iPad Pro Help me out. iPad Pro trade-in (in-store or online) and restore from backup

[msackey]

I need some help thinking this through.

I may be upgrading my iPad Pro (2nd gen from 2020) to the current iPad Pro M4 11-inch w/ nano-texture screen. I need some help thinking through two things that are somewhat related-ish: how to do trade-in with Apple and restoring from backup.

Trade-in
My understanding is that if I order online from the Apple store, even with the Pickup from Store option, the trade-in will be done all via postal mail. This means Apple will send me a box to mail the old iPad to some third-party that will evaluate my iPad for its value, etc. As such, there would be a delay in getting the trade-in value, if at all.

If I order my iPad directly from an Apple Store (and there's one that's just 10 minutes away from my home), the Apple Store staff will evaluate my old iPad immediately and give/tell me the trade-in value immediately which would be immediately applied to the order without delay.

Is all of this assessment true? Is it true that if I order online but with the option of Pickup from Apple Store, that the trade-in would still occur via third party and would not be done at the Apple Store? If I were only to consider this, getting trade-in evaluated in the Store would be better because I would immediately know what value I'm getting and I could even decide right there and then whether I do want to trade in or not without giving up my old iPad first (compared to having to mail in).

Restoring from Backup
I have my old iPad Pro backed up via iTunes (local encryption so that health data would be backed up too). This is a very basic question, but help me confirm: can I do a "restore from backup" to the brand new iPad Pro? Will all data and layout, wall papers, etc. transfer over? I believe yes, but am not fully sure. Feels like there's often some snags along the way of restoring from backup.

So what does this have to do with trade-in? Well, I'm just wondering if I have to relinquish my old iPad without being able to have both old and new iPad together at the same time is there some risk to not being able to "restore from backup"? (e.g., if I do a trade-in at the Apple Store, I would essentially be giving up my old iPad in order to receive the new; if I do a trade-in via mail, I would have the opportunity to have in possession both iPads for a while.)

Timing of Purchase
I just thought of this third question. I have never paid attention to timing of discounts etc., but it just occurred to me that black Friday is coming up. Would it be better to purchase the iPad Pro then? I do have access to Apple's education discount because I work in higher education, though the discounts are not super (about maybe $100-ish off regular price).

 

[ProbablyDylan]

My understanding is that if I order online from the Apple store, even with the Pickup from Store option, the trade-in will be done all via postal mail. This means Apple will send me a box to mail the old iPad to some third-party that will evaluate my iPad for its value, etc. As such, there would be a delay in getting the trade-in value, if at all.

I believe this changed recently. I would call your local store and check what their policy is - mine was only processing trade-in if the option was selected during the ordering process. I believe they can cancel the mail part on their end.

If I order my iPad directly from an Apple Store (and there's one that's just 10 minutes away from my home), the Apple Store staff will evaluate my old iPad immediately and give/tell me the trade-in value immediately which would be immediately applied to the order without delay.

Correct, this is the usual process. Less than 10 minutes to assess and give you the trade in value.

I have my old iPad Pro backed up via iTunes (local encryption so that health data would be backed up too). This is a very basic question, but help me confirm: can I do a "restore from backup" to the brand new iPad Pro? Will all data and layout, wall papers, etc. transfer over? I believe yes, but am not fully sure. Feels like there's often some snags along the way of restoring from backup.

Also correct, everything transfers over as you would expect.

So what does this have to do with trade-in? Well, I'm just wondering if I have to relinquish my old iPad without being able to have both old and new iPad together at the same time is there some risk to not being able to "restore from backup"? (e.g., if I do a trade-in at the Apple Store, I would essentially be giving up my old iPad in order to receive the new; if I do a trade-in via mail, I would have the opportunity to have in possession both iPads for a while.)

If you want to transfer your data in-store, the associates can help you with that. They're very helpful and patient. You will only leave the store with the new iPad, though.

Something to conisder - do not wipe the old iPad before you get to the store. Their diagnostics depend on the device already being set up. Additionally, being able to get into the iPad helps prove your ownership of it.

TL;DR, call your local store to double check their process.

 

[msackey]

I believe this changed recently. I would call your local store and check what their policy is - mine was only processing trade-in if the option was selected during the ordering process. I believe they can cancel the mail part on their end.

AH! Ok, then I'll need to call them up.

Something to conisder - do not wipe the old iPad before you get to the store. Their diagnostics depend on the device already being set up. Additionally, being able to get into the iPad helps prove your ownership of it.

Oh! Hmm...I always thought they told us to wipe everything before you take the iPad in. I'll call and double check.

TL;DR, call your local store to double check their process.

👍🏽

Thanks!

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Oh! Hmm...I always thought they told us to wipe everything before you take the iPad in. I'll call and double check.

That's what I thought too, but when I recently traded in my unused Mac Mini they scolded me for wiping it in advance. Here I was thinking I was making their job easier!

 

[msackey]

That's what I thought too, but when I recently traded in my unused Mac Mini they scolded me for wiping it in advance. Here I was thinking I was making their job easier!

Oh how interesting. I did a quick search on Apple and it seems that they do suggest removing your personal data and all that before turning in the device for trade-in. But then, when I got to a specific page about trade-in these are the directions (https://www.apple.com/us-edu/shop/trade-in ):

1. Unpair all Apple Watch devices.
2. Back up your iPhone or iPad.
3. Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store.
4. Do not erase your device. Once your device has been assessed, a Specialist will help you erase all of your content and settings.

So, I guess you are right. Just unpair and sign out of all accounts.

I'm glad you pointed that out because I would have erased the whole thing. That said, this reminds me that I will need to unenroll my iPad from my university's Mobile Device Manager before I take my iPad for trade-in.