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

[CausticPuppy]

I priced my iPhone (5, 16GB, black) and they are offering me $286 with the recycling program.

If the price offered for the in-store recycling is as good, then it's a decent deal.

However I expect the offers to drop considerably when the next one comes out. So-- maybe I should get my offer via the online program on Sept 9 and hope that my new phone arrives before I have to send the old one back.

 

[idioma]

I hope Apple is checking those serial numbers to determine whether or not the phone being traded in is stolen. My phone was grabbed right from me when I was in Memphis earlier this year. You can't take nice things to Memphis.

 

[topper24hours]

Great, but why would anyone want a contract?!? No thanks Apple or Best Buy!

I applaud you for having enough $ to buy all of your phones outright.. slowly in America as the business model of carriers change, this may start to make fiscal sense. Right now, with most major carriers, it is idiotic.. as you are charged the EXACT same monthly bill, whether you accepted their $450 subsidy or not. NOT taking the subsidy seems absurd, assuming you are satisfied with the service & not on the verge of canceling. In a nutshell... the answer to your question: to save a bunch of $ on the handset price.

 

[JPBoram]

There's no conspiracy here, pal. Sorry to burst your paranoid bubble. A brief Google search told me (via Motley Fool), that iPhone customers have a 91% retention rate. So...... these users were already planning on buying a new iPhone, now it is just cheaper & simpler.. without having to mail a phone in to a random internet company or meet up with strangers via Craigslist to save a few bucks on their new iPhone. There is ZERO "coercion" going on. Take off the tinfoil cap & join reality.

But the issue I am actually seeing is that is only giving you the option of buying there expensive "no-contract" devices.

Unless Im wrong, you cant actually go and get a contract? so think about this.

What is better, for you to trade it for $250 in-store credit for your iPhone 4S off contract and buy a 5 for $699, off contract (becuase thats the only way im aware that you can buy another iphone in-store) and that means you would be paying an OUTRIGHT $449 for the iPhone 5.

THen you take it down to your U.S. AT&T store and you actually HAVE to start a new contract most times (if your activating a new device or a new line) with these carriers.

So basically if you have to sign a 2yr contract, then might as well just sign it for $200 and its $250 cheaper.

hope im not confusing you but this makes sense to me. If you cant wait to upgrade and want to change your phone over to your other contract I guess that would work, but in some instances this really doesn't seem like the most "AWESOME" thing..

Maybe im wrong though... what ever...

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$296 for a T-Mobile 16 gig iPhone 5 that is 4 months old.

No thanks, Apple. eBay here I come.

no thats eBay... they are the worst in this world... big fat manopoly ant I can prove it here - http://vaultfeed.com/the-ebay-monopoly-issue-the-small-fish-dies-and-the-big-one-lives/ eBay only cares about buyers.

BEWARE if you are a seller, I sold a iPhone a once and got completely SCAMMED because the guy was using someone else's credit card, and I sold something else and eBay said I was protected, and then when I asked for some help, THEY WOULDN'T HELP!!!

eBay can get your iPhone sold for WAYYYYYYYYY more but you will HATEEEE life at one point - GUARANTEED!

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I hope Apple is checking those serial numbers to determine whether or not the phone being traded in is stolen. My phone was grabbed right from me when I was in Memphis earlier this year. You can't take nice things to Memphis.

Yea I wonder how they will do that?

Sites like http://DeviceFlip.com simply make you agree to a bunch of garbage fine print that says "you didn't steal the phone" which makes sense, however how can you prove that?

That new thing in malls called the "ECO-ATM" they take a picture of you and scan your drivers licensee. Maybe apple will do that?

does anyone know yet what they are doing? anyone done it yet?

Apple stores may become a pawn shop for their on in-store credit. haha.. great thought...

 

[esadb]

Whats a good price for a iPhone 4, 16gb that's unlocked?
Condition would be very good, always in case with screen protector.

Looking at selling mine prior to the release of the new device..

 

[Carlanga]

Actually they are. All iPhones have the exact same hardware (the radio chip supports GSM/CDMA/LTE/etc), the firmware differs depending on carrier. This allows apple to manufacture one device for all current carriers.

wrong, they aren't the same, check the frequencies, bands, lte.

Here I searched for you on google so you can read on it: http://www.imore.com/iphone-5-splits-two-models-one-us-gsmlte-another-cdmalte-and-everybody-else

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The iPhone 4s worked on both att and VZ with out multi-able versions.

They all work in multiple networks, you just won't get all of the bands, freq, lte (on the 5).
Here is a read: http://www.imore.com/iphone-5-splits-two-models-one-us-gsmlte-another-cdmalte-and-everybody-else

 

[tuna9720]

I'm confused about selling the locked phone in the middle of the contract. So, say you sold your iPhone for $350 and bought a new 5S for $600 (not sure for the price).

So how would you swap your new phone to the existing contract?
Would carrier accept it or can they deny new phone?
Will the contract extend for another year or so?
Will the carrier charge you any fees?

Too many questions I know But freaking contracts make life complicated! They should not exist at all.

 

[3282868]

wrong, they aren't the same, check the frequencies, bands, lte.

Yup, caught myself already (see post 91 or something lol)

The 4S was the first model that remained consistent hardware wise (swore the 4 was the first due to the redesign, guess the Broadcom chips weren't available until the 4S model)

iPhone Hardware

 

[Gus Van Der Mee]

Offering less than most other programs and only to buy another iPhone with a contract? Holly Jesus where to begin ...

 

[iMobileRescue]

Definitely interesting, but in the making for quite some time. In part, it seems to be a strategic move to increase revenue. They've been doing a lot of this stuff lately, like offering iPhone 5 repairs in house, something they really never did. Still, like a lot of people who commented said, they'll still use Craigslist, and other channels! But - it will be effective and useful for some people, we'd imagine.

 

[topper24hours]

But the issue I am actually seeing is that is only giving you the option of buying there expensive "no-contract" devices.

Unless Im wrong, you cant actually go and get a contract? so think about this.

What is better, for you to trade it for $250 in-store credit for your iPhone 4S off contract and buy a 5 for $699, off contract (becuase thats the only way im aware that you can buy another iphone in-store) and that means you would be paying an OUTRIGHT $449 for the iPhone 5.

THen you take it down to your U.S. AT&T store and you actually HAVE to start a new contract most times (if your activating a new device or a new line) with these carriers.

So basically if you have to sign a 2yr contract, then might as well just sign it for $200 and its $250 cheaper.

hope im not confusing you but this makes sense to me. If you cant wait to upgrade and want to change your phone over to your other contract I guess that would work, but in some instances this really doesn't seem like the most "AWESOME" thing..

Maybe im wrong though... what ever...

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Yes.. You are TOTALLY wrong. Here: DIRECTLY from the article- "Customers must use the money to purchase a new on-contract phone". Lol, you couldn't have got it more opposite.

 

[spinedoc77]

Hmm $366 for a 32gb black ip5 on AT&T, anyone care to venture a guess how much that would go for on Craigslist AFTER the 5s is released. I wonder if Apple will lower their trade in rates after the 5s also?

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Yes.. You are TOTALLY wrong. Here: DIRECTLY from the article- "Customers must use the money to purchase a new on-contract phone". Lol, you couldn't have got it more opposite.

Wait, so you can't use the money to buy a full price, unsubsidized phone?

 

[Burglnar]

I was told by an  Store manager that it could be used, not solely for "on-contract/ new contract" purchases but also potentially for unlocked devices bought outright/ at full MSRP (it may be accurate that they must be used immediately if accepted, however I will be interested to have this detail about the devices "purchased outright" option confirmed or disproven by someone READY and WILLING to trade in, however I can't imagine anyone will until the rumored new device is in stock and being sold).

 

[trife]

no thats eBay... they are the worst in this world... big fat manopoly ant I can prove it here - http://vaultfeed.com/the-ebay-monopoly-issue-the-small-fish-dies-and-the-big-one-lives/ eBay only cares about buyers.

BEWARE if you are a seller, I sold a iPhone a once and got completely SCAMMED because the guy was using someone else's credit card, and I sold something else and eBay said I was protected, and then when I asked for some help, THEY WOULDN'T HELP!!!

eBay can get your iPhone sold for WAYYYYYYYYY more but you will HATEEEE life at one point - GUARANTEED!

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Meh. I've been selling phones on eBay for years and have never had any issues. That includes a 4S, 4 and 3GS, all within the last 2 years. Not saying something couldn't happen, but you're making it sound like I'm doomed should I go the eBay route. That just hasn't been the case for me. *knocks on wood*

I stipulate that buyers must have a certain amount of feedback and be able to pay immediately via Buy-It-Now w/ PayPal (also must have a confirmed address). And when I ship, I follow PayPal's rules, including ALWAYS adding signature confirmation. I also add insurance just in case. Again--never had any issues.

I'll stick to eBay, where unlocked 16 gigs are going for an average of $500ish at this point in time.

 

[Burglnar]

But the issue I am actually seeing is that is only giving you the option of buying there expensive "no-contract" devices.

Unless Im wrong, you cant actually go and get a contract?

I know for a fact this assumption is incorrect. Part of the reason  is even rolling out this program is to increase basic and overall customer awareness of the products and ecosystem but also, and almost as crucial in it's importance, very much for this often assumed and totally false idea that you cannot get a new or renewed AT&T/ VZW/ Sprint contract fully setup and taken care of SOLELY inside the Apple Retail Stores. It is no issue for the 3 main U.S. carriers - the one caveat being that the less ubiquitous and more recently added carrier options (T-Mobile/ StraightTalk through WalMart, local and small scale regional carriers, etc) must be handled at the respective retail stores of that desired service. As far as I'm aware though, those options require a "bought-outright" unlocked device anyways so it doesn't really have much impact on typical customers looking to sign a contract (that subsidizes the device's initial cost).

 

[lazaruzz]

Those with iPhone 3G and 3GS yes you can trade the phone how much credit don't know until you get to the store they got it inspect to see if all the buttons are there and if it's in working condition or not then they will tell you how much credit you will get you will get something so don't believe everyone that say you won't they won't resale it but recycle it good for the environment. I know this because I called 2 apple store to confirm.

 

[drka0tic]

A bit confused

Not sure if this was discussed, but what would happen to the gift card balance If I trade in my iPhone 5 32GB towards the purchase of a subsidized 16GB 5S?

Estimated trade-in value is $366 vs. $199 for 16GB 5S.

As stated, the gift card can only be used towards the purchase of a new phone within the same visit.

 

[suziem1]

I've always used ebay to sell, but

almost got burned last year selling my 4s for the 5... The first buyer was a non payer, the second one, took over two weeks to pay, but eventually did. Just for this reason, I may have to loose money and pay for the convenience of the trade in.

 

[maconservative]

Dealbreaker

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.

Dealbreaker

 

[TalkAboutApple]

I'm confused about selling the locked phone in the middle of the contract.

You're not the only one...that's exactly what I want to know.

In THEORY the carrier should be roughly happy with giving you an upgraded phone on a trade-in for free every year provided you extend for another 2. Because the way it is currently setup they are used to getting NOTHING back ever. If depreciation is better than 50%/year than this should work for them.

I suspect they would never do something so fair since they are, after all, a cellular carrier.

 

[Remel]

When Outside of US?

Does anyone know when this will be outside of the US?

In Australia there doesn't appear to be a trade-in program. Apple only recycles your old phones, computers and monitors for free. For recycling ipods you get 10% of a new one.

 

[Retired Cat]

These trade in prices are really low. iPhone 5 starts at $649 retail and they only give you about $300 back for trade?

Better to use the phone until it is toast, rather than suffer huge depreciation.

 

[topper24hours]

Hmm $366 for a 32gb black ip5 on AT&T, anyone care to venture a guess how much that would go for on Craigslist AFTER the 5s is released. I wonder if Apple will lower their trade in rates after the 5s also?

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Wait, so you can't use the money to buy a full price, unsubsidized phone?

According to the article.. yes, that is correct. Phones ON contract only.

 

[heimo]

I personally don't like Apples trade-in program. They are just trying to make users buy there own products.

What an evil plan!

NOT ME!

No, you too. You must. Apple is making you buy their products. You don't have the choice anymore.

 

[mrjr101]

I locked my 4s 32GB iphone on Gazelle for $220 just 3 days ago but offers have gone down fast since then. However, with the launch of this Apple trade-in program Gazelle may find themselves slowing down the plummeting offers since apple's offers seems to be competitive with Gazelle's, even a slightly better deal. For instance, the same 4s 32 GB phone is being offered by Apple at $231 if you return the charger.