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Apple has a new plan to crush its rivals and boost iPhone sales, and it starts today

apple store employee with iphone 6
apple store employee with iphone 6

(AP)

For the first time, Apple is letting you trade in your old Android, BlackBerry, or Windows Phone for a new iPhone, 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman reports.

The new trade-in program is said to start Monday, but it applies only to certain phone models.

According to Apple's new Reuse and Recycling Program (via MacRumors), you'll be able to access the new trade-in program online and in-store, and supported smartphones include "certain Samsung, HTC, LG, Nokia, Sony, and BlackBerry models, for credit in the form of an Apple Store gift card or bank transfer."

Those who trade in one of the models eligible for Apple's program will be able to apply it toward a new iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus, Gurman reports.

You can't use the credit toward the purchase of an Apple Watch, however.

This will most likely work the same way as Apple's trade-in program for iPhones — which means the value of your old phone will be determined by a variety of factors such as age and condition.

Gurman previously reported that this program would be intended to encourage iPhone upgrades in Apple Stores, and it sounds like an effective way to do so.

In addition to converting Android and Windows Phone fans to the iPhone, the new deal will most likely allow Apple to sell those used phones, too. It also gives customers less of a reason to turn to a Best Buy or carrier store to buy a new iPhone. This could ultimately lead to more in-store iPhone sales for Apple.

Apple has not issued a formal announcement, but Gurman spotted this note on an Apple retail store page.

iPhoneTradeIn
iPhoneTradeIn

(Apple)

We have reached out to Apple for confirmation and more information regarding the program.

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