Apple vs Google: iOS Wants Android Users To Abandon Their Devices

Apple and Google have been fighting on mobile market share for as long as anybody can remember. This time, it appears Apple is intent on taking that to the next level. The company wants to reward Android users should they go to Apple and exchange their devices for a new iPhone. Is Apple all set to continue Steve Jobs' thermonuclear war against Android or will the whole thing backfire?

Apple introduced its trade-in program back in 2013 in order to convince users to switch to newer models of the iPhone. This time, according to sources cited by Bloomberg, Apple wants to include Blackberry and Android handsets. Apart from poaching Android users, Apple wants to boost its iPhone 6 and iPhoen 6 Plus sales further.

Kantar Worldpanel Comtech (via Bloomberg) further noted that Apple's iOS performed past Android for the last quarter thanks to the current iPhone's record-breaking shipments. Despite doubts on the value of Android handsets compared to iPhones, Apple still stands to gain from the trade-in program. Former CEO of Gazelle Inc., Israel Ganot, shares: “Apple can afford to pay more than the market value to get you to switch over, on the idea that you’re going to fall in love with the iOS ecosystem and stay for a long time."

The U.S. program is relatively different from those in other regions. For instance, users in the region can recycle their handsets because they get credit for exchanging their devices over a new one. Apple employees can evaluate the condition of the device to determine its corresponding credit value. The trade-in program in the U.S. is also exclusive to the iPhone. Programs in UK and other European countries also include iPad, Mac as well as desktop systems.

Apple is also expected to release another iPhone version sometime this year, the iPhone 6s. However, the company has not provided the final details of its next iPhone release.

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