14 DAY TRIAL // Weeks before the new generation of iPhones is set to be unveiled, Apple has kickstarted a trade-in program under which any customer with an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S can get a discount on the upcoming models.
According to people who are familiar with the situation, people who walk in with an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S will be eligible to receive a gift card in exchange for their old device.
Nothing is said about the iPhone 5 being eligible for the swap, but Apple will probably open eligibility for this model as well when newer devices hit the market (iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S).
The gift cards customers receive range from $120 / €90 to $250 / €190, according to TechCrunch.
The trade-in value is based on the phone model, capacity and, of course, the actual state of the phone (the amount of damage sustained by the phone in its course of life).
Regarding the program, Apple tells the tech media, “iPhones hold great value. So, Apple Retail Stores are launching a new program to assist customers who wish to bring in their previous-generation iPhone for reuse or recycling.”
“In addition to helping support the environment, customers will be able to receive a credit for their returned phone that they can use toward the purchase of a new iPhone.”
Customers will need to immediately use the gift card towards the purchase of a new iPhone on contract, which means that current offers include the iPhone 5.
Following the (rumored) September 10 event, customers will likely benefit from even bigger discounts when they turn in their iPhone 5 to use its value towards the purchase of a new-generation iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C.
Apple is understandably holding back some details regarding the program, since it doesn’t want to give away its intentions with the upcoming (unconfirmed) iPhones.