The 2023 Mac mini with the powerful Apple M2 processor is already an amazing deal, and shoppers can now save even more by buying a refurbished unit.
These are primarily desktops that consumers bought then returned so supplies are limited. There are no units with the M2 Pro processor available at this time, for example.
Apple now selling M2 Mac mini refurbs
When the latest Mac mini was unveiled in January 2023, Apple didn’t surprise anyone by announcing it includes an M2 processor. What did amaze people is that the starting price dropped $100. What has been a $700 computer was now a $600 one with a faster chip.
And those who’ve been patient can now get the macOS desktop at an even lower price, as a refurb. While buying a brand new Apple product feels safe and reassuring, getting a refurbished unit instead is one of the best ways to save money.
There’s no better example than a refurb base model 2020 Mac mini with M2, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. It is $509, which is $91 below the regular cost — a savings of 15%.
And the version upgraded with a 512GB SSD is ordinarily $799, but the refurb version is $679, a drop of $120.
There are a variety of other M2 Mac mini configurations and their prices on Apple’s page for refurbished devices.
No matter the RAM/SSD, Apple’s slim desktop includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet and a headphone jack.
Relax, it’s not a lemon
When someone buys a product from Apple then returns it, it is resold after going through a refurbishment process. Apple prepares these so you’re not taking any risk.
Each unit comes with a one-year warranty, free delivery and returns. It’s cleaned and undergoes full functional testing, then gets repackaged with appropriate manuals and cables.
The major drawback is that the supply of units limits the purchase options. Every configuration of the 2023 Mac mini isn’t available because not enough people bought then returned that specific configuration. That’s why there are currently no refurbished units with the M2 Pro processor up for sale.
Need a little more persuasion? Read the Cult of Mac guide on why you should buy Apple Certified Refurbished products.
