Apple Bringing iPhone Trade-in Scheme To The UK – Report

Apple is reportedly preparing to bring its iPhone trade-in scheme to the UK, allowing customers to trade in older models of the smartphone for in-store credit that can be used to purchase a newer one.

The Cupertino-based company has apparently started to prepare training materials for its UK staff with a view to launching the ‘reuse and recycle’ programme later this year.

Customers bring their device into an Apple store, where it is given a value depending on its condition in the form of a gift card. A number of other companies and operators offer similar recycling schemes, but the advantage of Apple’s is that customers can receive immediate in-store credit.

iPhone trade-in

iPhone 5S (7)The initiative was launched in the US in August and is part of Tim Cook’s plan to increase the number of iPhones Apple sells in it its retail stores, but it not currently available outside its home country.

One third of Apple stores are located outside the US, with the UK having the second largest number, making it a logical location to expand the scheme, which might eventually cover other European countries.

Apple is set to use the same firm that handles the scheme in the US, Brightstar, which will process the iPhones for recycling in the UK. Apple is also offering customers the chance to swap third-party chargers for official equipment until the end of this week, following a number of accidents attributed to faulty chargers.

The company launched its newest handsets, the flagship iPhone 5S and cheaper iPhone 5C, last month and claims to have sold more than nine million units already.

How much do you know about the iPhone? Take our quiz!

iPhone 5S-5C

Image 1 of 12

iPhone 5S
Steve McCaskill

Steve McCaskill is editor of TechWeekEurope and ChannelBiz. He joined as a reporter in 2011 and covers all areas of IT, with a particular interest in telecommunications, mobile and networking, along with sports technology.

View Comments

  • They just don't offer enough cash back, that's the problem. If you head over to eBay, or SellMyMobile.com you can a lot more back.

    eBay is good if you have the time, and want to try to get more money back.

    SellMyMobile.com is ideal if you want to make a quick sale, and don't have to pay out any extra fees (listing, final valuation etc).

Recent Posts

China Unveils Deep-Sea Cable-Cutting Device

Chinese researchers publish details on device that could wreak havoc on undersea communications cables in…

23 mins ago

Pat Gelsinger Joins Faith-Based Tech Company Gloo

Former Intel chief Gelsinger expands role at Gloo, becoming executive chairman and head of technology…

53 mins ago

MEPs Ramp Pressure For Second EU Chips Act

MEPs add to Commission pressure for second EU Chips Act amidst industry calls for renewed…

1 hour ago

Xiaomi Raises $5.5bn In Expanded Share Sale

Smartphone maker Xiaomi reportedly raises about $5.5bn in Hong Kong share sale as it invests…

2 hours ago

BYD Launches Rival To Tesla’s Model 3 At Half Price

BYD's Qin L EV sedan starts at about half the price of Tesla's Model 3,…

2 hours ago

Meta Agrees To Halt Personalised Ads For UK Woman

Meta says it will stop targeting personalised Facebook ads at UK woman after legal battle,…

18 hours ago