Apple now accepts damaged iPhones for trade-in

Got an iPhone with a cracked screen or busted camera? You can now hand it over to Apple for store credit toward a new iPhone.

The Apple Store Reuse and Recycle iPhone trade-in program has always offered store credit for older models. But the program has applied only if your current iPhone is in good condition with no cracks or other defects.

Now Apple has tweaked the plan to accept damaged iPhones, a company spokesman said Friday, confirming a 9to5Mac report.

The change to the trade-in policy could be a boon to consumers wondering what to do with damaged iPhones. People with busted phones may also be more likely to upgrade, instead of opting for a repair, if they can save some money through a trade-in.

The program applies to iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models that are brought into Apple`s retail stores. It does not apply to online trade-ins.

The amount of credit you receive, if any, depends on the extent of the damage, with 9to5Mac noting that the plan applies to iPhones with "damaged displays, cameras, and buttons within reason." The trade-in values are $50 for an iPhone 5s, $150 for an iPhone 6 and $200 for an iPhone 6 Plus, unnamed sources told 9to5Mac.