One of the main factors contributing to the premium pricing of iPhones is that Apple is well aware that most consumers don't pay the full amount upfront. Instead, you're likely to trade in your old device or take advantage of a carrier discount, right? If you're opting for the former, it's crucial to maintain your old iPhone in immaculate condition.

MacWorld executive editor Michael Simon shared a cautionary tale, revealing that Apple refused to accept a 256GB variant of the iPhone 15 Pro Max (which should have one of the highest trade-in values among existing iPhones) due to a cracked back resulting from a drop. As Simon pointed out, the repair cost for this imperfection would be a mere $29, but instead of deducting $29 from the trade-in value, Apple deemed his iPhone worthless during the trade-in process.

The key takeaway here is to invest the $29 (or your respective repair fee) to rectify any imperfections with your iPhone before trading it in for an iPhone 16. Although it may not be ideal, it's possible that Apple is counting on people being unwilling to go through the effort. Don't let Apple take advantage of you. For instance, if you're looking to get the maximum value for your device, consider fixing it first, as explained in this insightful article: Apple's iPhone trade-in trap.

At least, not until you've handed over several hundred dollars for a new phone, that is.