The oldest iPhone model you can trade-in with Apple is older than you'd think

Even old Apple devices you haven’t touched in years could still get you some credit towards a new phone.

If you've ever bought an iPhone directly from Apple, you've likely seen the option to trade in an older device. By sending the company your previous phone, you get credit towards your purchase. If you don't have plans to use your old phone , this is a good way to reduce the cost of an upgrade.

The trade-in value Apple offers varies by how new the device is, as you'd expect. However, you might be surprised at how old of a phone you can trade in and still get some credit. Spend a few minutes digging out that old phone sitting in a drawer, as it could have some value. Vintage phones won't be a ton, but with how expensive iPhones are nowadays, any little bit is appreciated.

It's a good idea to learn how the official iPhone trade-in program works in case you've never used it before, as well as knowing the other options you have to get cash from an old gadget.

Apple's Trade In page is where you check the trade-in value of various devices. For iPhones, the oldest model you can trade in and still get credit for is the iPhone 8, which came out in 2017. Upon picking a phone from the list, you'll need to indicate if the phone is in Good or Damaged condition. Your phone is still considered as Good even with minor scratches or dents. In this shape, Apple offers a mere $35 for the iPhone 8.

If you choose the latter option, you'll be asked several more questions about what is specifically wrong with the phone. But even if you indicate that a damaged iPhone is functional and its body/display are in good shape, you may not get anything for an older model.

2017's lineup also included the iPhone 8 Plus and then-premium iPhone X. Those with an iPhone 8 Plus can get $40 of trade-in credit if the device is in good shape, or $10 if it has limited damage. An iPhone X in good shape warrants $60, with no value for a damaged model. Keep in mind that trade-in amounts are estimates — you might get less than quoted if you didn't describe the condition accurately.

Apple's trade-in list goes all the way back to the iPhone 5, but you won't get any credit for these obsolete phones. If your device is too damaged or old to accept, the company will only recycle it .