• Customers can trade in old iPhones for a discount on new models
  • Values can range depending on colour, age and physical damage
  • Apple is expected to launch programme alongside its new iPhones

By Ellie Zolfagharifard

PUBLISHED: 06:51 EST, 27 August 2013 | UPDATED: 08:00 EST, 27 August 2013

Apple could launch its iPhone trade-in programme alongside its next generation iPhone as early as next month, according to industry sources.

9to5mac and MacRumours have reported that Apple is now beginning its final preparations for the programme which will allow customers to exchange an existing iPhone for a newer model at a discounted price.

Sources claim that Apple has already sent materials to its stores to support the initiative, with the first line of store trainers receiving instructions about the programme this week.

Out with the old: Apple is planning to launch a trade-in program in-store for iPhones this month, according to reports

Apple could launch its iPhone trade-in programme alongside its next generation iPhone as early as next month, according to industry sources

According to TechCrunch, values can range depending on a variety of factors, including device colour, physical damage and liquid damage.

The range is thought to be around $120-200 (77-129) for 16GB iPhone 4 and 4S models.

TechCrunch claims a 16GB iPhone 5 in good condition could go for around $250 (161),  less than is being offered by some of the other trade-in sites.

Up until now, Apple has offered a recycling program, but only offers a 10 per cent discount on iPod trade-ins. There is also a Web-based recycling service for used iPhones, iPads or Macs.

The new trade-in programme will allow consumers to receive payment for their devices instantly and avoid the hassle of shipping their older gadgets, according to information obtained in June by Bloomberg News.

Price drop: It has also been rumoured that Apple will launch a low-cost device, the plastic-case Iphone 5C, to target mid- and emerging markets

According to TechCrunch, values can range depending on a variety of factors, including device colour, physical damage and liquid damage

Brightstar is expected to run the programme with Apple, following successful trade-ins with AT&T and T-Mobile US.

Gazelle, a company specialising in electronic device trade-ins, resells outdated iPhones in emerging markets like Asia or Latin America.

Gazelle CEO Israel Ganot estimates that 20 per cent of U.S. consumers buying a smartphone this year will do so using a trade-in, an increase of nine per cent on 2011.

According to Bloomberg, Apple shares have declined 38 per cent since September, weighed down by investor concerns that the company's era of massive growth, fueled by the 2007 debut of the iPhone, is over.

The programme will serve to encourage sales of new hardware in mature markets such as the U.S., where many prospective customers already own a smartphone.

Tricks of the trade: Old iPhones traded in at Apple stores will be resold in emerging markets such as Asia and South America

Up until now, Apple has offered a recycling program, but only offers a 10 per cent discount on iPod trade-ins. There is also a Web-based recycling service for used iPhones, iPads or Macs

APPLE ITUNES RADIO TO LAUNCH IN SEPTEMBER?

Reports from advertising industry firm AdAge claims Apple is expected to launch its iTunes Radio streaming-music service in the U.S  in September.

It has also claimed that brands such as McDonald's, Pepsi and Nissan will be main advertisers through the service.

Apple's iTunes Radio was announced at its WWDC event in June and the release was tipped as being sometime in the 'Fall'.

It was initially rumoured to launch at the same time as the company's new iOS 7 software in October.

Used iPhones which have been traded-in at Apple stores in the U.S. will be resold in emerging markets, where Apple's share is lower and demand for cheap devices is greater so that the resale of Apple's older models won't cannibalise iPhone 5 sales in the U.S., an insider told Bloomberg News.

Selling used iPhones in emerging markets may also keep first-time smartphone buyers from committing to the Android system.

Apple was once the main player in the smart phone industry, but has lost market share to competing Android phones over the past year.

'This will help them sell more phones, because it will lower the consumer's out-of-pocket expense,' Roger Entner, an analyst at Recon Analytics LLC in Dedham told Bloomberg News.

Getting more people to buy iPhones, new or used, is also becoming more important as Apple begins introducing services that are delivered via mobile devices, according to Walter Piecyk, an analyst at BTIG LLC.

Latest and greatest: Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone in late 2012

Getting more people to buy iPhones, new or used, is also becoming more important as Apple begins introducing services that are delivered via mobile devices

'The key is to get iPhones into as many people's hands as possible,' Piecyk, told Bloomberg. 'Selling used phones is one way to do that.'

The programme is expected to arrive as the company unveils its next generation of iPhone hardware at a media event on September 10.

Japanese website believes it has confirmation that the successor to iPhone 5 will be called the iPhone 5S, and that Apple's rumoured low-cost iPhone will be known as the iPhone 5C.

The website Macotakara said that its 'sources in Asia' have confirmed the names, which have long been under speculation.The C in the iPhone 5C is thought to stand for 'colour' which could suggest that the phone will come in a range of colours, rather than the standard black and white options.

Other rumoured updates on the new iPhone 5S include an slow-motion camera and a fingerprint sensor since a string of code in the latest release of its latest iOS7 Software implied a scanner function.

The comments below have not been moderated.

This isn't news, just rumour regarding a trade in service already being offered by loads of specialist firms. Just lazy journalism instead of writing about bigger tech stories. Very disappointing this managed to get on your site. Yet more free advertising for Apple, who can well afford to pay for the privilege.

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Haha no. I spent nearer to 1000 from my contract and paid 120 for the handset when it first came out so no way will I trade it in. Will get more on eBay or use that as a spare if anything happens. Apple screwing people over without them noticing!

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eBay it, I got £116 for a phone with a shattered screen

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Shop around. I went to 3 shops to sell my old iPhone 4 a few months ago (there was a tiny chip on a corner), I was quoted £45 in a game exchange, £80 in a cash for gold type shop and finally £145 in a game shop. Kerchiiiing! :)

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160.00 is all they are worth, and I include the new ones.

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I had an iPhone 4 but it was damaged and Apple said because of different circuits etc they could not just fix it so they offered me a trade in for of a brand new iP4 for about 120 which I went with because hey why not good deal, SIM free brand new iP4 for the same price as your average entry level decent Android. It might not be this years model but its a good deal and the iP4 does everything i need it to so I was impressed with Apple because they really did offer a good deal. The phone trade in this article mentions also sounds pretty good for how much you get for the phone because your average second hand phone place that buys your old iPhones rarely give good deals unless the thing is in immaculate condition and no scratches etc.

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i have iphone 4s but the amount of dropped calls is a joke so will be selling asap and getting a fone that makes a calll u can FINISH LOL

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They seem to fetch more money than this on a well known auction site!! I've looked as I'm thinking of getting a new one, I've had my iPhone 4, 16gb for over two and a half years and was surprised at what they still fetch.

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What shallow idiots you get on here, seriously grow up and get a life.

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Apple offer 129 for a 4S, and Mazuma offer 180. Nice job as usual Apple

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