Last year, Apple launched its iPhone trade-in program at its retail stores across the United States, as customers could receive up to $250 for turning in an eligible device. Now, iPhone in Canada notes (via 9to5Mac) that Apple has reduced the value of iPhone trade-ins, with customers in the U.S. and Canada now only receiving up to $225. Before the change, the value of iPhone trade-ins had climbed to $275.
Before (left) and after (right) maximum iPhone trade-in values as listed by Apple
The adjustment comes as older iPhones typically lose their value over time, with Apple likely gearing up to launch the iPhone 6 this fall. Apple started the program before the release of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c last fall, with the company noting that it would discard of older iPhones in an environmentally conscious manner.
Since then, Apple has expanded the program to a number of countries, including the UK, France and Germany. Alternatively, Apple also offers a mail-in recycling program that allows customers to send in a device for store credit.
Top Rated Comments
Sell it locally for way more money. iPhones sell quick so theres no "it's a lot of work" excuse. Probably sell it within a day for 25%+ more than this offer.
Right now on Apple's reuse and recycle site they're offering $205 for a 64GB iPhone 5 in "good" condition. I just did a search on Gazelle and they're offering $220 for a 64GB iPhone 5 in "good" condition and $230 for one in "flawless" condition. I don't see how a $15 or $25 difference is taking advantage of people, unless you believe Gazelle is doing it too? Yeah I suppose I could get more money off Craigslist or eBay but I prefer the convenience of Gazelle.
Apparently Apple contracts with both PowerON and BrightStar for their reuse and recycling programs.
PowerON reportedly only checks if it's in good enough condition for resale. If so, they sell it on the used market. Otherwise, the parts are recycled.
BrightStar does that, but also goes further and will "refurb" some phones, although it's not clear what that means. My guess is that it means they swap parts around to get a good one.
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According to a survey a couple of years ago:
* 31% - give it away
* 18% - sell
* 51% - throw in a drawer
Lmao came in to say exactly what cdmoore74 said. You do realize that Apple gets the MAJORITY of their money from people that DONT use Internet forums right? The average consumer feels comfortable knowing that they can trade in their iOS device and Apple and that it'll be disposed of "safely".
I don't blame Apple either. The average consumer doesn't care about getting an extra $100-$200 from selling on Sketchlist or eBay.
Just like consumers don't care that a new iPhone will be coming out in September and there will be plenty of 5s/4s/5c sales in late August and early September...
So many people that walk into the stores don't know any better. Their not geeks like you and me and they don't even know how to use a computer to sale on Craigslist or eBay. Can you really blame Apple for taking advantage of these people? Apple has no problem in charging you double to triple the amount the actual cost for a brand new device. So why complain now?