iPhone History

Microsoft is still frantically running around guns blazing while the company works towards securing the deal with Nokia. To provide an incentive for consumers to move to Windows Phone from other platforms, Forbes reports Microsoft is looking to launch a buyback program with a minimum pay out of $200 for the iPhone 4 and 5.

The #timetoswitch program will reportedly be held in select Microsoft retail stores across the US and Canada and will commence this Friday. The inside source at Microsoft reveals the company will be providing $200 in-store credit for iPhones with the aim for customers to then switch over and pick up a Windows Phone. The stores are already running a similar campaign for the iPad and Surface.

The timing is in line with the launch of the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, with attempts to draw some of the momentum away from Apple before consumers find themselves locked in new contracts. However, missing the new purchases, Microsoft is also looking at iPhone 4 and 5 owners who are reaching the ends of their plans with operators and who are possibly looking at alternatives. 

Of course, Apple just celebrated by selling a record breaking 9 million new iPhone's last weekend, so the phrase "too little, too late" may apply here.

Lumia 520
Nokia Lumia 520 - the most popular Windows Phone

It's yet another tactic the company to put its range of Windows Phones in front of consumers who wander into its brick and mortar stores. The Lumia 520 has been and is continuing to sell like hotcakes, while the Lumia 920, 925 and Lumia 1020 are available for those with more premium tastes.

Note that its reported this program isn't strictly for Windows Phones, so if you happen to have a spare iPhone in the house that wont be used in the future, be sure to take it into the Microsoft Store and see if you can get some credit.

Source: Forbes