Apple Called Out for 'Brutal' Mac Trade-In Values Following Launch of New Models

Apple is facing criticism online for offering poor Mac trade-in values following this week's launch of new MacBook Pro and Mac mini models.

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Yesterday, MKBHD researcher David Imel tweeted that Apple offers just $970 in trade-in credit for a Mac Pro configuration that it still sells for $52,199. The viral tweet caused an uproar among Twitter users towards Apple's trade-in program: "That's a slap in the face," said one user. "Apple trade-ins have always been boo boo. I'm surprised you thought you would get even 1/5 of the price," another one said.

On Reddit, users also piled on, sharing their past experiences with Apple's trade-in program and the "low value" returned for their Macs. "My base model M1 Pro trades in at $725. 63.7% drop in value in a single generation. Not great," one Reddit user said. Another user, on the flip side, shared how Apple gave them $700 last year for an Intel-based 2016 MacBook.

I got $700 for my 2016 i7 last year using Apple trade in. Blew my mind I was able to get anything for it. Used it to buy a M1 Pro. Only deprecating 60% in 6 years for a machine that's basically at the end of its life, was pretty good. Looks like Apple doesn't really need used Apple Silicon, so the price is a lot lower.

On the MacRumors forums, users are also sharing their thoughts about Apple's trade-in program regarding Macs after the launch of new models. One user said Apple quoted them the same $970 value for a 14-inch M1 ‌MacBook Pro‌, while a third-party offered almost $1,100.

The credit Apple will give you for trading in an old Mac depends on several factors, including its specific configuration and condition. On its website, Apple offers a list of estimated trade-in values for its Mac lineup, quoting up to $670 for the ‌MacBook Pro‌ and up to $1,250 for the ‌Mac Pro‌.

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
32 months ago
Someone said... Professional scam artists now spell scam backward...

[ISPOILER]macs[/ISPOILER]

???
Score: 60 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Smartuser Avatar
32 months ago

i thought you trade in your old device, not because you want to buy new device for half the price, but because device you trade in will be properly recycled and you're filthy rich, otherwise you sell your old gear on craigs list
No, the reason to do it is that you may get a lower but still somewhat decent amount and don't have to deal with weird buyers, friends who complain that the item you sold them is now defective and so on.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
32 months ago
Never been a fan of a trade-in offer from Apple.

I'm sorry but Apple's own trade-in policy is terrible. Better to venture out and look for a third party. They will pay 2x more as Apple. Also, it's better to sell your product yourself.
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Craigwilliam Avatar
32 months ago
Maybe it's just me but if I had spent $50k on a Mac Pro in 2019 I wouldn't be trying to trade it in just because they launched a new Macbook Pro. A machine that is as high spec'd as that one has either already earned its cost or is destined for a long service life. Until the software stops supporting it at least.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wando64 Avatar
32 months ago
Whatever Apple is giving you, I’ll give you 1$ more.



?
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tadasZ Avatar
32 months ago
i thought you trade in your old device, not because you want to buy new device for half the price, but because device you trade in will be properly recycled and you're filthy rich, otherwise you sell your old gear on craigs list
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)