uk_iphone_store_recyclingAfter officially launching the U.S. version of the program in late August, Apple has officially confirmed that it is launching its iPhone trade-in program today at its UK retail stores, reports Pocket-lint.

"iPhones hold great value. So, Apple Retail Stores in the UK are launching a new program to assist customers who wish to bring in their previous-generation iPhone for reuse or recycling," an Apple spokesperson has said. "In addition to helping support the environment, customers will be able to receive a credit for their returned phone that they can use toward the purchase of a new iPhone."

Under the program, users can receive a gift card in exchange for their older devices, although the gift card must immediately be used toward the purchase of a new iPhone.

Customers may also get quotes from Apple for a similar trade-in program online that launched nearly two years ago, with the option of shipping a device for recycling available as well. In the United States, the online and in-store programs are run by different third-party companies, and the same may be true in the UK, meaning that consumers may want to check both programs to determine any differences in trade-in value. Separate trade-in services may also offer greater value, although Apple's in-store program offers the convenience of an immediate no-hassle credit against the purchase of a new device.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

keysofanxiety Avatar
161 months ago
Why do I always get the feeling consumers are getting shafted by Apple? I used to feel a certain amount of pride using Apple products; they were a joy, especially off the back of coming from a Windows environment.

Maybe I've fallen out-of-love, maybe my eyes are finally opened, or maybe my empty bank balance is telling me something ... everything's just priced too damn high, often unreasonably so. They don't need to price everything at such a premium, and this trade-in shows just what their mentality is like. £175 for a 64GB iPhone 5? They have to be joking.

I can't see the value anymore, and as much as I hate to admit it, iOS 7 is sloppy. Really sloppy. Sloppy animations, sloppy performance, and Siri is far too unreliable (I can't take any requests at the moment) from a £600 product. I don't feel like I'm using a premium product, I feel like I'm using a self-indulgent GUI from Jony Ive's nutsack.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Freida Avatar
161 months ago
you can get almost twice as much from other companies :)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jpn369 Avatar
161 months ago
Anybody ever part exchanged their old car? This is exactly the same. The garage offer you less than its worth because they will want to sell it for a profit. You trade in because it's less hassle than selling privately or even keeping 2 cars road legal for a few weeks (tax, insurance etc). You all know the garage never give you the best deal.
Apple are doing the same. You don't have to take the offer. It's their for people who don't want to (or can't be bothered) to use other means. Take it or leave it. I know what I'll be doing when the iPhone 6 comes out.

Yes I have part exchanged my old car, but the deal if I part exed my current car I would get around £5255, if I sold it privately I would get around £5000-£5850 (source:Parkers Used Car Guide) If I exchanged my iPhone 4s 16gb I would be offered around £15. I sold it on Ebay for £180.
Apple are more like webuyanycar.com who would give me £3345 for my minimum £5k car.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JaySoul Avatar
161 months ago
So I've got a 32gb iPhone 5 and after a year, it's not worth over £175 to Apple?

Then why do they expect us to pay so much in the first place?

EDIT:

I just went to official website and entered all the details, and was offered £230.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Obi Wan Kenobi Avatar
161 months ago
iPhone 4 32GB Black - excellent condition

Price offered by Apple/Dataserv £36.75?

You have to be kidding me! These trade in prices are ridiculous.


I would have thought Apple would have offered more realistic / competitive prices. These phones can show Apple real-life wear and tear after 2-3 years of use (ie the full product life-span). This data should help them design more robust and reliable devices in future.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sn Avatar
161 months ago
It's laughable!! I don't need a new iPhone, but I was going to get one for my mother. Her old iPhone 3G is, well, old..
So I filled in the details to see what it's worth as a trade in..

£3.75!! lol :rolleyes:
(Thats about $5 to you Merkins)

Ok, it's getting on a bit. But it works! £3.75?? Really?? I'd rather blend it for that money.

Yeah, it's a bit of a p*ss take. I got a quote on the apple website for my iphone 4 which has a hairline crack on the rear glass... £6.50!??!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...