“Apple Inc. is starting an iPhone trade-in program this month aimed at getting users to upgrade to the iPhone 5 and turn in older models, people with knowledge of the plans said,” Peter Burrows reports for Bloomberg.
“Apple has teamed up with Brightstar Corp. (STAR), a mobile-phone distributor, to run the exchange program, said the people, who asked not to be identified because Apple hasn’t publicly announced the plan,” Burrows reports. “Brightstar also handles trade-ins for AT&T Inc and T-Mobile US Inc., as well as other carriers and device makers, amid brisk demand for refurbished iPhone 4s and 4Ss in emerging markets. By offering money for older smartphones, Apple and the wireless companies are seeking to entice consumers to upgrade to the latest models, while profiting through resales abroad.”
Burrows reports, “Trade-in programs are used to support sales of new hardware in mature markets such as the U.S., where many prospective customers already own a smartphone. Used iPhones collected in the U.S. will only be resold in emerging markets, where Apple’s share is lower and demand for cheap devices is greater, said one of the people. That way, the resale of Apple’s older models won’t cannibalize iPhone 5 sales in the U.S., the person said.”
“Apple runs a Web-based recycling service, in a partnership with Roseville, California-based PowerOn Services Inc., offering to pay people for their used iPhones, iPads or Macs,” Burrows reports. “The new trade-in program with BrightStar will only be available at Apple’s retail outlets, letting consumers receive payments instantly and avoiding the hassle of shipping their older gadgets, the people said.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “Ellis D.” and “Dan K.” for the heads up.]
This program only matters to me when I trade in my iPhone 5 for the 5S/ 6. When I sold my unlock no contract iPhone 4S 32g in mint condition I got $550 in Canada. Wonder what Apple will give in a trade in ?
$10 and a ham sandwich.
I’m Jewish, but I’ll eat the ham sandwich to get the ten bucks. That’s how I roll.
same as car dealers, don’t expect to get much out of trade-ins.
As long as you don’t have to sign up for a 2 year contract extension, then it might be worthwhile.
This tactic might give new iPhone sales quite a boost even if the trade-in value isn’t as high as one would get on eBay. I think Apple’s plan to recycle older iPhones is a terrific idea. Less iPhones will end up as landfill or just collecting dust in someone’s desk drawer.