Telugu Madhu Aunty Boothu Kathalu

Madhu Aunty Boothu Kathalu

Apple has officially launched a smartphone trade–in programme, weeks after stories emerged about the company’s plans.

The new service lets would-be Apple device owners exchange a series of top–end rival smartphones, either for store credit to go towards a new iPhone, or for cash via a bank transfer.

Handsets Apple receives will be recycled in an eco–friendly manner, something that services such as Envirofone already offer. The programme is open both online and in Apple's high street shops throughout the UK.

We played around with Apple’s site and were offered £108 in store credit for a good condition Sony Xperia Z3 Compact.

On eBay, users are selling the same device for upwards of £206, with a new model starting at £310. If it’s cash for your old phone you’re after, Apple’s service is definitely not your best bet.

However, if you want an iPhone without the faff of selling your old handset via the web, then this could be a handy alternative.