Samsung is getting ready to launch the Galaxy S6 in April, a release which will define the company’s future from that point forward. While record-breaking pre-orders are a promising sign for the flagship smartphone, Apple isn’t just going to let Samsung put a dent in its iPhone sales without a fight. In fact, the company has a few tricks up its sleeve that may prove to be a major hindrance for Samsung.
Executives at Samsung must be fuming right now. According to multiple reports out today, Apple will start accepting non-Apple devices as part of its trade-in program in the next few weeks. That means Android phones. Which means Samsung phones. Samsung’s flagship Galaxy range could well be among the biggest contingent of traded in phones when the program starts because it’s already the main challenger to the iPhone on the high-end. Then there’s the timing of all this. Samsung is preparing to launch its new Galaxy S6 and curved-screen S6 Edge in multiple countries on April 10. Apple’s new extended trade-in program will kick off in “weeks,” according to 9to5Mac, which first reported the news. If the trade-in program launches before the S6 even goes on sale, that could be a problem for Samsung. It means Apple can suddenly catch current owners of the Samsung Galaxy S5 in that crucial, decisive moment when they choose to upgrade to their next phone, giving many a greater incentive to switch to Apple and the iPhone 6.
