Apple Set to Launch Own Trade-in Program in Apple Stores for September

Apple is almost set to launch its own trade-in program for September that will allow customers to swap their older iPhone models and take home a newer model at a discounted price, according to sources of 9to5Mac.

CEO Tim Cook once expressed his interest about the trade-in programs being done by Verizon, AT&T, and Best Buy. “I see channels doing it, and I like the environmental aspect of it, and so that part of it really is encouraging to me,” he said.

Cook acknowledged that 80 percent of the iPhone sales does not come directly from Apple retail stores. The trade-in program is considered a critical move for Appleto boost iPhone sales in its own stores.

Apple wants to further introduce people to a real Apple environment. So what does a "real Apple environment" looks like and how is it different from non-Apple stores? Once a customer enters the Apple Store, they will be immediately introduced to other Apple devices such as the iPads and Macs. However, the goal still remains-- don't let customers walk out of the store with an old phone.

Sources said that Apple will begin training most of its retail employees this week for two hours. Training is expected to complete by first week of September.

While full training is just about to begin, sources said that Apple had a pilot program going on in Dallas, Texas for the past few months. Empty boxes are also heading its way to the Apple stores which will be used to ship-in traded handsets. These handsets were planned to be refurbished and resold in other markets.

The 9to5Mac sources confirmed that Apple's very own trade-in program will begin sometime in September but were not sure of it will be before or after the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C release.