Should You Buy Refurbished Apple Products? What You Need To Know
Written by
Laura Bogart
Edited by
Kristen Mae
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For many people, Apple is more than a brand. It’s a powerful resource that connects users to their creativity and their communities. Integral for work, play, and staying in touch, Apple products have dominated the market for a long time for good reason. That said, Apple’s technology, from iPhones to MacBooks, smartwatches to AirPods, is known for being as pricey as it is innovative.
Does this mean that frugal folks should be denied access to this game-changing tech? Not at all. If you’re looking to save money while enjoying the perks of Apple products, one option is to purchase refurbished items at a lower price.
Refurbished technology has been used before, but it’s cleaned out, repaired, and tested until it’s restored to factory-setting conditions. It’s not new, but it’s the next best thing — ideally. Still, you might wonder whether refurbished products are worth the money. Here’s what you need to know.
Buy Refurbished Products From Apple or Other Trusted Sellers
One of the main stigmas around refurbished technology is the assumption that you’re getting a product that is inherently inferior or simply won’t live up to the quality of a brand-new product. Much of this skepticism stems from the fact that anyone with access to a YouTube tutorial and a dream can claim to be an “expert” refurbisher of Apple tech.
To avoid spending hundreds of dollars only to open your new-to-you MacBook to the blue screen of doom, purchase your refurbished products directly from Apple. The company has a storefront dedicated explicitly to refurbished goods. These products are restored by in-house experts and come with a standard one-year warranty and the option to purchase AppleCare extended support.
Additionally, other noteworthy sellers like Walmart, Amazon, and Reebelo offer refurbished Apple products with warranties, making them reliable alternatives if you’re shopping around.
Buying Refurbished Tech Helps the Environment
Who knew that taking a second bite (or should we say byte?) out of an Apple product could help you go green? Purchasing refurbished Apple devices — or any electronics — reduces e-waste, which refers to the discarded devices that often end up in landfills after reaching the end of their lifecycle.
According to Creative Bloq, a website devoted to creativity and technology, choosing refurbished devices is a win-win for both your wallet and the planet: “Shopping refurbished tech not only reduces the amount of E-waste that is produced each year but can also help the mobile industry in particular to reduce carbon emissions.”
Refurbished Devices Are Safe From Data Risks
Another reason consumers might be skeptical about refurbished electronics is concern over privacy and data. Some consumers worry they might end up with a device that contains the previous owner’s data.
If this concern is holding you back, rest assured that a proper refurbishing process includes erasing the device’s hard drive and reinstalling its operating system. Simply put, all previous data, configurations, photos, music, videos, and apps are wiped clean. The device is ready for you to make it your own — just like a brand-new product.
So, are refurbished devices the way to go for budget-conscious consumers? Absolutely — provided you shop at a reputable outlet like the Apple Refurbished Store. You’ll get a device free of the previous owner’s data, backed by a warranty, and contribute to reducing e-waste. That’s a win for your wallet, your peace of mind, and the planet.
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