September, the supposed release month of Apple's 2013 flagship smartphone, is only a matter of few weeks and to bang up consumer awareness and interests, the tech giant is stepping on gas for a full iPhone 5S marketing promo.

One way to lure more buyers is giving them the option to upgrade from previous iPhone models. As such, "Apple is rumoured to be planning to offer its own trade-in program at its retail stores," Apple Insider said in a report.

That is right, there will be no need to go through retail and distribution channels like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart. Apple is doing its own iPhone marketing works in the hopes of improving the less than 15 per cent of the total iOS smartphones that were sold through Apple stores.

The figures are true for U.S.-based stores and cover the trend seen as of June 2013.

Apparently, Apple big boss Tim Cook is buoyed by the recent findings of NPD Group that "trade-in offers would sway (customers') smartphone buying decision," which was proven in recent deals offered by Best Buy and telcos like AT&T and Sprint.

Mr Cook figures that more walk-ins to Apple's bricks-and-mortar outlets would create more sales potential not only for the iPhones but for iPads as well. And there'll be more store visitors as buyers are attracted by the notion that they're outdates devices still carry some value that will allow them discounts for new buys.

No definite schedule was given on when the in-house Apple trade-in deals would be implemented but Apple watchers were at least encouraged by the fact that the tech giant hasn't denied the rumours.

And as the company aims to further increase its sales numbers, it is also doing some repair works in China following the twin electrocution incidents in the country that were blamed to knock off iPhone chargers.

A woman died and one man was seriously injured using their iPhones, while connected to a power outlet. To correct this, Apple launched this week its 'Takeback Program', which calls on iPhone owners in China to turn in their supposedly fake USB power adapters in exchange for the "properly designed adapters."

The special promo will run starting August 16 and will only cost $10 per unit. Chinese consumers have until October 18 2013 to avail of the deal, which is limited to one charger for iPhone, iPad and iPod, Apple Insider said.

"Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That's why all of our products - including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod - undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world," the same report quoted Apple's statement as saying.