Advice Needed: Returning 14" MacBook Pro M2 Pro for Upcoming M3 Pro Model

[Wealhmær Sylwester]

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a 14" MacBook Pro with an M2 Pro chip on October 19, 2023, without realizing that a newer model featuring the M3 Pro chip is slated for release on November 7, 2023. I am considering returning my current MacBook Pro to get the new model instead.

I wanted to seek the community's advice regarding this situation. Is it possible to obtain a full refund for my current MacBook and if so, what steps should I take? Additionally, if anyone has faced a similar scenario before, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience and any recommendations you might have.

Thank you!

 

[Apple_Robert]

If you are in the U.S., you can return your current Mac (for any reason) so long as it is within the 14 day return window. If you have a local Apple Store close by, you can return the Mac at the store for a full refund.

 

[likegadgets]

If you go to an Apple Store, you may also ask the if they will extend your return period (likely up to 30 days) while the M3 is ready for pickup or delivery so you can transfer and then return. Really depends on the Apple Store rep you talk to.

 

[Beau10]

Your 14 day window expires by the end of tomorrow, so I'd take it in by then to see what your options are if they'd extend it for the M3 release date.

 

[Tiago L]

I actually returned my M2 Pro last Saturday as the return window closed on the 31st October. I took it to an Apple Store (UK) and they gave me a full refund on the spot. I even asked for the refund on Gift Cards so I would order the M3 Pro the minute pre orders begun (ie I didn’t want to have to wait for the refund to get to my account lol)

But I do not need the laptop for work purposes so I can live without it until the new one gets here. If that is not your case you may have some different options:

1) bring it to an Apple Store and try having the return period extended
2) if that doesn’t work and if you need a laptop for working purposes, you can return yours and have the refund, and buy a new one (the 14-day return period would give you enough time to get the new M3)
- you’d then order the M3 and when picking it up, return the one you ordered in the meantime and they would refund it with no questions asked

I would go for an M3 Pro. I would not be able to keep my M2 Pro bought a couple days before the M3 Pro came out, ie, later on I’d not be happy having kept the M2 Pro knowing I had the chance of having a newer M3 Pro.

 

[ColdCase]

There is another thread on this topic with more opinions

If you purchased your current M2 at a steep discount, then its not worth paying a lot more for a M3.

Otherwise M2 Pro to M3 pro, be happy with your M2

M2 Max to M3 Max, make the switch.

 

[ipaqrat]

Several of the usual suspects (MaxTech, Snazzy, MR here, MacObserver, etc.) published analysis of the M3 - albeit in the absence of hands-on testing. Opinions are mixed on the starter end of M3 Pro, while meaningful improvements (over the M2 Pro) start at its upper end, where pricing approaches the M3 Max. If you don't wring that puppy out every moment of the day, the M2 might be equally viable. Personally, I was considering an M3 Pro base with some extra RAM. But now I think I might wait until M2 pricing collapses and get an M2 Pro base with some extra RAM (or maybe an Apple Refurb).

If your heart and mind are set on trading up while the opportunity is still free, consider doing some user-app style benchmarks, like for like, M2 Pro to M3 Pro, if you'd be willing to share them here.