Apple will buy LG smartphones to attract more iPhone switchers

By

Apple now accepts LG phones for trade-in
Get up to $180 for your old LG device.
Photo: LG

Apple will now give you credit toward an iPhone when you trade in an eligible smartphone from LG. A total of four different devices are accepted right now, with up to $180 on offer.

The move comes just months after LG announced it is exiting the smartphone business. The South Korean firm will not release any new handsets following years of sales declines and losses.

Apple’s trade-in program makes is relatively quick and simple to turn your existing smartphone into credit toward a new iPhone. It accepts iPhone SE (first-generation) or later, as well as some third-party devices.

LG joins Google and Samsung on the eligibility list. But as things stand, only four LG devices are eligible.

Apple offers up to $180 for LG smartphones

Here are the list of devices and how much you could earn for yours:

  • V60 ThinQ 5G — up to $180
  • V50 ThinQ 5G — up to $125
  • V40 ThinQ — up to $65
  • G8 ThinQ — up to $70

LG’s decision to leave smartphones behind will likely cause the value of its existing devices to fall pretty quickly. Many buyers on the second-hand market will now avoid the brand, fearing a lack of support from LG.

While Apple’s trade-in values probably don’t seem all that generous right now, then, they may, in the not-so-distant future, be tempting for those who have an LG handset they are struggling to ditch.

Apple could sell iPhone through LG stores

Although you won’t be able to buy new phones from LG in the future, the company could one day make it easier to buy an iPhone. It is reportedly in negotiations with Apple over hosting mini Apple Store outlets inside 400 of its own retail locations across South Korea.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.