Apple puts ban on employee vacations ahead of expected iPhone debut

Growing evidence Apple will unveil its new iPhone in San Francisco Sept. 10 now includes a ban on Apple support personnel vacations, industry analysts say. With shipments expected around Sept. 20, it will be a busy time for Apple retail workers and support staff, which would explain the vacation blackout dates of Sept. 15-28, AppleInsider reported Friday. Also on Friday, Apple launched its first-ever trade-in program allowing users to trade in older iPhones toward credit on a new one by bringing it into an Apple Store. Trade-ins must be functional and free of water damage, and a 2-year contract will be required to get the new version of the iPhone, Apple said. "iPhones hold great value. So, Apple Retail Stores are launching a new program to assist customers who wish to bring in their previous-generation iPhone for reuse or recycling," Apple spokeswoman Amy Bessette told ABC News. Apple would not confirm the specifics of the trade-in program, but ABC said sources told it a 16GB iPhone 5 in good condition would be valued at close to $300.