Carriers boost iPhone 18 Pro Max trade-in values to support upgrade cycle

Wireless carriers across the United States are offering $1,200 in maximum trade-in credits for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max, a $100 jump from what the prior generation commanded. This timing coincides with Apple's new Pro lineup hitting stores at steeper price points: the iPhone 18 Pro begins at $1,199 while the Max model starts at $1,299. Bank of America's research team highlighted how these expanded trade-in offers effectively neutralize the impact of Apple's price escalation year-over-year, thereby maintaining healthy consumer demand for upgrades. The firm specifically cited these incentives as momentum drivers for pushing installed base adoption of the latest devices, which contain the generative AI capabilities customers are seeking.

1. iPhone 18 Pro Max trade-in credit increased to $1,200, compared with $1,100 for iPhone 17 Pro Max and $1,000 for iPhone 16 Pro Max
2. Verizon and AT&T require iPhone 14 or newer for maximum trade-in credits; T-Mobile requires iPhone 15 Pro or newer
3. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are built on the A20 Pro chip manufactured at 2-nanometer process and include AI-focused features
4. iPhone 18 Pro pricing: $1,199 base, Pro Max starts at $1,299
5. iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max became available for purchase on September 18, 2026
6. Apple plans to launch the foldable iPhone Duo in approximately one month