Apple's trade-in program will reportedly offer gift cards for rival smartphones

In the past, Apple has done its part to attract Android users over to its own mobile platform, but a new report suggests that the company will begin increasing its efforts soon. In an attempt to boost iPhone sales, Apple will reportedly soon offer gift cards towards new iPhones when users trade in rival devices. According to 9to5Mac’s unnamed sources, the new trade-in program will be similar to Apple’s current system, which lets Apple retail store employees determine trade-in values for devices based on cosmetic and functional damage. While calling out Android devices specifically, the report mentions that non-Apple smartphones will be elidgible for trade-in as well. We’re assuming that means Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices are included in the program, though the report doesn’t specifically mention either.

The new program will purportedly begin in the coming weeks, following “extensive training programs” for employees that are slated to begin by the end of this week. Also, the report states that Apple store employees will only be able to transfer address book contacts, and users will have to transfer any additional data by themselves.

For right now, there’s no telling how much you’ll receive from the company if you want to trade-in your old Galaxy Nexus for some extra credit. Odds are you won’t receive much, but the offer may be there in the coming weeks if you’re interested. What do you think? Will Apple’s ploy to offer money to competitors tempt Android users? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.