Apple Expands Recycling Options for Old Computers and Mobile Devices
Apple today quietly rolled out several enhancements to its reuse and recycling programs designed to help consumers dispose of their outdated computers and mobile devices in an environmentally friendly manner. The changes include the addition of old iPhone and iPad devices as accepted items for gift card trade-ins and free recycling for all computers and displays, regardless of manufacturer.
- iPhone and iPad now accepted for Apple Gift Card trade-ins. Apple has for some time partnered with PowerON to offer users the ability to trade in an old desktop or notebook computer (Mac or PC) and receive an Apple Gift Card good for the "fair market value" of the computer. The gift card can then be used in any Apple retail store or the online store. Apple has now expanded the trade-in program to allow users to send in their used iPhone and iPad devices for gift cards.
Turn that iPhone, iPad, or computer — Mac or PC — you’re not using anymore into something brand new. Send it to us and we’ll determine if it qualifies for reuse. If it does, that means your device has monetary value that we’ll apply to an Apple Gift Card, which you can use for purchases at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. If your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC doesn’t qualify for reuse, we’ll recycle it responsibly at no cost to you.
- Free recycling of all computers and displays. Apple also has an existing partnership with WeRecycle to help recycle computers that no longer possess trade-in value. Apple had previously offered free recycling of all old Macs as well as PC systems for customers purchasing Macs, old non-Apple-branded computers and displays recycled without the purchase of a Mac were processed through WeRecycle for a $30 fee to cover shipping. But Apple has now expanded its relationship with WeRecycle to support free recycling of all brands of computers and displays, regardless of whether the user is purchasing a new Mac.
If all you want is to dispose of your unwanted equipment — regardless of brand — we can help you do that. Apple contracts with WeRecycle! to responsibly recycle computers and displays from any manufacturer. Just call 877-712-2405 to receive a free prepaid shipping label. Then pack up your equipment using your own box and send it off.
Apple also continues to offer its iPod and mobile phone recycling program. That program offers users 10% off of the purchase of a new iPod when they trade in an old iPod at an Apple retail store. Users can also recycle their old iPods or mobile phones (from any manufacturer) free of charge by mail.
Apple's recycling and trade-in services are of course not the only options for users seeking to get rid of outdated equipment, as there are many other vendors offering cash for trade-ins and a number of states and municipalities offer recycling programs for electronics. But Apple is clearly taking an interest in providing such services on a broader basis to help simplify the process for its customers.
Popular Stories
Apple provided developers with the third beta of an upcoming iOS 26.2 update, and there are still new features that are being added with each beta that we get. We've rounded up all of the changes that Apple made in beta 3.
AirDrop
Apple added new AirDrop functionality, providing a way for two people to share files temporarily without having to add one another as contacts.
iOS 26.2...
Apple is preparing for Tim Cook to step down as CEO of the company "as soon as next year," according to the Financial Times.
The company's board of directors and senior executives "recently intensified preparations for Cook to hand over the reins," the report said.
While the report said that Apple is unlikely to name a new CEO before its next earnings report in late January, it went on to ...
Apple today announced an expansion of AppleCare+ coverage in India, with new options for monthly and annual plans, and the addition of Theft and Loss for iPhone for the first time.
Options for monthly and annual AppleCare+ plans in India provide more choice and flexibility, allowing users to keep coverage for as long as they require. Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product...
Apple today released new firmware designed for the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 4, and the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 firmware is 8B25, while the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 firmware is 8B21, all up from the prior 8A358 firmware released in October.
There's no word on what's include in the updated firmware, but the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 3...
We're officially in the month of Black Friday, which will take place on Friday, November 28 in 2025. As always, this will be the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When ...
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
Starting this Wednesday, November 19, the feature will be available to residents of Illinois.
The announcement confirmed that the...
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone.
iPhone Pocket is available to order on Apple's online store starting today, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. However, it is already completely sold out in the United...
Most of Apple's Macs are slated to get M5 chips across 2026, and there's a possibility we'll even see the first M6 chips toward the end of the year. Updates are planned for everything from the MacBook Air to the Mac Studio.
MacBook Air (Early 2026)
The MacBook Air will be one of the first Macs to get a 2026 refresh, with an update planned for the first few months of the year. The MacBook...
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that Tesla plans to add Apple CarPlay support to its vehicles "in the coming months."
This is easily the biggest news for the regular version of CarPlay in years, should Tesla actually follow through with offering the system in its vehicles.
As noted by Gurman, this would be a stunning reversal for Tesla and its CEO Elon ...
Starting with the upcoming tvOS 26.2 update, currently in beta, additional profiles created on the Apple TV no longer require their own Apple Account.
In the Settings app on the Apple TV, under Profiles and Accounts, anyone can create a new profile by simply entering a name and indicating whether the profile is for a kid. The profile will be associated with the primary user's Apple Account,...
