Apple’s M2 Vision Pro Trade-In Shutout Stuns Early Adopters

Apple has discontinued the original Vision Pro headset. The device will not be eligible for the company’s standard trade-in program. This move leaves early buyers without an easy path to upgrade to the new M5 model.

The decision was confirmed on Apple’s official website. It marks a significant departure from how the company typically handles product transitions for its premium devices.

Breaking from a Established Upgrade Pattern

Apple’s trade-in program is a staple for its product ecosystem. Customers regularly use it to offset the cost of new iPhones, Macs, and Apple Watches. According to Bloomberg, this program is a key driver for customer loyalty and upgrade cycles.

The first-generation Vision Pro, launched in February 2024, was a landmark product. Its sudden removal from the trade-in list just over a year later is unusual. It suggests Apple and its partners see the device as a unique case.

This creates a clear inconvenience for the headset’s earliest supporters. They must now seek private sales to recoup any value from their initial investment.

Potential Reasons Behind the Trade-In Exclusion

Industry analysts point to several possible factors. The high cost and niche nature of the first Vision Pro make it a risk for third-party refurbishers. Its complex design could also pose challenges for reliable inspection and resale.

Furthermore, the new M5 model represents a significant internal leap. This may render the original M2 version less desirable on the secondary market. Apple may be unwilling to set a potentially low trade-in value that could disappoint customers.

The situation highlights the growing pains of a new product category. It shows that even Apple’s polished upgrade ecosystem has limits with groundbreaking but unproven technology.

For now, owners of the original Vision Pro seeking the new model face a unique hurdle. The lack of a simple trade-in option adds complexity to the upgrade process for Apple’s most ambitious device.

Info at your fingertips

Why can’t I trade in my M2 Vision Pro?

Apple has excluded the original model from its official trade-in program. This is a break from its standard practice for other high-end devices like the iPhone and Mac.

What should I do with my old Vision Pro?

Your only option for resale is through private marketplaces. You will need to handle the sale yourself to recover some of its value.

When was the M2 Vision Pro discontinued?

Apple discontinued the headset on October 15, 2025. This coincided with the announcement of the new M5 Vision Pro model.

How does this affect early adopters?

Early buyers do not have a convenient, Apple-backed way to upgrade. This increases the effort and potential cost of moving to the new model.

Are other Apple products still available for trade-in?

Yes. The trade-in program continues to operate normally for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. The exclusion applies only to the first-generation Vision Pro.

Trusted Sources

Bloomberg, Apple Inc.