Other I just traded a locked iPhone 11 to Apple... why is Apple the only one that accepts locked phones for trade-in?

[BlueMoose]

I just traded a locked iPhone 11 to Apple... why is Apple the only one that accepts locked phones for trade-in? (phone is locked to SimpleMobile, a Tracfone subsidiary)

Is it because that Apple, as the manufacturer, are the only ones who can unlock any iPhone?

 

[eyoungren]

Not really sure what you mean.

If I were to trade in my locked to T-Mobile iPhones to T-Mobile, T-Mobile would accept them.

In late 2015 I traded in two Sprint-locked iPhones and two Sprint locked LG G-Pads to T-Mobile.

So…T-Mobile accepts locked devices.

I know that if I were to go to another carrier, say Verizon or AT&T they would take my locked to T-Mobile iPhones.

Is there some other fact to your question that I may have missed or that everyone just assumes others should know already?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Locked phones are probably scraped.

 

[ian87w]

I just traded a locked iPhone 11 to Apple... why is Apple the only one that accepts locked phones for trade-in? (phone is locked to SimpleMobile, a Tracfone subsidiary)

Is it because that Apple, as the manufacturer, are the only ones who can unlock any iPhone?

Apple and carriers would be able to unlock those phones as needed (it’s just a database on Apple server that the IPhone check during first time activation). Even if they’re not unlocked, they will be relegated as a refurbished units for the carriers. Many things they can do with a locked phone that the carrier status is irrelevant.

 

[JPack]

Is it because that Apple, as the manufacturer, are the only ones who can unlock any iPhone?

Of course Apple can. The carrier lock info is stored on Apple's activation servers.

If Apple can remove Activation Lock when an owner provides acceptable proof of ownership, they can certainly remove carrier locks.

Guys in Shenzhen can replace a serial number and remove any locks. Apple can certainly do the same to refurb and sell any old iPhone.