The used MacBook market is getting worse and worse. According to foreign technology media Vice, Apple’s T2 security chip is causing huge problems for the used MacBook market.
According to John Bumstead, a MacBook refurbisher and owner of RDKL INC repair store, MacBooks worth up to $3,000 recently had to be scrapped because of Apple’s activation lock feature.
In a tweet, Bumstead teased, “How much would you pay for a used M1 MacBook that’s 2 years old? Don’t overthink it, the local recycler just took out the logic board with the activation lock on and got rid of it.
Tip
Activation locks can help you secure your device even if it falls into someone else’s hands, and they can improve your chances of getting it back. Even if you remotely wipe your device, the activation lock will continue to prevent others from reactivating your device without your permission. All you need to do is keep Find turned on and remember your Apple ID and password.
Bumstead offers some solutions to this problem, saying.
"When we come across a legitimately acquired locked machine, we should be able to log into our Apple account, enter the serial number and any given information, then click a button and submit the machine to Apple for unlocking. Apple can then explore its records and query the original owner if it wishes, but ultimately if there are no red flags and the original owner does not protest within 30 days, the device should be automatically unlocked."
