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Apple Confirms iPhone Trade-In Program Launching Today at U.S. Retail Stores [Updated]

Friday August 30, 2013 7:48 am PDT by Eric Slivka
Apple has officially confirmed that it is launching its iPhone trade-in program today at its U.S. retail stores, according to a Tweet from CNBC's Jon Fortt. While a number of details on the program have leaked over the past few months, today's statement is the first public confirmation by Apple that the program exists.

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Under the program, users can receive a gift card in exchange for their older devices, although the gift card must immediately be used toward the purchase of a new iPhone. Trade-in values are based on a number of criteria, including model and capacity and physical condition.

The trade-in program launches less than two weeks before Apple is expected to introduce its next-generation iPhones at a media event on September 10. Rumors and speculation indicate that the new iPhones could be available in the U.S. and other first-wave markets beginning on Friday, September 20.

Update: More details are coming out about the trade-in program. Apple is calling it a "reuse and recycling" program and trade-ins for working iPhone 4 and 4S devices ranging from $120 to $250, according to TechCrunch. Customers must use the money to purchase a new on-contract phone.

Apple provided this statement to TechCrunch regarding the new 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.


[ 172 comments ]


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M-O
78 months ago
i'll give you two iPhone 4's and a 4S for an iPhone 5S. since I like your face, i'll also throw in a free t-shirt and potato peeler. deal?

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Best Buy is doing trade-ins and you get 50% off an iPhone 5 purchase.


50% off the subsidized price. So they give you $100 for your $450 iPhone 4.
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
Chupa Chupa
78 months ago

I'll stick to selling on craigslist. Value is higher there. Gazelle would only offer about $330 for my 64 gig unlocked Verizon iPhone 5. I can get around 400 on CL.


Depends on how one values there time though. Gazelle you basically put it in a box and drop off. CL you have to post a message, filter out the fakers, respond to interested parties, wait for or meet buyer, hope the buyer shows up. All that takes more than an hour cumulatively. Unless one works at the mall for $15/hr, $70 for more than a cumulative hours work isn't worth that hassle.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Intarweb
78 months ago
Trade-in values?
Rating: 4 Votes
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Lancetx
78 months ago
What I'd like to know is how Apple will implement this via their online store ordering process. For example, will I be able to order a new 5S online on the first day of pre-orders for in-store pickup and also trade in my old iPhone there at the same time or something? Otherwise this has no appeal for me since the Apple retail stores have low stock on new iPhones for several weeks after a new model is released.
Rating: 4 Votes
Avatar
vdesilva
78 months ago

i'll give you two iPhone 4's and a 4S for an iPhone 5S. since I like your face, i'll also throw in a free t-shirt and potato peeler. deal?

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50% off the subsidized price. So they give you $100 for your $450 iPhone 4.


the Beat Buy deal is UP TO 50% OFF
Rating: 3 Votes
Avatar
tonytiger13
78 months ago

Presumably this is for the people to which the few hundred pounds difference extra you'd make from selling on eBay is peanuts.

And really lazy poor people.


A few hundred pounds eh? I'm not saying you're wrong, but on average, I've been seeing 16GB 4S's go for $215-$250 on eBay. On Gazelle, it's $175 as a previous poster said. So $40-$75 difference isn't anything to scoff at, but maybe things are different across the pond. A few hundred pounds would be like $300-$400!
Rating: 3 Votes
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madsci954
78 months ago
I see this being good for people who stick to 2 yr contracts and don't want have to deal with scammers/thieves on CL or eBay. But if you want cash money, best you can get for it, want a new phone every year, then CL/eBay will be better.
Rating: 2 Votes
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floatingspirit
78 months ago
Great, but why would anyone want a contract?!? No thanks Apple or Best Buy!
Rating: 2 Votes
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SockRolid
78 months ago

... trade-ins for working iPhone 4 and 4S devices ranging from $120 to $250 ...


Next time one of your fandroid friends dredges up the "Apple tax" argument with respect to iPhone, hit him with that beautiful little trade-in value fact. And ask him what his cheesy plastic Galaxy Sx's resale value is.
Rating: 2 Votes
Avatar
bassfingers
78 months ago



we'll see whose a fool on 10th of Sep.


Really? There is no logic here.

There are only two outcomes on September 10th. (which is only 10 days from now). And neither of them result in you having made a good decision.

1. The 5s is way the heck better than the 5. You could have chillaxed and got it at no extra cost.

2. The 5s isn't that great and for some some oddball reason you would prefer the 5. You could have just chillaxed a couple weeks and saved a $100.

You're within your return period. Take that sucker back
Rating: 2 Votes

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