Apple Inc is planning to introduce a trade-in program for the iPhones in China after a similar program bolstered sales in the United States.

Consumers will be able to take older models to Apple stores for credit against the company's products as soon as March 31, according to a Bloomberg report on Thursday, quoting people familiar with the effort.

The company is partnering with Foxconn Technology Group on the plan, one of the people said. Apple China declined to comment when contacted by China Daily on Thursday.