Earlier this summer, Apple made some important changes to its oft-criticized Resuse and Recycle program – and it’s taken a long time for word to dribble out to the general public. So what is it that Apple are not so keen for you to know about? Well, the tech giant unceremoniously lowered the top rate they will pay to buy used phones from customers; the most Canadian and American iPhone users will get for trading in their handset is $225.
This is a significant enough drop from the most recent top valuation of $270. It’s considerably les than the $345 offered for a pristine phone two years ago, when the iPhone 4S was the latest model. In fact, this is the lowest pricing plan since the program’s launch.
Customers won’t be happy, but then, the recycling scheme was never the most popular aspect of Apple’s business. Indeed, many iPhone owners don’t even know it exists.
If you’re still interested in trading an old phone, just go to an Apple Store and request a trade in for a new, on-contract model. A rep will key in your existing details on the EasyPay mobile touch screen device, and your old phone will be given a valuation based on that information. Metrics include button quality, hardware damage, liquid damage and display quality.
Once a value has been assigned to your device, you will be made aware that you cannot get the original phone back and be advised to back up all info you need. Then you get a new iPhone and gift card with the agreed upon value (up to $225) preloaded.
Despite Apple keeping fairly tight-lipped about the program, they’ve not ruled out expanding to international markets. Right now, recycled iPhones are only re-sold in the United States, and even here it’s one of the least widely-known aspects of Apple’s business.
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