Apple does run a trade-in program through which customers can save money on a new iPhone. However the company limits trade-ins to old iPhones only. It does not accept smartphones made by any other OEM. According to a new report this might change soon. The company is said to be preparing a new trade-in program that will purely focus on getting Android users to trade-in their current devices so that they can buy an iPhone.
If this happens it will be the first time that Apple expands its trade-in and recycling program to non-Apple devices. The process will more or less remain the same.
Retail employees will assess the value of the Android device a customer brings in and assign a value. If it is accepted by the customer a gift card will be provided to them which can be put towards the purchase of a new iPhone.
People looking to get the best deal for their used Android smartphone will probably be better off selling the device on eBay, Craigslist etc. Apple is likely to pay substantially less if the device has obvious scratches or dings. If the device doesn’t function properly it won’t be taken in.
The report from 9to5mac also says once an Android user has traded-in their device and purchased an iPhone, store employees will help them transfer contacts, customers themselves will be responsible for saving any important files or content other than contacts.
No word as yet on when the new trade-in program will go live.