In a surprising turn of events, a Reddit user received a brand-new M5 MacBook Pro worth $1,599 as a replacement for their 2019 Intel MacBook Pro—and still found reasons to complain about Apple’s practices.
The Unexpected Upgrade
Reddit user GeneralZilla brought their 2019 15-inch Intel MacBook Pro for a battery service warning but was told the store couldn’t service the laptop. After an hour of escalations with AppleCare specialists, Apple offered to replace the device with “equal machinery,” which turned out to be a 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro base model.
| Comparison | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Device | 2019 Intel MacBook Pro 15″ |
| Replacement | 2024 M5 MacBook Pro 14″ ($1,599) |
| AppleCare Cost | $720 over 6 years ($9.99/month) |
| Net Value | $879 gain |
The Irony of Complaints
Despite receiving the valuable upgrade, the user complained about planned obsolescence, stating they expected a free battery replacement under warranty, not a new computer. Their main concern? The Windows partition they use daily for work won’t function on Apple Silicon.
AppleCare+ Pays Off
The Reddit community quickly pointed out the exceptional value received. The Redditor acknowledged being “definitely grateful for this blessing of good customer service”, though they questioned why Apple would warranty devices they couldn’t repair.
This isn’t isolated—other Redditors have shared similar experiences of receiving much newer MacBook models when their outdated devices needed repairs. It reflects Apple’s AppleCare+ policy in extreme circumstances where repair isn’t feasible.
The situation highlights both the benefits of extended warranties and the complexities of transitioning between Intel and Apple Silicon architectures. While most would celebrate an unexpected $1,599 windfall, this case shows that even generous customer service can’t please everyone.
Learn more: Official Apple Support | Latest Tech News at Tech2Sports
FAQs
Does AppleCare+ always replace devices with newer models?
No, replacements with newer models only happen when repairs aren’t feasible for older devices.
Will M5 MacBook Pros run Windows natively?
No, M5 MacBooks cannot boot Windows natively like Intel Macs due to ARM architecture differences.
