In an apparent effort to boost in-store iPhone sales, Apple CEO Tim Cook is spearheading a trade-in program that'll reward shoppers with gift cards to put towards the purchase of a new smartphone.
Sources familiar with the matter tell 9to5Mac that the unannounced recycling and trade-in program will notably accept both Android and BlackBerry devices. Trade-in value will reportedly be determined on the spot by Apple retail store employees based on the device, its condition and functional status.
The program is expected to get under way in the coming weeks which will give Apple enough time to train its retail employees. Said training programs will begin later this week, we're told. The only other detail we're privy to is that Apple employees will be able to transfer address book contacts from other phones to a new iPhone. Everything else, however, will have to be moved manually by the customer.
The upcoming program is not to be confused with Apple's iPhone Reuse and Recycle program. That one kicked off in mid-2013 in an effort to encourage existing iPhone users to trade in their older model handsets for something newer which, at the time, consisted of the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.
Although convenient for shoppers, such trade-in programs are rarely the best way to go if you're after top dollar for a used phone. Amazon, for example, offers instant quotes online and even covers the cost of shipping. But above all else, you're likely to get the greatest return by either selling locally to someone you know, using Craigslist (be careful) or trying eBay.