Apple lets you trade in broken iPhones

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Apple's new trade-in program won't discriminate against cracked iPhones.
Photo: Faris Algosaibi/Flickr CC

Apple is rolling out several new programs in its retail store locations that will give credit for iPhones with pretty severe damage, according to a report. The program will allow customers with a cracked screen, damaged buttons or damaged cameras to trade in their faulty device without issue. Apple previously wouldn’t accept this kind of damage in its Reuse and Recycle trade-in program.

The scoop comes from 9to5Mac, which reports that the new upgrade program will go into effect as soon as this week. It will support iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models. Though the current trade-in values are reportedly $50 for an iPhone 5s, $200 for an iPhone 6 and $250 for an iPhone 6 Plus, it’s possible Apple will drop the value based on the significance of damage.

Apple is hoping that the acceptance of damaged iPhones — especially cracked screens, which are all too common — will encourage people to upgrade the iPhone rather than just keeping the old one lying around. The credit would be put toward a new iPhone.

In addition to this upgrade program, Apple is also launching a program in its retail stores that will automatically apply screen protectors for customers who want one. Apple Store employees will use a protector installation machine that can ensure a good fit with minimal air bubbles. The company apparently partnered with Belkin to bring this idea to life in a few stores already.

Expect to see the new iPhone program in retail stores presently, while the screen protector rollout will take a few additional weeks.

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