Rising Mac Prices: Exploring the Impact of Apple Silicon
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The Changing Landscape of Mac Pricing
Recently, there has been a notable trend of decreasing Mac prices. However, as with many narratives, there are two perspectives to consider...
Apple products have long been regarded as maintaining their resale value exceptionally well. Yet, this perception has shifted recently, particularly with the advent of Apple Silicon. The release of the M1 System on Chip (SoC) in 2020 marked a pivotal moment, leading to successive models like the M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2, and M2 Pro. This evolution has also resulted in more affordable options in the Mac lineup.
Before delving into the second-hand market, it’s essential to consider the changes in Apple’s latest computing devices. Although some argue that prices have risen, focusing solely on numerical values can be misleading. For example, the price of the Mac mini dropped by $100 compared to its Intel predecessors back in 2020, offering superior performance for a lower cost.
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A Shift in Value Proposition
Every Mac released since 2020, from the MacBook Air to the Mac Studio, provides an unprecedented value compared to previous models. The MacBook Air, priced at $1,200, now performs on par with the previous $1,600 Intel 13” Pro. Additionally, the 14” M2 Pro, retailing for $2,500, outshines older Intel models that once cost $4,000 or even $5,000. The Mac Studio, priced at $5,000, delivers capabilities that many users sought in $15,000 Mac Pro systems. It’s akin to upgrading from basic halogen headlights to a fully-loaded car with a superior engine—all for the same price.
Doubting the value of Apple’s advancements, especially with their Silicon transition, would be an irrational stance.
The Other Side of the Coin
Nevertheless, there’s another aspect to this story: the second-hand market. Apple users have historically enjoyed high resale values for their devices. For instance, I sold my 2012 15” Intel Retina MacBook Pro for €500 in 2018! Such a return is rare for Windows or Linux machines after several years.
What many didn’t anticipate while celebrating the arrival of the M1 models was that the introduction of the M2 would lead to a depreciation of the prior generation of Apple Silicon Macs—more than we had come to expect. While not drastically lower, it’s notable that an Apple Refurbished 14” M1 Pro is priced at $1,500—often even lower on platforms like eBay—while the 14” M2 Pro starts at $2,000. This shift makes the resale values of older Macs feel unexpectedly lower.
The same trend can be observed with the 16” MacBook Pros. For example, the Intel i7 model, equipped with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, is priced at $1,600 on Apple’s refurbished site. In contrast, the 16” M1 Pro with identical specs is available for just $1,900. Despite the M1 Pro’s clear advantages over Intel, the price gap remains a mere $300—an anomaly when considering the availability of Intel models.
A Practical Review of the M2 MacBook Air
Focusing on usability, does the M2 MacBook Air live up to everyday expectations?
While it’s premature to claim that second-hand Apple Silicon Macs are plummeting in value, current resale prices appear lower than many anticipated. This observation has not gone unnoticed, with numerous YouTubers recommending M1 Macs for their superior price-to-value ratio since the M2 Air’s launch.
This trend is beneficial for those looking to purchase used Macs, benefiting both consumers and the environment as more devices find new owners. However, for those of us who frequently upgrade, the reduced resale values may necessitate adjustments in expectations regarding returns when trading in or selling devices.
While Macs continue to retain more value than other personal computers, this characteristic is becoming less of a significant selling point than it once was, potentially altering the experience for both buyers and sellers.
The Shift Away from MacBook Pros
For many professionals, investing in MacBook Pros may no longer be the most practical choice.
Reflecting on the Transition from Intel
The transition away from Intel represents the end of an era that, just a few years ago, seemed unimaginable.
For more insights on technology, coding, and accessibility, explore additional stories from me, Attila Vago—a software engineer dedicated to improving the world, one line of code at a time. A lifelong tech enthusiast, LEGO aficionado, and vinyl record collector, I also enjoy craft beer! Read my story and subscribe for more content on tech, coding, and accessibility.