Apple Pushing iPhone Upgrades During Holiday Shopping Season

[MacRumors]

Apple this week has encouraged customers to trade in and upgrade to a new iPhone through its website, email and an App Store banner advertisement.

Apple's new section on its iPhone website reminds customers about trading in their current smartphone at the Apple Store or online through partner Brightstar for up to $320 instant credit. Apple accepts the iPhone 4 or later for trade in.

Apple's website, left, and email, right, promoting iPhone upgrades this week​

Apple's mass email to U.S. customers promotes the iPhone Upgrade Program and shares details about how the financing program works. The email also provides similar details about trading in a smartphone for up to $320 instant credit.

Apple has also made the controversial decision to advertise the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus to older iPhone users directly in the App Store, with a pop-up banner advertisement that can be dismissed by tapping on "skip" in the top-right corner.

App Store banner advertising the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus​

iPhones are one of the hottest gifts during the holiday shopping season, so it is unsurprising that Apple is pushing its latest smartphones at this time of the year alongside free shipping, extended returns and complimentary gift wrapping. Undoubtedly, though, the move will also stir discussion about iPhone sales.

Apple sold 48 million iPhones in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, up from 39.2 million in the year-ago quarter. iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus sales topped a record 13 million during their launch weekend, but KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently predicted the iPhone 6s may not outsell the iPhone 6.

Article Link: Apple Pushing iPhone Upgrades During Holiday Shopping Season

 

[Crosscreek]

Phones are at the point like PCs where the upgrade is not needed that often anymore.

 

[driceman]

"Apple is deciding to promote the iPhone."

In other breaking news: grass is green.

 

[69Mustang]

I don't give a crap who you are, if you hit me with unsolicited pop-up banners...
Pretty sh!@#$&, imo

 

[Older bird]

Isn't that what a company that sells phones supposed to do around the holiday season?

 

[darcyf]

Just had that popup ad myself when I opened the App Store app. Seemed very... odd. Could just be a coincidence, but it's not exactly helping quell the rumour about slumping iPhone sales to see a sudden change of sales tactic like this.

 

[Jamiet361]

So Apple allow content blockers to block other companies ads, but then force their own down our throats instead.

Right...

 

[Rogifan]

Just had that popup ad myself when I opened the App Store app. Seemed very... odd. Could just be a coincidence, but it's not exactly helping quell the rumour about slumping iPhone sales to see a sudden change of sales tactic like this.

Someone needs to release a content blocker for the App Store.

 

[0003462]

App Store slide-up ad is not cool.

 

[travis64]

$320 for my 6 plus unlocked 64gb no thanks

 

[mbh1976]

Give me a new/improved 4-inch iPhone and I'll upgrade today.

 

[adbe]

Hey Apple, I don't spend $600 on your hardware just so that you can use it as a billboard for spending another $600. If I wanted to see commercials, your competitors offer devices at much cheaper prices.

 

[69Mustang]

Isn't that what a company that sells phones supposed to do around the holiday season?

According to Apple, we are not the product. This is exactly why people rail against Google. Targeted advertising.

 

[Sirious]

I'm waiting for iPhone 7, Apple. Don't tempt me lol

 

[bigjnyc]

Total rip-off... I guess its convenient for those who don't care about money, but for everyone else you can get so much more selling in the secondary market. up to $320 means you would probably have to trade in a 6 plus 128gb to get that much.

 

[mcarling]

More like: Ridiculously Huge!

I don't want a 4.7" phablet. I want a 4" phone. So I'm sticking with my iPhone 5S until Apple release a 4" iPhone with modern features like 3D Touch and support for Apple Pay. If it costs the same price as Apple's phablets, fine. I already have an iPad for when I want a two-handed device.

 

[bpeeps]

I don't give a crap who you are, if you hit me with unsolicited pop-up banners...
Pretty sh!@#$&, imo

One pop up banner that you'll likely never see again is this rage inducing? Relax.

 

[ibri]

Apple: If you care about the continued strength of your brand and its premium status, you may want to rethink your use of pop-up advertising.

 

[Narcaz]

One pop up banner that you'll likely never see again is this rage inducing? Relax.

So it begins. Target pop up ads are thin ice.

 

[firedept]

I for one do not appreciate unsolicited ads. Are sales suffering that they have to do this? Can not see that being the issue since sales for this device have always been huge.

 

[ch02ce]

I too got this opening the app store, on my brand new 5S. Found it a bit tasteless. In fact, and this might take the discussion wildly off track, but it got me thinking on my way to work that the Cook years will likely be remembered for their focus on maximizing shareholder value.

 

[mdhwoods]

offered me 85.00 for my wife's 32gig 5. lol

 

[nepalisherpa]

First they gave discount on Apple Watch when you bought a new phone.

Second, they released a hideous case!

Third, they are now pushing ads to get people to upgrade.

Apple is not like how Apple used to be anymore!

 

[Munky]

Hey Apple, I don't spend $600 on your hardware just so that you can use it as a billboard for spending another $600. If I wanted to see commercials, your competitors offer devices at much cheaper prices.

LOL you think google has 0 ads on their phones? bwahahahahahaha

 

[dk001]

Yes ladies, gentlemen, and others, this is not SJ's Apple anymore.