You can get any Apple product including a MacBook for half the price when you get a refurbished one. Yep, these products have the same quality grade, features, and functions but are way cheaper. So how did this happen?
In this article, you will learn what does refurbished mean MacBook and whether is it worth buying a refurbished Mac in the Apple Store.
Part #1: What Does A Refurbished MacBook Mean?Part #2: How Does Apple Test A Refurbished MacBook?Part #3: Does A Refurbished MacBook Get the Same Warranty?Part #4: Pros And Cons of Buying A Refurbished MacBookPart #5: Bonus Tip - How to Speed Up Your MacBook Like Brand New? Summary
Part #1: What Does A Refurbished MacBook Mean?
What does refurbished mean MacBook? You may have probably heard online or from a friend that getting a refurbished Apple product is more affordable than buying brand new.
Let’s say, you have been eyeing a MacBook for quite a while now, and buying a brand-new one can cost you a fortune. However, upon checking out from Apple’s Refurbished store, you can get it far cheaper than the retail price.
But, how did this happen?
A refurbished device is a certified pre-owned Apple product that was returned to Apple due to certain situations like the following:
- Display products
- Technical glitch
- Returned by customer
Apple offers a wide range of refurbished products ranging from:
- iPhones - iPhone XR, 8, 8 Plus, 11, 11 Pro, and Pro Max
- iPads - iPad, mini, Pro, and Air
- Apple Watch and TV
- Macs- MacBook Pro, Air, MacPro, Mac mini, iMac, and iMac Pro
The quantity of these products may be limited since they depend on the number of products returned.
1.1 What Is the Difference between Used And Refurbished?
Apple’s refurbished products have gone through strict quality control after it has been returned. All the technical glitches have been repaired and cleaned.
While a used product, on the other hand, may be directly sold without testing, repairing, and cleaning. The previous owner may have reset it to factory settings but any other issues may go unnoticed.
Part #2: How Does Apple Test A Refurbished MacBook?
There are plenty of third-party vendors that sell refurbished Apple products like MacBook. However, the quality control might differ. So what does refurbished mean MacBook? Is there a proper standard?
According to Apple, all refurbished products undergo quality testing and cosmetic cleaning the same way brand-new products go through before selling. It’s pretty much hard to identify which is refurbished and brand new when they are placed near each other.
Here are some of the refurbished guidelines that Apple follows:
- Full burn-in testing
- Replacement of defective parts
- New batteries and accessories are replaced on iPhones and iPads
- The latest software is installed. Older models are shipped out with the most compatible operating system
- Products are packed with new sets of cables and accessories
- New serial numbers and part numbers are assigned. They are easily tracked under the Refurbished category
- Final quality testing done
Part #3: Does A Refurbished MacBook Get the Same Warranty?
What does refurbished mean MacBook? Are my rights well protected? Absolutely. Apple sells all refurbished products with the same 1-year manufacturer warranty and 90 days of phone support.
Any refurbished products can also be dropped in for a service at any Apple Store, mail, and Apple Authorized Service Provider.
3.1 What Is the Downside of Buying A Refurbished MacBook?
One cannot tell if the MacBook sitting in front of you is refurbished or brand new, everything is similar. However, if you are planning to buy a refurbished MacBook, you should be willing to wait.
As stocks fluctuate, many people are waiting in line to get the latest MacBook, refurbished. Also, it can be challenging to check the difference between a new MacBook and an older computer since the packaging is the same unless you have been queuing in for some time.
Part #4: Pros And Cons of Buying A Refurbished MacBook
Many people are still confused about what does refurbished mean MacBook. If you are looking for a refurbished MacBook, here is a full list of Pros and Cons.
Pros
- You save tons of money - Both new and older Macs and iPads ( even the now-discontinued models) have discounts that range from 15 to 20%. On some rare occasions, you can get them at 25% less. The tip here is that the price is way cheaper if you get older machines.
- Environmental-friendly - Refurbished products are generated from returned items and are recycled. This is Apple’s way of creating a sustainable means of promoting its products.
- Quality - All refurbished items on Apple undergo a rigid form of testing and quality control before they will be sold in the market.
- Warranty Coverage - You get the same warranty coverage as brand-new Apple products
- Good as New performance - Refurbished MacBooks get the same intensive quality testing so you’ll get a great-performing device running on the latest compatible macOS.
- Only from Apple - To ensure that you get a better deal, you can purchase a refurbished MacBook only at Apple.
Cons
- Choosing is not an option - When buying a refurbished MacBook, the biggest CON is that you don’t get the make and model of your choice. It all hangs on the current stock availability.
- Limited Countries Offered - There is a list of countries only where Apple sells refurbished products.
Avoid buying Apple products from other websites apart from Apple and its affiliated sites. There are plenty of bogus sites offering cheaper refurbished products that end up misleading.
Apple's refurbished store is the only site where you can buy refurbished products. Other sites that offer cheaper refurbished Apple products do not come with the same warranty coverage and guarantees.
Part #5: Bonus Tip - How to Speed Up Your MacBook Like Brand New?
Now that you understand what does refurbished mean MacBook, you might also be wondering how you can boost your current Mac’s performance.
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All you need is to run TechyCub Mac Cleaner on your MacBook and select the cleaning feature of your choice.
People Also Read How to Fix MacBook Pro Running So Slow How To Make Macbook Battery Last Longer: Things That You Need To Know
Summary
In this article, we have answered the common concern ‘What does refurbished mean MacBook?’.
Refurbished Apple products are offered at a discounted price yet the quality and warranty are the same. They go through the same layer of quality control and after-product sales. If you are planning to buy one, make sure that you get one at the Apple Refurbished store to get all the features and benefits, and of course away from scammers.
