Apple to let owners trade-in damaged iPhones

Customers with defective iOS handsets are to be given the option of trading them toward a newer model, it has been claimed.

9to5Mac reports that Apple will next week begin allowing those whose iPhones have damaged screens, cameras and buttons to hand them over for credit toward the purchase of new one.

Trade-ins are restricted to the iPhone 5s ($50), iPhone 6 ($200) or iPhone 6 Plus ($250).

This is an extension of the trade-in plan launched in 2013 that allowed older handsets to be part exchanged. Until now defective handsets had been exempt, however.

The report adds that Apple will also introduce a screen protector installation service, with Belkin signed on as a partner. Installation will be provided via a dedicated machine.

It’s not known whether the scheme will be rolled out in the UK at the same time as the US.