Apple to Launch iPhone Trade-in Program in September

By Jane McEntegart
published

Apple said to be launching trade-in program next month.

We first heard rumors of Apple's plans to start an iPhone trade-in program back in June and it seems those rumors are resurfacing ahead of September's yet-to-be-confirmed iPhone 5S event. 9to5 Mac cites sources with knowledge of the initiative that say Apple is putting the finishing touches on launch preparations for the iPhone trade-in program.

Apple releases a brand new iPhone with new features and upgraded hardware every year. This can put shoppers in a bit of a tight spot when it comes to deciding whether to get this year's iPhone or wait for next year's model. Especially when you consider the fact that rumors regarding the new iPhone will start right after the current year's model is announced (and these rumors are usually based on the features Apple omitted from the latest model).

Apple's iPhone trade-in program aims to reduce costs for consumers while also increasing sales for the iPhone. The new program would see customers upgrade to a newer model of iPhone at a reduced cost provided they relinquish their old iPhone to Apple. While it will save customers money, it will also benefit Apple hugely in terms of brand loyalty and user retention. People are less likely to move to another smartphone platform if they know that Apple will cut them a deal on the newest model of iPhone when it becomes available.

9to5 Mac writes that Apple will start training retail employees on the program this week. Employees apparently have to undergo a minimum of two hours of training and this has to be done by the end of the first week of September. The Cupertino-based company has also reportedly started testing the program internally at a number of its retail stores and hopes to launch the program in September.

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Jane McEntegart
10 Comments Comment from the forums
  • cmi86
    Whats up with all these incentive to buy an iphone programs ?? The shine must really be staring to wear off on these i devices.
    Reply
  • teh_chem
    I want to hate on this mostly because I admittedly don't like Apple or their devices (or the way they treat their users with contempt). But at least they're learning that people won't necessarily flock to them like in the past given so many (and sometimes equal if not better) options. Credit to them for doing something new that may also help out people who want the new iDevice.
    Reply
  • TeKEffect
    I wish HTC was doing this. I like to upgrade yearly
    Reply
  • house70
    "Out with the old, in with the...slightly less old device (same good old boring looks and feel, now marginally improved for y'all!)."

    or

    "Want to upgrade to something, but are afraid of anything new? You've come to the right place!"

    I wonder if they're gonna patent the whole trade-in program thing, then sue anyone that has it already.
    Reply
  • wemakeourfuture
    cmi86
    Whats up with all these incentive to buy an iphone programs ?? The shine must really be staring to wear off on these i devices.

    Still the number one smartphone in the world.

    iPhone 5S will outsell Galaxy S4 without a trade in, just like every other iteration of iPhone has outsold any other competitor's highest selling smartphone
    Reply
  • hitman40
    11434572 said:
    "Out with the old, in with the...slightly less old device (same good old boring looks and feel, now marginally improved for y'all!)."

    or

    "Want to upgrade to something, but are afraid of anything new? You've come to the right place!"

    I wonder if they're gonna patent the whole trade-in program thing, then sue anyone that has it already.

    I wouldn't be surprised if people misinterpreted the technicals as to why Apple would be sueing them in the first place, kind of like that article a couple weeks ago about Apple patenting fingerprint technology and finding the comments overloaded by people who thought Apple was patenting fingerprint technology in general stating that some phones already have it, and not re-reading the article slowly only to find that Apple patented the way in which fingerprinting technology is embedded into phones :\

    Reply
  • soldier44
    11434783 said:
    cmi86
    Whats up with all these incentive to buy an iphone programs ?? The shine must really be staring to wear off on these i devices.

    Still the number one smartphone in the world.

    iPhone 5S will outsell Galaxy S4 without a trade in, just like every other iteration of iPhone has outsold any other competitor's highest selling smartphone
    Just tells me there are alot of idiots out there. With much bigger, faster, better options out they still stick with the lowest common denominator. Waiting on the Note 3 next month myself, truly a phone that blows the tiny Iphone out of the water and with a jump in specs with every release that shames it as well.

    Reply
  • CrArC
    That's a nice move by Apple, can't really fault them for it. Still doesn't make me want an iThing. I also doubt the value of the "trade-in" is very good, and I'll bet you could get more if you just sold your old iPhone on eBay.

    Same as these b*stard "we buy any phone/car/whatever" services. Well of course you will buy it. At a lowball price of your choosing. Those friggin' thieves offered £40 on a great phone I would up selling for £120 online.

    So yeah, I'm sceptical. Wonder if they'll roll this out to Macbooks, etc as well? If we give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they trade at a fair price, many would be interested.
    Reply
  • 11796pcs
    This seems incredibly environmentally wasteful.
    Reply
  • Passerbuy
    We in England have had that system in place for year`s it`s called the second hand shop,
    I passed one the other week,and the front window was full of mobiles of every description. I think Apple is stooping that low to make money,and I think it is a crazy idea. I am not an Apple fanatic but if I was going to buy shares I wouldn`t buy Apple,because to me they are on the way down.
    Reply