“Apple is preparing to launch another program to boost iPhone sales in its stores, a stated goal of CEO Tim Cook,” Mark Gurman reports for 9to5Mac.
“According to sources, Apple will soon introduce a new recycling and trade-in program that will accept non-Apple smartphones, notably including Android devices, in exchange for gift cards to be used toward the purchase of new iPhones,” Gurman reports. “In continuing to court Android switchers, Apple will use a similar system to the one it uses to repurchase iPhones, whereby Apple Retail Store employees determine trade-in values for devices by considering their cosmetic and functional condition.”
Gurman reports, “The new program will begin in the coming weeks, following extensive training programs for retail store employees that will begin later this week.”
MacDailyNews Take: Boom!
Time for that Apple Watch-compatible iPhone you always wanted, Android settlers!
Thermonuclear.
(We can’t wait to see what trade-in values Apple employees determine for some of these patent- and trade dress-infringing fragmandroid iPhone knockoffs.)
Is an Android phone worth nearly as much as an iPhone for its overly-similar functionality? Is it worth nothing for that functionality being stolen IP in the first place?
Obviously, for this to amount to anything, they will have to give the poor Android schmucks a decent price to get them to switch in the first place, but what is the right amount? And don’t forget, many were BOGO phones in the first place.
This is a smart move. The trade in value of most Android phones will be pretty small, just look and see what prices they fetch second hand elsewhere.
All that Apple is doing is offering a gift card to those people so that they can try an iPhone for themselves. It’s a very cost effective promotion and if a customer uses an iPhone, they’re highly likely to continue using iPhones and other Apple devices in the future. The monetary value of that gift card goes into Apple’s coffers anyway, further reducing the effective cost of the promotion.
While I agree with the goal, I am a little concerned about the approach. Seems to me some may see this as a “desperate” approach – the kind Microsoft used to push their Surfaces. (Trade in an iPad for a gift card towards a new Surface). Apple has always been better than that.
We’re in trouble if Apple announces a “Buy One Get One Free” program.
Funny. When I helped my Sister upgrade from some Android. POS to an iPhone 5. They gave her 15.00 in trade in value. When I sold my unlocked 5s to a friend i received $150.00. Only interest was taking care of the extra )150.00. Cost of an early upgrade. I’m guessing I could have gotten more.
I think it’s a good idea for Apple to take Android devices out of use and then break them down into component parts for recycling. Thus ends the short life of an Android smartphone while older Apple iPhones are still in service. There will be no content delivery or buying apps for that destroyed device. Apple’s heavily into the Greening of tech, so that’s a feather in their cap.
I don’t see it as a desperate approach on Apple’s part. To me it simply seems like incentive for Android smartphone users to switch if given the opportunity of a minor price break. Such a move by Apple will be completely demoralizing for Android manufacturers. Apple’s taking their cheap Android smartphones and allowing those users to buy the more expensive iPhone. It’s a win-win situation for Apple as far as I can tell.
Agree. This is a simple but smart idea. The program will help people properly “recycle” their trade-in devices. And these people may earn a few bucks along the way, too. It may not be much, but all told, “it beats a poke in the eye”, as they say. More importantly, the program will create a friendly selling atmosphere to help people with Androids upgrade to iPhone. Think of it as an Outreach Program. And it is brilliant move because no manufacturer other than Apple can afford to do it.
The $$ that Apple has had to spend in court on this and other “debts to the so-called judges” should be about the budget set-aside for such a project, don’t you think?
These days I find myself laughing with a satisfied cruel chuckle at Android’s expense pretty much nonstop. It keeps getting better and better.
Android phones have trade-in value? LOL
Apple needs more gravel for the foundation of the new Infinite Loop.
The plastic from crushed Androids has a long structural life and the toxic elements provide a barrier to burrowing Google voles.
The big question is what will Apple do with all those Scamsungs?
Will they recycle them or resell them?
Cook definitively proves that market share does matter to Apple.
Probably they will give you a $25 card. Not even enough to pay the tax on an iPhone.
I’m torn on this one…
Is an Android phone worth nearly as much as an iPhone for its overly-similar functionality? Is it worth nothing for that functionality being stolen IP in the first place?
Obviously, for this to amount to anything, they will have to give the poor Android schmucks a decent price to get them to switch in the first place, but what is the right amount? And don’t forget, many were BOGO phones in the first place.
This is a smart move. The trade in value of most Android phones will be pretty small, just look and see what prices they fetch second hand elsewhere.
All that Apple is doing is offering a gift card to those people so that they can try an iPhone for themselves. It’s a very cost effective promotion and if a customer uses an iPhone, they’re highly likely to continue using iPhones and other Apple devices in the future. The monetary value of that gift card goes into Apple’s coffers anyway, further reducing the effective cost of the promotion.
While I agree with the goal, I am a little concerned about the approach. Seems to me some may see this as a “desperate” approach – the kind Microsoft used to push their Surfaces. (Trade in an iPad for a gift card towards a new Surface). Apple has always been better than that.
We’re in trouble if Apple announces a “Buy One Get One Free” program.
Yes, our trade in value on that Galaxy device is $-45. Would you like to settle that debt with cash? Or were you going to put that on your card?
Funny. When I helped my Sister upgrade from some Android. POS to an iPhone 5. They gave her 15.00 in trade in value. When I sold my unlocked 5s to a friend i received $150.00. Only interest was taking care of the extra )150.00. Cost of an early upgrade. I’m guessing I could have gotten more.
Maybe the will hold a funeral for them…. a la Microsoft! LOL
I think it’s a good idea for Apple to take Android devices out of use and then break them down into component parts for recycling. Thus ends the short life of an Android smartphone while older Apple iPhones are still in service. There will be no content delivery or buying apps for that destroyed device. Apple’s heavily into the Greening of tech, so that’s a feather in their cap.
I don’t see it as a desperate approach on Apple’s part. To me it simply seems like incentive for Android smartphone users to switch if given the opportunity of a minor price break. Such a move by Apple will be completely demoralizing for Android manufacturers. Apple’s taking their cheap Android smartphones and allowing those users to buy the more expensive iPhone. It’s a win-win situation for Apple as far as I can tell.
Agree. This is a simple but smart idea. The program will help people properly “recycle” their trade-in devices. And these people may earn a few bucks along the way, too. It may not be much, but all told, “it beats a poke in the eye”, as they say. More importantly, the program will create a friendly selling atmosphere to help people with Androids upgrade to iPhone. Think of it as an Outreach Program. And it is brilliant move because no manufacturer other than Apple can afford to do it.
The $$ that Apple has had to spend in court on this and other “debts to the so-called judges” should be about the budget set-aside for such a project, don’t you think?
Korean Karma.
Probably have to pay Apple to take it off your hands.
Well a $5 gift card is better than nuttin! lol 😛
I suspect Apple will be more than generous. It will not be a loss leader like BOGOF and will cushion the bottom line as they buy apps and music.
Kono sensou wa, mou atsukunarimashita.