Busted iPhone? Apple may let you trade it in

Cracked iPhone screen, damaged camera or buttons not working? Apple may finally let you trade in your busted handset for a new iPhone.

The company has trade-in and recycling options for a while - separate from the iPhone upgrade program introduced last year - but Apple won't accept handsets that have external damages beyond normal wear and tear, like the ever-common cracked screen.

However, all that is about to change, according to a report from 9to5Mac, as sources say Apple will this week begin accepting iPhones for trade-in that have damages to the screen, buttons and camera, or at least damages "within reason." So, if your phone is a shattered mess, you're probably better off recycling it.

Trade-in values, which you'll be able to use in store, range from about $50 for an iPhone 5S, $200 for a an iPhone 6 and $250 for the iPhone 6 Plus (values of about £34/£137/£171, AU$69/AU$277/AU$346).

Protecting your screens

Apple is likely hoping this will help get more people trading in older iPhones and using their credit to purchase newer handsets and other devices from Apple itself rather than other retailers.

It also comes at a great time, too, with the potential launch of the iPhone 5SE likely happening in March and the iPhone 7 releasing later this year, giving you piece of mind if you do end up breaking your current iPhone before September.

And Apple's focus on remedying your cracked iPhone screen doesn't stop there it seems as the report also said Apple Store employees will begin offering screen protector installation on new iPhone purchases over the coming weeks. If this means no more annoying bubbles and dust between the glass and screen protector, we're all for it.

It's good to finally see Apple acknowledge the prevalence of broken iPhone screens and other parts, taking action for customers who own handsets old and new.