Apple’s June price increases across its Mac and iPad lineups are making certified refurbished devices a more attractive option for shoppers, with some models selling for hundreds — and in some cases more than $1,000 — below the cost of current versions. Trade-in credits can lower the final price even further.
On Amazon, refurbished MacBook Air and iPad Air models are among the options with the steepest discounts. A certified refurbished 13.3-inch 2020 MacBook Air starts at $409, compared with Apple’s current 13-inch MacBook Air, which starts at $1,260. The base configuration includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and buyers can upgrade to 1TB of storage and an 8-core GPU while still paying well under the price of a new machine. The device ships with a 90-day limited warranty.
Shoppers looking for more performance can consider the refurbished 14-inch 2021 MacBook Pro, powered by the M1 Pro chip. With a new model starting around $2,000, the refurbished version offers a more affordable route for users who need strong multitasking and demanding applications. The listing also carries a 90-day limited warranty.
The 15-inch MacBook Air is another option for those who do not need Apple’s latest M5 chip. The refurbished M4 model, equipped with 16GB of memory and a 256GB SSD, costs roughly $400 less than a new full-price version. It is Geek Squad Certified Refurbished and protected by a 90-day warranty, making it suitable for everyday work, multitasking and creative projects.
Refurbished iPads are also discounted. The 2022 Apple iPad Air with Wi-Fi and cellular costs $369, compared with $899 for Apple’s current model with the same storage capacity. The tablet includes a Liquid Retina display and True Tone, which adjusts the screen to match ambient lighting. It comes with a 90-day limited warranty.
For a larger screen, the Amazon Renewed 2021 iPad Pro in the 1TB Wi-Fi and cellular configuration is offered at $599, versus $2,299 for a comparable current model. That works out to savings of nearly $1,600. The iPad Pro runs on Apple’s M1 chip and supports features such as an ultra-wide camera and the second-generation Apple Pencil.
A more compact choice, the refurbished Apple iPad mini, is priced at $367, compared with $599 for Apple’s latest version. Its 8.3-inch display, fast processor, cameras and up to 10 hours of battery life make it suitable for reading, streaming and everyday tasks. This model also has a 90-day limited warranty.
Apple did not raise Apple Watch prices in June, but renewed watch models can still cut costs. The Apple Watch Series 7, which Apple no longer sells new, originally retailed at $499 for the GPS and cellular version. The renewed version costs nearly $360 less and retains a display about 20 percent larger than the Series 6, along with 33 percent faster charging and a dust- and crack-resistant design.
Outdoor-focused buyers can choose the refurbished Apple Watch Ultra, which offers up to 36 hours of battery life, a corrosion-resistant case, water resistance and a display designed to remain readable in direct sunlight. It includes tools such as Backtrack for retracing a route, Compass Waypoints for marking locations and advanced heart rate and running-form metrics.
The refurbished Apple Watch SE offers savings of nearly $140. While numbered Series models include more advanced health features and brighter displays, the SE covers essential functions such as fitness tracking, heart rate notifications and Apple’s core safety features.
All of the refurbished models listed on Amazon come with a 90-day limited warranty, and Prime members can have eligible items shipped quickly. New members can start with a 30-day free trial.
