The VernonChan Verdict:
The “Big Week” isn’t just about spending money; it’s about shifting equity. In 2026, Apple gear holds its value better than almost any other consumer tech. If you are sitting on an M1 MacBook Air or an iPhone 14, you are essentially holding a “discount coupon” worth up to RM2,000 toward the new MacBook Neo or iPhone 17e.
1. What is Your Gear Worth? (March 2026 Estimates)
Trade-in values fluctuate based on condition and the demand for refurbished units. Here are the current maximum estimates at the Apple Store TRX and Authorised Resellers (Machines/Switch).
iPhone Trade-In Estimates
| Your Current Model | Max Trade-In Value (RM) | Upgrade to iPhone 17e (RM2,999) |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Up to RM3,800 | Net Zero (You get Gift Card balance) |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Up to RM2,730 | You pay ~RM269 |
| iPhone 14 | Up to RM1,285 | You pay ~RM1,714 |
| iPhone 13 | Up to RM1,080 | You pay ~RM1,919 |
Find out if the iPhone 17e’s C1X modem is the reason you should ditch your iPhone 14.
MacBook Trade-In Estimates
| Your Current Model | Max Trade-In Value (RM) | Upgrade to MacBook Neo (RM2,499) |
| MacBook Air (M3) | Up to RM2,100 | You pay ~RM399 |
| MacBook Air (M2) | Up to RM1,700 | You pay ~RM799 |
| MacBook Air (M1) | Up to RM1,200 | You pay ~RM1,299 |
See why the MacBook Neo’s A18 Pro is worth the trade-in jump from your old M1 Air.
2. Where Should You Trade In?
In Malaysia, you have three main liquidity paths for your old gear:
- Apple Store TRX (The “Frictionless” Choice):
- Pros: Instant credit, handled by Apple Specialists. If your value exceeds the purchase price, you get an Apple Gift Card for the balance.
- Cons: Stricter on physical condition (dents/scratches).
- Learn more about Apple Trade In.
- Authorised Resellers (Machines/Switch/Urban Republic):
- Pros: Often offer “Overtrade” promos (e.g., an extra RM200 on top of the value) during launch weeks.
- Cons: Credits must usually be used on the same receipt for the new purchase.
- The “Carousell” Route (The “High-Effort” Choice):
- Pros: You can usually get 15-20% more cash than a trade-in program.
- Cons: Lowballers, scams, and the time spent meeting people in malls.
3. The Trade-in Checklist
Before you head to the mall to trade in your old friend for a new MacBook Neo, do these four things:
- Backup to iCloud: Ensure your “Last Backup” was today.
- Turn Off “Find My”: This is the #1 reason trade-ins get rejected at the counter. Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Turn Off.
- Unpair Your Apple Watch: If you’re trading in your iPhone, unpair the watch first to save its backup to the phone.
- Factory Reset: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Strategic Upgrade: The “Zero Cost” Move
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB), your trade-in value (RM3,800) actually exceeds the price of a new iPhone 17e (RM2,999).
VC Pro Tip: In this scenario, don’t just “lose” that extra RM800. Use it to buy a Studio Display (Standard) or an iPad Air M4 for your side-hustle.
Check the full Malaysia Price List to calculate your final upgrade cost.
