Don’t believe everything you see on TikTok. Despite the viral videos making the rounds, No, Apple isn’t trying to buy up all the 13 Pro Maxes, and the truth behind these trade-in rumors is a lot less dramatic.
TikTok has a way of turning half-truths into viral trends. Over the past week, the platform has been buzzing with claims that Apple desperately wants old iPhone 13 Pro Max models back, supposedly offering huge trade-in deals. One video alone racked up nearly 7 million views. And sure, the 13 Pro was a fantastic device. But this latest TikTok-fueled theory? It just doesn’t stand up to the facts.
Where The Rumor Started
The whole buzz seems to have stemmed from Apple’s iPhone 17 launch event. During the keynote, marketing chief Greg “Joz” Joswiak mentioned that customers could get “up to $1,100 off when you trade in an iPhone 13 Pro or newer.”
Some TikTok creators clipped that exact moment and spun it into a conspiracy that Apple is buying back 13 Pro Max models at insane values because the phone was “too good.” What they conveniently left out: Joz used the same line last year for the 12 Pro, and the year before that for the 11 Pro.
The Reality Behind Apple’s Trade-In Offers
Here’s the truth: Apple isn’t handing out four-figure discounts for your old 13 Pro Max. If you trade directly with Apple, you’ll get a maximum of $320 back when upgrading to the iPhone 17—not the $1,100 TikTok suggests.
The bigger “up to $1,100 off” number comes when you factor in carrier deals. For example, Verizon or AT&T often bundle Apple trade-ins with multi-year contracts, heavy conditions, or financing plans. That’s standard practice—not proof of Apple hoarding 13 Pro Max units.
Why People Think The 13 Pro Max Was “Special”
Part of what fuels this rumor is nostalgia. The iPhone 13 Pro Max was indeed a standout. It brought a larger battery, ProMotion 120Hz display, and impressive cameras that made it feel like a leap over the 12 Pro. Many tech reviewers even called it one of the best iPhones Apple ever made.
But Apple doesn’t operate on sentiment. Trade-in values are based on market demand, resale value, and depreciation cycles, not emotion. Every year, last-gen iPhones get folded into the same trade-in ecosystem—no conspiracy required.
Don’t Let TikTok Fool You
At the end of the day, TikTok thrives on hype, and the “Apple wants your 13 Pro Max back” theory is just the latest example. The numbers may look enticing, but when you peel back the layers, it’s just clever marketing and selective editing.
So, to set the record straight: No, Apple isn’t trying to buy up all the 13 Pro Maxes. If you want a solid upgrade deal, check your carrier—but don’t fall for the myth that Apple is secretly scrambling to reclaim its old flagship.
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