Other iPhone Upgrade Program vs. Trade-In

[batting1000]

So it’s seems like this year and last, the trade in values of the current iPhone have been pretty high. Apple quotes a 12 Pro Max in good condition at ~$785.

If you plan on upgrading every year, is it a better value to trade your existing phone in, perhaps make a little “profit” over 12 months worth of payments on IUP, then go and buy the phone outright and get AC+ yourself?

Why do you choose one over the other? Interested to hear everyone’s thoughts.

 

[now i see it]

If saving as much money as possible is the game plan, the most frugal way to go about it is to buy a new iPhone full price up front without any plans or programs or financing and sell it when you want on your own at a place like Swappa.

If convenience is more important, you can't beat the IUP but you'll pay more.

If a little more freedom to do what you want is more important but you don't want to sell the iPhone on your own, the trade in program is a viable option but whoever you trade the phone in to, you won't get as much money compared to selling it yourself.

Personally I keep all my old phones. They can be useful for other things. I also don't buy new ones very often.