Should you buy from the Apple refurbished store?

For many Apple enthusiasts, buying directly from the Apple Refurbished Store seems like a smart way to save money without sacrificing quality. Apple guarantees that its refurbished products come with a new battery, outer shell, and one-year warranty, making them look and feel like new. But how does it actually compare to other options like Amazon Renewed Premium?

Apple offers near-new devices, but not always at the very best price

One of the main advantages of Apple’s refurbished store is that you can sometimes find the latest Mac models, like the M4 MacBook Pro, very shortly after launch. These devices are fully tested, include the same one-year warranty as new ones, and can be covered by AppleCare.

However, the selection is more limited when it comes to iPhones and iPads, often lagging behind by a generation or more. For example, you’ll only find iPhone 14 models, while Amazon Renewed Premium already sells the iPhone 15 Pro.

Amazon Renewed Premium might offer better value

Amazon’s Renewed Premium line is the closest competitor to Apple’s refurbished program. It offers a full 365-day return window and guarantees 90% battery health, which can be appealing for cautious buyers. In many cases, Amazon’s prices are also significantly lower. For instance, an iPhone 13 (512GB) costs $453 on Amazon Renewed Premium versus $699 on Apple Refurbished.

That said, Apple sometimes undercuts the competition on newer products like the M4 MacBook Pro, which isn’t yet available on Amazon’s Renewed section.

Apple Refurbished offers peace of mind and excellent quality, but it’s not always the cheapest option. Shoppers should compare with Amazon Renewed Premium before committing.