I am currently using a 13 Pro Max and will most likely trade it in to Apple for the 14 Pro Max depending on how good their trade-in offers are this year. In the past Apple trade in used to only buy the previous model for 50%. Last year they bought back at a higher amount so the yearly cost wasn't that bad. Assuming they have a similar trade-in amount, I believe last year was $790 (for the 12 Pro Max), it won't cost much to upgrade each year. For me, I buy only the base models and I live in a state that doesn't charge sales tax. For those who don't buy base models and who have to pay sales tax, it's probably not worth it to upgrade each year. But for me it's not bad.
As an example, let's say I bought the 13 Pro Max for $1099 and they give me a trade in of $790, it will cost me $309 to upgrade. So, I will have spent $1099 initially plus $309 which is $1408.
Now, then you can compare trade-in offers after 2 years and 3 years. It's best to trade-in after 3 years but it's only a few dollars difference per month to trade-in each year. Here's a chart I made to illustrate this:
Estimated amounts are from: https://web.archive.org/web/20211001122602/https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in
12 Pro Max: "Up to $790"
11 Pro Max: "Up to $500"
XS Max: "Up to $320"
Now, of course if Apple doesn't give as much for the trade in amount, then the math is much different. I'll see what is offered this year and if I want to do that.
As an example, let's say I bought the 13 Pro Max for $1099 and they give me a trade in of $790, it will cost me $309 to upgrade. So, I will have spent $1099 initially plus $309 which is $1408.
Now, then you can compare trade-in offers after 2 years and 3 years. It's best to trade-in after 3 years but it's only a few dollars difference per month to trade-in each year. Here's a chart I made to illustrate this:
One year upgrade | Two year upgrade | Three year upgrade | |
Estimated trade in amount: | $790 | $500 | $320 |
Initial purchase amount: | $1099 | $1099 | $1099 |
Upgrade cost year 1: | $309 | $0 (no upgrade this year) | $0 (no upgrade this year) |
Upgrade cost year 2: | $309 | $599 | $0 (no upgrade this year) |
Upgrade cost year 3: | $309 | $0 (no upgrade this year) | $779 |
Upgrade cost year 4: | $309 | $599 | $0 (no upgrade this year) |
Upgrade cost year 5: | $309 | $0 (no upgrade this year) | $0 (no upgrade this year) |
Upgrade cost year 6: | $309 | $599 | $779 |
Total spent after 6 years: | $2953 | $2896 | $2657 |
Total per month: | $41.01 | $40.22 | $36.90 |
Estimated amounts are from: https://web.archive.org/web/20211001122602/https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in
12 Pro Max: "Up to $790"
11 Pro Max: "Up to $500"
XS Max: "Up to $320"
Now, of course if Apple doesn't give as much for the trade in amount, then the math is much different. I'll see what is offered this year and if I want to do that.
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