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Apple Working on 'Cosmetic Scan' Trade-In Tool for iPhone

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Apple is developing a new trade-in tool that will be used to scan the iPhone for cosmetic damage, likely with the aim of generating a more accurate trade-in estimate.

iPhone trade in
Code for the feature was discovered in the iOS 15.4 beta by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, and it was also highlighted by 9to5Mac. There's not a lot of detail right now, but in a Diagnostic Services section, there are mentions of a Trade-In Tool and Cosmetic Scan, which will also involve a QR code.


We don't know how it works as of yet, but it may allow an iPhone user to take an image scan of their trade-in device to get a close look at scratches, dings, and other cosmetic damage, with the results sent to Apple.

There are no outward-facing signs of this feature available at the current time, but since it's linked to trade-ins, it might be something that we'll see when the iOS 15.4 update is released to the public.

Related Forum: iOS 15

Top Rated Comments

szw-mapple fan Avatar
szw-mapple fan
55 months ago

Looks like Apple is finally fed up with the negative reviews and reactions from how Phobio conducts their business! Apple is finally developing a tool that will get a good price for the trade-in, which Phobio can't refute...I think this is where Apple is going with this...to put Phobio in their place...
Definitely good news if this is the intent. I've always hesitated on using mail-in trade ins for Macs because of how many bad reviews I read for Phobio.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anshuvorty Avatar
anshuvorty
55 months ago

I would not be surprised if this is a response to the well-known issues with their trade-in partners claiming "damage," that isn't visible to anyone but the trade-in partner (e.g., "cracked screens" that magically repair themselves when returned to the customer).
Looks like Apple is finally fed up with the negative reviews and reactions from how Phobio conducts their business! Apple is finally developing a tool that will get a good price for the trade-in, which Phobio can't refute...I think this is where Apple is going with this...to put Phobio in their place...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
G
goonie4life9
55 months ago
I would not be surprised if this is a response to the well-known issues with their trade-in partners claiming "damage," that isn't visible to anyone but the trade-in partner (e.g., "cracked screens" that magically repair themselves when returned to the customer).
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
Baritone_Guy
55 months ago
I am curious to see how we will take pictures of the device we are trying to trade in from the device we are trying to trade in.

I was pretty happy with how smoothly the trade in went for my new phone last year. Got the full value and the equivalent sales tax refund as well.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheColtr Avatar
TheColtr
55 months ago
They already do this in retail stores. When doing a trade in the employee device takes pictures of the front of the device which has a QR code on the display with an all black screen and an all white screen. It also takes a picture of the side of the device. I assume to check for bending. It also runs a diagnostic I assume to check for hardware failure.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
randolorian Avatar
randolorian
55 months ago
Better trade in my phone before this goes live.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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