What the heck is going on with MacBook prices? - Video Insight
What the heck is going on with MacBook prices? - Video Insight
Luke Miani
Fullscreen


The video explores the rapid depreciation of used MacBooks, highlighting how innovation impacts resale value and consumer purchasing behavior.

The video discusses the rapid depreciation of used MacBooks, particularly Apple's silicon models, which are losing value at an unprecedented rate compared to older Intel models. The host shares personal experiences selling a 14-inch MacBook Pro for significantly less than its original price, pointing out that despite their high initial cost and superior specifications, many similar models have also seen drastic drops in resale value. The video examines the implications of this trend, including why consumers are less willing to pay for older models when newer versions offer comparable or better performance at similar prices, thus affecting second-hand market trends.


Content rate: B

The video provides insightful observations on the depreciation of used MacBooks, presenting relevant examples while grounding claims in personal experience and market analysis. However, there is a slight reliance on anecdotal evidence and personal opinion, making it not fully comprehensive and leaving some questions about broader market dynamics.

MacBook Apple Technology Depreciation Market

Claims:

Claim: People are less willing to pay premium prices for older MacBooks due to improvements in newer models.

Evidence: The narrative illustrates that customers are finding comparable performance in newer models for lower prices, leading to less demand for second-hand units.

Counter evidence: This trend may not apply to all possible buyers; some niche markets seek older models for specific uses or preferences, potentially sustaining their values longer than observed.

Claim rating: 7 / 10

Model version: 0.25 ,chatGPT:gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

**Key Points on MacBook Depreciation:** 1. **Rapid Depreciation**: Used MacBooks are losing value much faster than in previous generations, particularly Apple silicon models. 2. **Sales Data**: A user sold their M3 Pro 14-inch for $1,500 after buying it new for $2,500 just a year prior. Other examples show similar steep declines in value. 3. **Market Examples**: - An M3 Max sold for around $2,000, originally priced at $3,200. - A high-spec 16-inch with 64 GB of RAM and 4 TB SSD, originally $5,200, sold for $3,500. 4. **Comparison with Older Models**: Previously, older models like a 2015 MacBook Pro would hold value better in comparison to newer models within a few years. 5. **Performance Improvements**: New chips (e.g., M4) can match or exceed performance of previous generations (M3 Pro), creating a price ceiling on older models. 6. **Buyer Advantage**: Currently, buyers can take advantage of lower resale prices on high-performing used MacBooks. 7. **Long-term Ownership**: Those who keep laptops for several years might not feel significant depreciation impacts, but frequent upgraders should be aware of resale value decline. 8. **Impact of Innovation**: The rapid introduction of new technology by Apple is a primary driver of this depreciation, reflecting their aggressive pace of improvement. 9. **Advice for Buyers**: It may be a good time to buy used Apple silicon MacBooks due to their lower prices compared to new models. 10. **Seller Consideration**: Sellers should be aware they may not recoup their investment if upgrading frequently, as depreciation is steep within the first couple of years.