Apple is reportedly developing a new feature that would allow customers to save trade-in offers directly to the Apple Wallet app for up to 90 days. This development was uncovered through code found in an update to Apple’s internal Guide app, which is utilized by Apple employees and authorized resellers during customer interactions and product demonstrations.
The code includes a message stating, “You can add this trade-in offer to your Apple Wallet. It will be valid for 90 days.” Additionally, it suggests that employees could present a QR code for customers to scan with their iPhone’s camera to save the offer. The app also features localized “Add to Apple Wallet” buttons for various regions and languages, indicating a broad potential rollout.
This Wallet pass appears to be the culmination of a comprehensive trade-in workflow integrated into the app. The process involves verifying device eligibility, scanning or entering the device’s serial number or IMEI, assessing its physical condition, and running Apple Diagnostics. Following these steps, the system retrieves quotes from trade-in vendors and generates a Wallet pass for the selected offer.
Further code references mention a “TradeInKit” framework and server endpoints for device eligibility, diagnostic sessions, trade-in pricing, and Wallet pass generation. Both the overall trade-in feature and the Wallet pass option seem to be controlled by server-side switches, suggesting that these features are not yet active for employees or customers.
Currently, Apple’s online trade-in program requires that the company receive the device within 14 days to honor the estimated value. The proposed 90-day validity for trade-in offers stored in Apple Wallet would provide customers with a more extended period to consider their options. This could be particularly beneficial for those who have their devices evaluated in-store but are not ready to make an immediate purchase. By saving the offer in Apple Wallet, customers would have a convenient and easily retrievable record, allowing them to return within 90 days to complete the transaction.
It’s important to note that the code does not specify whether the trade-in value displayed in the Wallet pass would remain fixed for the entire 90-day period. Apple’s current trade-in terms allow for quote revisions if the device’s inspected condition differs from the customer’s description, if the activation lock has not been removed, or if the device is not returned within the required timeframe.
Integrating trade-in offers into Apple Wallet aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance the customer experience. By providing a centralized location for trade-in offers, Apple could simplify the upgrade process and encourage more customers to take advantage of its trade-in program. However, the success of this feature will depend on clear communication regarding the terms and conditions, particularly concerning the validity and potential adjustments of trade-in values over the 90-day period.
