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (512GB) | $600 | $85 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (128GB) | $600 | $130 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (256GB) | $740 | $130 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (512GB) | $780 | $130 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (1TB) | $830 | $130 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) | $780 | $160 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (512GB) | $830 | $160 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB) | $870 | $160 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 16e (128GB) | $600 | $115 |
| Apple iPhone 16e (256GB) | $600 | $115 |
| Apple iPhone 16e (512GB) | $600 | $115 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (128GB) | $685 | $150 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (256GB) | $800 | $150 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (512GB) | $805 | $150 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) | $760 | $180 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) | $800 | $180 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) | $815 | $180 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) | $895 | $190 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) | $1,000 | $190 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) | $1,000 | $190 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (1TB) | $1,060 | $190 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) | $1,055 | $210 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) | $1,110 | $210 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) | $1,185 | $210 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (64GB) | $95 | $0 |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (128GB) | $115 | $0 |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (256GB) | $120 | $0 |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (64GB) | $95 | $0 |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (128GB) | $115 | $0 |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (256GB) | $120 | $0 |
Vodafone’s trade-in scheme doesn’t in fact rely on you trading in an iPhone for an iPhone; you can optionally trade in phones from other brands, whether that’s a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Oppo and, strangely enough, Huawei but not Motorola. We have no idea why either, but bear in mind that the faster depreciation on Android models means that you’re likely to get less in credit for many of those devices when you do opt to trade them in.
If you’re after an iPhone 17 or iPhone Air through Vodafone, here’s the full rundown of plans for you to choose from:
iPhone 17 256GB Plans
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$88.02/mth
Min. cost $1,593.72
|
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$93.02/mth
Min. cost $1,598.72
|
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$98.02/mth
Min. cost $1,603.72
|
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Plans
|
Vodafone
Editor's Pick
$58 Small Plan
$92.18/mth
Min. cost $2,043.72
|
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$97.18/mth
Min. cost $2,048.72
|
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$102.18/mth
Min. cost $2,053.72
|
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Plans
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$97.74/mth
Min. cost $2,243.88
|
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$102.74/mth
Min. cost $2,248.88
|
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$107.74/mth
Min. cost $2,253.88
|
iPhone Air 256GB Plans
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$97.75/mth
Min. cost $1,944
|
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$102.75/mth
Min. cost $1,949
|
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$107.75/mth
Min. cost $1,954
|
Like most telcos, Vodafone often offers “extra” trade-in deals for iPhones around launch time for additional credit or other bonuses; this year it's $200 of bonus credit on top of whatever you get for your trade-in device.
The process of trading a phone with Vodafone involves an online device assessment to quickly gauge its condition. Once you complete that, you should get an email indicating a quote price, though it’s important to note that this quote is subject to verification, either in-person at a Vodafone store or through Asurion, Vodafone’s trade-in partner, if you’re sending your phone in for assessment.
How your credit is applied by Vodafone depends on your circumstances, with some choices to make.
If you simply trade in your device and opt not to upgrade to a new eligible Vodafone plan, your trade-in credit is applied as a recurring monthly credit to your bill on your existing Vodafone service for your choice of 12, 24 or 36 months.
If you’re upgrading to a new eligible plan, you can alternatively choose to have your trade-in credit applied in full to the final bill for your old mobile or tablet plan or have it applied as a recurring monthly credit against your new mobile phone plan for the term of your new plan over 12, 24 or 36 months.
If you happen to cancel your service prior to your full trade-in credit being applied, the remaining credit will be refunded to you, though doing so will forfeit any bonus credits that may have applied to your deal if applied at the time.
Optus iPhone 17 trade-in deals
Here's a look at the value you can expect to get from Optus when trading in an old iPhone:
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (64GB) | $100 | $30 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (128GB) | $110 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (256GB) | $120 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone 12 64GB | $170 | $50 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (128GB) | $200 | $60 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (256GB) | $220 | $65 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (128GB) | $260 | $80 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (256GB) | $290 | $85 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (512GB) | $320 | $95 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (128GB) | $340 | $100 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (256GB) | $365 | $110 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB) | $390 | $115 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (128GB) | $230 | $70 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (256GB) | $240 | $70 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (512GB) | $250 | $75 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (128GB) | $300 | $90 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (256GB) | $310 | $95 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (512GB) | $320 | $95 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (128GB) | $360 | $110 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (256GB) | $410 | $125 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (512GB) | $430 | $130 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (1TB) | $455 | $135 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (128GB) | $460 | $140 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (256GB) | $500 | $150 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (512GB) | $530 | $160 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (1TB) | $560 | $170 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 14 (128GB) | $350 | $105 |
| Apple iPhone 14 (256GB) | $390 | $115 |
| Apple iPhone 14 (512GB) | $410 | $125 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (128GB) | $385 | $115 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (256GB) | $410 | $125 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (512GB) | $435 | $130 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) | $545 | $165 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (256GB) | $580 | $175 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (512GB) | $600 | $180 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (1TB) | $615 | $185 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (128GB) | $600 | $180 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (256GB) | $640 | $190 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (512GB) | $695 | $210 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (1TB) | $720 | $215 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 15 (128GB) | $525 | $160 |
| Apple iPhone 15 (256GB) | $545 | $165 |
| Apple iPhone 15 (512GB) | $580 | $175 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) | $560 | $170 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (256GB) | $610 | $185 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (512GB) | $640 | $190 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (128GB) | $675 | $205 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (256GB) | $700 | $210 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (512GB) | $720 | $215 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (1TB) | $735 | $220 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) | $840 | $250 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (512GB) | $910 | $275 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB) | $940 | $280 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 16e (128GB) | $410 | $125 |
| Apple iPhone 16e (256GB) | $450 | $135 |
| Apple iPhone 16e (512GB) | $480 | $145 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (128GB) | $630 | $190 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (256GB) | $675 | $205 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (512GB) | $700 | $210 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) | $680 | $205 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) | $720 | $215 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) | $745 | $225 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) | $900 | $270 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) | $970 | $290 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) | $1,000 | $300 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (1TB) | $1,050 | $315 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) | $1,100 | $330 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) | $1,200 | $360 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) | $1,250 | $375 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (64GB) | $115 | $35 |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (128GB) | $130 | $40 |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (256GB) | $150 | $45 |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (64GB) | $50 | - |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (128GB) | $65 | $20 |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (256GB) | $75 | $25 |
Like Vodafone, Optus doesn’t actually handle trade-ins itself. It uses a third party, in this case a company called Likewize. You can trade in other phone brands apart from Apple this way, though again pricing will vary depending on model and condition, and not all brands will be accepted. You’re also limited to a single device per trade-in transaction.
Here’s the full range of Optus iPhone 17 and iPhone Air plans for you to choose from:
iPhone 17 256GB Plans
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$77.86/mth
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$107.86/mth
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$108.86/mth
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$128.86/mth
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Plans
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$94.52/mth
Min. cost $2,037.72
|
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$124.52/mth
Min. cost $2,067.72
|
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$125.52/mth
Min. cost $2,068.72
|
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$145.52/mth
Min. cost $2,088.72
|
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Plans
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$100.08/mth
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$130.08/mth
Min. cost $2,267.88
|
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$131.08/mth
Min. cost $2,268.88
|
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$151.08/mth
Min. cost $2,288.88
|
iPhone Air 256GB Plans
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$75.06/mth
Min. cost $1,337.16
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$105.06/mth
Min. cost $1,367.16
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$106.06/mth
Min. cost $1,368.16
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$126.06/mth
Min. cost $1,388.16
Out of stock
|
Trading in with Optus involves assessing your device, first online and then either in an Optus store in person, or by mailing it in to Likewise to check the precise details of your phone’s condition. Optus states that typically the process takes about 5 working days.
Optus take a far more direct approach to what it does with trade-in value, however than its competitors. There’s no capability to apply it to your Optus phone plan in any capacity. Instead, what you get is a Mastercard Gift Card to the agreed value of your device that you can spend as you see fit – or at least as you see fit wherever Mastercard is accepted anyway, which is a pretty broad choice.
While Optus’ trade-in partner Likewize will accept devices with some damage as part of this scheme – and you can expect to get less as an offer as a result – if your device won’t actually switch on or shows signs of liquid damage, it won’t be accepted at all.
Telstra iPhone 16 trade-in deals
Here's a look at the value you can expect to get from Telstra when trading in an old iPhone:
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (64GB) | $130 | $26 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (128GB) | $145 | $29 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini (256GB) | $165 | $33 |
| Apple iPhone 12 64GB | $165 | $33 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (128GB) | $190 | $38 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (256GB) | $210 | $42 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (128GB) | $275 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (256GB) | $305 | $61 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (512GB) | $330 | $66 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (128GB) | $355 | $71 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (256GB) | $385 | $77 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB) | $410 | $82 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (128GB) | $220 | $44 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (256GB) | $245 | $49 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (512GB) | $265 | $53 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (128GB) | $275 | $55 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (256GB) | $305 | $61 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (512GB) | $330 | $66 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (128GB) | $370 | $74 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (256GB) | $410 | $82 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (512GB) | $455 | $91 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (1TB) | $485 | $97 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (128GB) | $480 | $96 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (256GB) | $535 | $107 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (512GB) | $550 | $110 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (1TB) | $585 | $117 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 14 (128GB) | $365 | $73 |
| Apple iPhone 14 (256GB) | $405 | $81 |
| Apple iPhone 14 (512GB) | $440 | $88 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (128GB) | $395 | $79 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (256GB) | $430 | $86 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus (512GB) | $465 | $93 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) | $505 | $101 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (256GB) | $550 | $110 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (512GB) | $575 | $115 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro (1TB) | $605 | $121 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (128GB) | $600 | $120 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (256GB) | $645 | $129 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (512GB) | $680 | $136 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (1TB) | $710 | $142 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 15 (128GB) | $535 | $107 |
| Apple iPhone 15 (256GB) | $585 | $117 |
| Apple iPhone 15 (512GB) | $625 | $125 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) | $565 | $113 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (256GB) | $605 | $121 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus (512GB) | $645 | $129 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (128GB) | $710 | $142 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (256GB) | $755 | $151 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (512GB) | $800 | $160 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro (1TB) | $845 | $169 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) | $840 | $168 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (512GB) | $890 | $178 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB) | $945 | $189 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 16e (128GB) | $415 | $83 |
| Apple iPhone 16e (256GB) | $455 | $91 |
| Apple iPhone 16e (512GB) | $495 | $99 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (128GB) | $685 | $137 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (256GB) | $735 | $147 |
| Apple iPhone 16 (512GB) | $785 | $157 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) | $740 | $148 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) | $790 | $158 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) | $840 | $168 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) | $895 | $179 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) | $955 | $191 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) | $1,015 | $203 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro (1TB) | $1,070 | $214 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) | $1,045 | $209 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) | $1,100 | $220 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) | $1,200 | $231 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) | Value (Damaged) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (64GB) | $120 | $24 |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (128GB) | $140 | $28 |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (256GB) | $155 | $31 |
Like other Telcos, while Telstra has a web page and service for trading in older devices, it’s actually using a third-party company to do so; in its case it’s a company called Assurant. You’re not limited just trading in iPhones either, though again, capacity, condition and age of device will have an effect on what you’re offered.
Here’s Telstra’s range of iPhone 17 and iPhone Air plans:
iPhone 17 256GB Plans
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$117.02/mth
Min. cost $1,622.72
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$117.02/mth
Min. cost $1,622.72
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$127.02/mth
Min. cost $1,632.72
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Plans
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$129.52/mth
Min. cost $2,072.72
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$129.52/mth
Min. cost $2,072.72
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$139.52/mth
Min. cost $2,082.72
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Plans
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$135.08/mth
Min. cost $2,272.88
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$135.08/mth
Min. cost $2,272.88
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$145.08/mth
Min. cost $2,282.88
Link not supplied
|
iPhone Air 256GB Plans
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$126.75/mth
Min. cost $1,973
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$126.75/mth
Min. cost $1,973
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$136.75/mth
Min. cost $1,983
Link not supplied
|
The Telstra process for device assessment and quoting is essentially identical to that of its competitors. You fill out an online assessment form detailing your device’s type, capacity and condition, and then either present your device at a Telstra store – though you do need an appointment at a store to do this – or by mailing it in.
Once your device’s condition has been assessed, you should receive either an SMS or an email to indicate the agreed value of your device. If you choose to go ahead with the trade-in at that point, your credit will be applied to your second bill or via your nominated payment method within a period of 30 days.
Apple Store iPhone 17 trade-in deals
Another way you can relatively quickly realise the value of your existing iPhone is by trading it in directly with Apple itself. This can be done via physical Apple Stores or via Apple’s online trade-in portal. Apple will accept trade-ins of other eligible Apple devices, such as Apple Watches, iPads or Macs, but not other brand devices at all.
One critical detail to be aware of here is that, like the telcos, while it’s dressed in Apple clothing, you’re not actually dealing with Apple itself for the trade-in process; instead, you’re effectively selling your iPhone (or other Apple device) to Likewize, the same company that handles Optus’ trade-in deals.
If you’re not trading in at an Apple store, it’s also a very good idea to take a lot of photos and video of your device prior to mailing it in, based on experiences with Apple trade-ins previously.
Apple states the trade-in value for given iPhone models at an “up to” level, indicating the maximum you might get for a given model and storage variant. Here’s Apple’s claimed trade-in values for iPhones at the time of writing:
| Model | Value (Good working order) |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 | Up to $305 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | Up to $205 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Up to $345 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Up to $445 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 | Up to $385 |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini | Up to $330 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Up to $510 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Up to $635 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 14 | Up to $515 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Up to $565 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Up to $715 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Up to $870 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 15 | Up to $680 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Up to $750 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Up to $925 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | Up to $1,125 |
| Model | Value (Good working order) |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 8 | Up to $85 |
| Apple iPhone 8 Plus | Up to $95 |
| Apple iPhone X | Up to $120 |
| Apple iPhone XR | Up to $145 |
| Apple iPhone XS | Up to $145 |
| Apple iPhone XS Max | Up to $200 |
| Apple iPhone 11 | Up to $210 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro | Up to $260 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Up to $320 |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Generation) | Up to $90 |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation) | Up to $185 |
If you’ve got an iPhone older than an iPhone 8, Apple’s trade-in partner essentially isn’t interested in it. If you do take an older iPhone into an Apple store, they will offer to responsibly recycle it for you, but you’ll get no credit for it.
All trade-ins, once finalised, are offered as a direct credit paid to your nominated account once the transaction is finalised and you’ve agreed with the trade-in value offered.
Here's the complete outright pricing for the 2025 iPhone family:
| Phone | RRP | Check price on |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17e (256GB) | $1,149 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17e (512GB) | $1,549 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 (256GB) | $1,549 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 (512GB) | $1,849 | Amazon |
| iPhone Air (256GB) | $1,899 | Amazon |
| iPhone Air (512GB) | $2,299 | Amazon |
| iPhone Air (1TB) | $3,099 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 Pro (256GB)* | $1,999 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 Pro (512GB)* | $2,399 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 Pro (1TB)* | $2,799 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB)* | $2,199 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (512GB)* | $2,599 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (1TB)* | $2,999 | Amazon |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (2TB)* | $3,799 | Amazon |
*iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max were discontinued in September 2026. While the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, and iPhone Air got price increases when the iPhone 18 Pro launched, this wasn't the case for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. As such, we're still listing their launch pricing here. You should be able to find them cheaper, however.
Should I trade in my old phone for an iPhone 17?
We will get full reviews of the iPhone 17 lineup online as soon as possible, so stay tuned to see whether Apple’s delivered another gem of a phone or not – though it’s fairly rare for Apple to deliver an absolute dud of a product.
The secondary part of that question revolves around whether or not trade-in is your best option when maximising the value of your old iPhone.
Best is always relative, and what you’re really getting when you opt for a trade-in through the likes of Vodafone, Optus, Telstra, or Apple is a level of convenience, as long as matters go smoothly for you, but you are probably trading away some phone value in return.
If your phone is old and broken, it may end up as parts, but then you’ll not get much in trade-in value for that kind of device anyway. If it is in working condition, then it’s likely to end up being resold (and maybe refurbished) by the trade-in partner of your telco or Apple.
Refurbished phones naturally have a profit margin built into them, but they’re sold at what can be assumed to be the natural market price for those handsets at the time of selling. What all of that boils down to is that to remain in business, trade-in companies are always going to offer you less than that market value so that they can make money themselves from your device.
The flipside of this is that you don’t have to deal with the likes of Facebook Marketplace, eBay or anywhere else online or in the real world, you might try to sell your phone yourself.
iPhone trade-in FAQs
Do I need to clear my iPhone before trading it in?
Yes, you definitely do. This is a wise play in any case to ensure the privacy of your photos, banking details, emails and everything else, but it’s also a required step to remove activation lock on any iPhone device. Here’s a full guide to what you need to do before selling an iPhone via any means, including trade-in.
Can I trade in a broken device?
Maybe… but you’ll definitely get less for it, depending on how broken it is. Most trade-in offers won’t take phones that fail to power on, or that have obvious signs of liquid damage, but a few scuffs or marks won’t automatically disqualify it from being eligible.
As you might expect, if your iPhone is in shiny-feels-like-it-just-came-out-of-the-box condition, you’ll probably be offered more for it than if it has notable wear and tear on it.
If your phone is broken to a point where you can’t use it or get trade-in value for it, you should shop for a new phone but don’t forget to responsibly recycle your old broken iPhone as well. Here’s a guide to how to recycle old phones to get you started.
What happens if my device is assessed differently in-store or once I’ve sent it in?
If your estimation of your iPhone’s condition differs from that of the relevant trade-in partner, you’ll typically receive a revised trade-in offer. It’s then up to you to decide whether to accept that fresh offer. If you choose not to, most services will return your device to you.
Do I have to send in the original box, charger or other accessories?
No, not at all. You may opt to do so, and most trade-in services note that in this case, you won’t be able to get them back even if you do reject the eventual trade-in offer. Our advice would be to sensibly recycle the box (and maybe the case, depending on its construction) and keep chargers and cables that could be used for other devices down the track. You’re not going to get any more in trade-in value for including them.
Our advice would be to sensibly recycle the box (and maybe the case, depending on its construction) and keep chargers and cables that could be used for other devices down the track. You’re not going to get any more in trade-in value for including them.
I still owe payments on my phone. Can I trade it in?
In most cases, no, you can’t. In order to trade in a phone, you need to be the full and clear legal owner of the device, and any phone with contractual payments (distinct from plan payments) is one you don’t fully own as yet.
The one notable exception to this rule is that if you’re trading in with the telco that you’re already under contract to, they may offer a ‘trade and upgrade’ kind of deal, though these deals often don’t give you much value (if anything) for your old iPhone. In those cases, however, you’re typically taking on a whole new contract, but prior contractual payment obligations may be waived.
Alex Kidman
Freelance Contributor
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