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iPhone 8 trade-ins spike ahead of iPhone X, says reseller

One tech recycling site says Apple's new model is already being returned.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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Something strange is afoot with Apple's new iPhone 8 .

Tech recycling site Decluttr is seeing more trade-ins of both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus than any other new iPhone right after its launch, the company reported. Declutter told CNET that the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus make up 7 percent of its total buy-backs. 

"The highest figure to that previously has been 2 percent with the iPhone 6S," a spokesperson said.

While the site said that trade-ins for previous iPhone models always increase before any new iPhone launch, it's unusual for the trade-in device to also be a brand-new iPhone. Apple's strategy to release three new iPhones within a few weeks of one another is the likely cause, especially if it indicates iPhone 8 buyers deciding to upgrade to the priciest iPhone, the iPhone X, after using the 8 or 8 Plus. 

Apple's highest-end iPhone X goes on sale Nov. 3, with preorders starting this Friday, Oct. 27.

Of course, Decluttr is just one site, and not necessarily an accurate measure of total iPhone 8 sales and returns. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.