Apple has contacted those that signed up for Developer Transition Kits with a notification that the program is coming to an end and asking for the return of the Mac mini pre-release development machines. The problem is, developers were charged for these pre-release machines and what they are now being offered in return is far less. Naturally, many developers are not exactly pleased with Apple's request.
Apple Developer Transition Kits (DTK) were shipped out soon after last year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which took place on June 11, 2020. The kit also included beta software and the tools required to develop Universal apps, as well as access to special resources, forums and technical support from Apple engineers. Universal apps are the type needed to run in native code on the new Mac computers that are powered by Apple Silicon. The first chip made by Apple for computers is called the M1 and it can be found in the Mac mini, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 13-inch MacBook Air. The DTK’s Mac mini was based on an Apple A12Z processor, which is the same chip found in the 2020 iPad Pro tablets. While not nearly as powerful as the M1, it gave developers an early way to develop and test their code, so their apps could be ready on launch day.
It cost $500 to sign up for early access, but Apple is only offering $200 back in the form of a store credit towards an M1 Mac purchase. Several developers shared the email regarding the end of the DTK program on social media, including Twitter. In the email, Apple expressed appreciation for participating in the program designed to speed the development of Universal apps, while also explaining the $200 discount code will be available after the DTK was returned. Another detail of the email, that is possibly more troubling, is that the credit must be used by May 31, 2021.
Some expressed frustration and questioned whether it was worth the $500 to participate. Considering a new M1 Mac mini starts at $700, this lowers the cost to $500 for those that signed up for the program. From the developer perspective, it is a bit like charging $300 to rent a pre-release Mac mini for half the year, leading to the question of whether this was explained to developers in advance, or if it came as a surprise when the return request came. A quick check of the DTK page on Apple’s website reveals that this should probably not have come as a surprise.
Most developers seem to be accepting the $200 store credit graciously. Perhaps these developers had not bought an M1 Mac yet or were anticipating ordering another soon. Of course, the terms for the DTK are laid out very clearly by Apple, stating, “The DTK is owned by Apple and must be returned.” The terms and conditions clarify that the program fee is non-refundable and that the developer is responsible for any loss or damage to the computer. Offering the full $500 as a credit would have been even nicer, but Apple has already gone beyond what was required, so it’s hard to find major fault with the $200 purchase incentive. A more valid complaint is that the DTK must be shipped before the discount code is given, meaning developers that are actively using this system for coding will be without a development computer while waiting for the new M1 Mac to ship.
The limited time to use the discount may be somewhat disturbing for any that have already purchased an M1 Mac and is waiting for the second-generation Apple Silicon before buying another. Will more Mac computers be released before May 31? Rumors suggest a new iMac and MacBook Pro are coming soon, so it would be a tough decision to use the credit before the new computers launch or to let the $200 discount expire while waiting to spend on an even better system. As it stands currently, Apple developers have received a free discount code that may have value for some, but a questionable purchase incentive for others.
Source: Apple
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