• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechChange the World

Apple Updates iPhone Upgrade Program Ahead of iPhone 8 Unveiling

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
September 12, 2017, 12:41 PM ET

Apple is apparently making it easier for iPhone owners to upgrade to new devices—including the long-awaited iPhone 8 and iPhone X.

Users at the MacRumors forums on Monday discovered an update to Apple’s trade-in process that allows customers to mail in old handsets. Apple’s upgrade program previously only allowed people to turn in their iPhones by making an appointment at an Apple Store.

The Verge earlier reported about the forums posting.

“You can either have a Trade-in Kit sent to you and return it by mail or trade in your current iPhone when you pick up your new iPhone at an Apple Store,” says a document detailing the offer that was leaked online. The document says Apple will only accept iPhone trade-ins that are “in good working condition.”

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter

Apple (AAPL) launched its iPhone upgrade program with the unveiling its iPhone 6s in 2015. The program allows users with older iPhones to get some trade-in value from their older handsets to offset the cost of a new iPhone. However, since the program launched, it only allowed those users to trade in their devices in stores, making it far less convenient than trade-in services from companies like Gazelle or even wireless carrier exchange programs.

Apple hasn’t formally announced the new plan, and since the company’s site is down in preparation for today’s iPhone event, it’s impossible to say for sure whether it’s just a test or if it’ll be rolled out soon.

However, the timing would be perfect if Apple has indeed decided to upgrade its program. The company is expected to announce three new iPhones at an event today, and demand for those devices, which could be known as the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, could be strong. Offering an easier way for customers to trade in their iPhones may help Apple sell more handsets.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

CommentaryLeadership
Leading the agentic enterprise: What the next wave of AI demands from CEOs
By François Candelon, Amartya Das, Sesh Iyer, Shervin Khodabandeh and Sam RansbothamDecember 12, 2025
30 minutes ago
CryptoYouTube
Exclusive: YouTube launches option for U.S. creators to receive stablecoin payouts through PayPal
By Ben WeissDecember 11, 2025
9 hours ago
Five panelists seated; two women and five men.
AIBrainstorm AI
The race to deploy an AI workforce faces one important trust gap: What happens when an agent goes rogue?
By Amanda GerutDecember 11, 2025
12 hours ago
Stephanie Zhan, Partner Sequoia Capital speaking on stage at Fortune Brainstorm AI San Francisco 2025.
AIEye on AI
Highlights from Fortune Brainstorm AI San Francisco
By Jeremy KahnDecember 11, 2025
12 hours ago
Sam Altman
Arts & EntertainmentMedia
‘We’re not just going to want to be fed AI slop for 16 hours a day’: Analyst sees Disney/OpenAI deal as a dividing line in entertainment history
By Nick LichtenbergDecember 11, 2025
12 hours ago
InnovationBrainstorm AI
Backflips are easy, stairs are hard: Robots still struggle with simple human movements, experts say
By Nicholas GordonDecember 11, 2025
13 hours ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Success
At 18, doctors gave him three hours to live. He played video games from his hospital bed—and now, he’s built a $10 million-a-year video game studio
By Preston ForeDecember 10, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Investing
Baby boomers have now 'gobbled up' nearly one-third of America's wealth share, and they're leaving Gen Z and millennials behind
By Sasha RogelbergDecember 8, 2025
4 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Palantir cofounder calls elite college undergrads a ‘loser generation’ as data reveals rise in students seeking support for disabilities, like ADHD
By Preston ForeDecember 11, 2025
19 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
‘We have not seen this rosy picture’: ADP’s chief economist warns the real economy is pretty different from Wall Street’s bullish outlook
By Eleanor PringleDecember 11, 2025
24 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
‘Be careful what you wish for’: Top economist warns any additional interest rate cuts after today would signal the economy is slipping into danger
By Eva RoytburgDecember 10, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Uncategorized
Transforming customer support through intelligent AI operations
By Lauren ChomiukNovember 26, 2025
16 days ago
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.