Apple Trade-In Program Confirmed
Apple confirms earlier rumors about an official Apple trade in program. The program was launched this friday and it allows users to trade in their old Apple smartphones at U.S. Apple stores, receiving credit towards a newer iPhone model in return.
This is not the first program of this kind that Apple offers; in fact Apple already has another similar program – an online program that lets you trade your older iPhone in exchange for credit towards an Apple gift card. However, this new trading program allows you to trade in your old iPhone model in the store and you will receive a discount for a new model, which most likely will be the soon to be released iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S will be released this September.
Keep in mind that it is best to wait until Apple unveils the iPhone 5S model so as to not get a discount for last year’s iPhone 5. At en event on September 10, Apple is expected unveil two new iPhone models – the iPhone 5S and the low budget iPhone 5C.
Apple spokeswoman Amy Bessette had this to say about the trade in program: “iPhones hold great value. So, Apple Retail Stores are launching a new program to assist customers who wish to bring in their previous-generation iPhone for reuse or recycling [...] In addition to helping support the environment, customers will be able to receive a credit for their returned phone that they can use toward the purchase of a new iPhone [...]“.
Several reports suggest that the highest amount that Apple will offer a customer for an older iPhone is $280 and this credit needs to be used towards the purchase of a new iPhone. While Apple’s Reuse and Recycling programs aren’t new, they received a lot of attention in August as rumors mentioned the new trade in program in conjunction with the imminent release of the iPhone 5S. As we already mentioned, Apple has a version of the program available on Apple.com (it has been available for many years actually). The online version lets you select a few answers about the state of your device (computer, iPhone, iPad and iPod) and after that you can trade your device for Apple store credit.
The new trade in program available in stores will be operated by a third party reseller – Brightstar while the online recycling program is operated through PowerOn. Of course, price may be different between the online trade in program and the store trade in program. It is also worth noting that the online trade in program doesn’t have the same limitations as the store trade in program as using the online program you will receive store credit that you will be able to use purchasing any product and no contract is necessary. For example, if you have an iPhone 5 in very good condition, you will receive $406 in Apple store credit, which can be used for any Apple product you want to buy.
If you are considering trading in your old iPhone to Apple for credit, you will do best to check all your other options before, just to make sure that you are getting the best deal. Carriers (such as Verizon and AT&T) are also offering store credit in exchange for old iPhone models (and even other types of smartphones). There are also website like Gazelle and NextWorth that also have trade in programs for old iPhone models and these websites pay not in credit, but in cash which you can use whatever you want, not necessarily for another smartphone.
In determining the value of your old iPhone, Apple (as well as the other companies that carry trade in programs) will ask you if your smartphone has any water damage (and there is no point in lying as they can verify thanks to a sensor located in the iPhone’s headphone jack), if it is working properly and if the exterior has scratch marks or other defects. Of course, if you are not a in a hurry, you can also find a good deal for your old iPhone on eBay or Craigslist. But if you want to get an iPhone 5S when it will be released, hold on to your older iPhone model until the iPhone 5S’ launch.
