Why trading in at Apple often disappoints
Your old iPhone is in the drawer. Or that iPad you never use anymore. Trading it in at Apple often yields less than hoped. Moreover, the process is lengthy and the terms are strict. The secondhand market? Unreliable and fraught with scams. But here's what no one tells you: the real value of your Apple device isn't in what Apple offers for it. It's in cleverly combining trade-in value with the right refurbished deals.
Users who trade in their old iPhone through leapp and immediately upgrade to a refurbished model plus new AirPods save an average of 40% more than with a regular trade-in. In fact, some finance their entire accessory upgrade solely with the trade-in value of their old device. In this article, we reveal what others actually experience when trading in through leapp.
Useful links
- View all refurbished Apple products
- Discover refurbished Apple Watch models
- Start trading in immediately
Why users choose leapp trade-in
Trading in Apple devices has proven to be an eye-opener for many users. While the official Apple Trade-In program often offers disappointing amounts, leapp customers tell a different story. Their experiences show that smarter trade-ins are possible.
The most striking feedback comes from iPhone users who trade in their devices. They receive an average of 20 to 30 percent more than what Apple itself offers. This difference becomes even greater with newer models. For example, a user from Amsterdam shares that he received €150 more for his iPhone 13 Pro at leapp than Apple's offer.
The trade-in process in practice
Customers especially appreciate the transparency of the process. You can see your device's value directly online, without any hidden costs or surprises. Here's how it works:
- You enter the model and condition of your device on the website
- A guaranteed trade-in amount appears immediately
- You send the device free of charge using the shipping label provided
- After checking you will receive your money within days
This speed contrasts sharply with other trade-in programs. While some providers take weeks, Leapp processes everything within a week. Users consistently cite this as the biggest advantage in their reviews.
Smart combination saves extra
The real benefit lies in combining a trade-in with a refurbished purchase. Customers who follow this strategy report savings of up to €400 on a complete upgrade. A teacher from Utrecht explains how he traded in his old iPad Pro and used that amount plus €200 to buy a newer refurbished version. At Apple, the same upgrade would have cost him €600 more.
This principle works especially well for:
- MacBooks where depreciation is slower
- iPads that retain their functionality for a long time
- Apple Watches, of which older models still work fine
Safety and privacy are paramount
A recurring theme in customer reviews is the careful handling of personal data. Users receive clear instructions for wiping their device. The company certifies that all data is professionally deleted, which provides additional confidence.
The physical process is also secure. Insured shipping, package tracking, and fast communication upon receipt provide peace of mind. A Rotterdam entrepreneur describes how he was initially skeptical about sending a MacBook Pro worth thousands of euros, but the professional handling reassured him.
When is it worthwhile to trade in at Leapp?
Not every scenario lends itself equally well to a trade-in. User experiences point to a few situations where it's particularly advantageous:
When upgrading within the same ecosystem
If you're upgrading from an iPhone 12 to an iPhone 14, you can use the trade-in value directly toward your new purchase. This often yields more than selling first and then buying.
For companies with multiple devices
Businesses who replace complete sets of devices benefit from bulk discounts. A marketing agency in Eindhoven saved €2,000 on replacing ten iPads.
In case of damage or defects
While Apple often rejects damaged devices, Leapp does accept them. Users with a cracked screen or failing battery still receive a reasonable refund.
Tips from experienced trade-ins
Customers who have traded in devices more often share practical advice:
- Trade in before a new model comes out - the value will drop quickly
- Keep original accessories - they increase the trade-in value
- Please take photos of your device before shipping as proof of condition
- Combine multiple old devices for maximum discount on a new purchase
The downside according to users
Of course, there are also critical voices. Some customers feel that very old models (older than five years) offer little value. Others would have preferred a wider selection of refurbished models. This feedback is valuable, and the company is actively responding by expanding its product range.
A common comment concerns the valuation of accessories. While the main device is highly valued, individual AirPods or Apple Pencils fetch less than expected. Users recommend trading them in as a set with an iPad or iPhone.
Conclusion from user experiences
The common thread across all the experiences is clear: trading in at leapp offers a reliable alternative to Apple's own program. The combination of better prices, faster processing, and the option to upgrade instantly to refurbished makes it the logical choice for many users. Especially those who want to stay within the Apple ecosystem but don't want to pay top dollar will find it an excellent solution.
Save more by trading in smartly
User experiences speak for themselves: trading in through Leapp yields more than the official Apple program, without the hassle of dealing with unreliable buyers on the secondhand market. The difference lies in the combination of better trade-in prices, fast processing, and the option to upgrade directly to a refurbished device .
Whether you're trading in your old iPhone for a newer model or replacing multiple devices at once, the savings can quickly add up to hundreds of euros . That's why it's worth checking your device's value before you let it collect dust in a drawer.
