Before Apple has launched the M1 Mac, the tech giant has already given developers with a Developer Transition kit. The kit had a Mac Mini that houses the A12Z Bionic Chip. According to Mac Rumors, its first use was during the production of the iPad Pro. It also houses a 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, as well as an HDMI 2.0 port.
Apple Developer Transition Kit / Apple DTK - Unboxing & Benchmarking
Apple Asks Users to Return their DTKs for a $200 Discount
These kits were first offered as a tentative basis for developers in exchange for a $500 access. The offer aimed to give developers a mechanism to make Universal apps that would make a smoother path for Apple's transition from Intel to the M1 Apple Silicon.
Now, Apple has released a statement that tells developers to return their transition kits. In exchange, Apple will be giving a one time use code that will give them a $200 discount when they purchase an M1 Mac. This is how the statement reads according to MacRumors:
"Thank you for participating in the Universal App Quick Start Program and your continued commitment to building great apps for Mac. Response to the new Mac has been incredible, and we love the fantastic experiences developers like you have already created for Mac users.
Now that the new Macbook Air, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro powered by M1 are available, it'll soon be time to return the Developer Transition Kit (DTK) that was sent to you as part of the program. Please locate the original packaging for use in returning the DTK. We'll email you in a few weeks with instructions for returning the DTK.
In appreciation of your participation in the program and to help with your continued development of Universal apps, you'll receive a one-time use code for 200 USD to use toward the purchase of a Mac with M1, upon confirmed return of the DTK. Until your program membership expires one year after your membership start date, you'll have continued access to other program benefits such as Technical Support incidents and private discussion forums."
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Apple Compensation 'Extremely Poor', According to Developers
As Apple Insider reports, the Developer Transition Kits have been on the developers' hands for about seven months now, as they were first released last June. They were meant to be in a year of developmental testings with added benefits such as private discussion forums and technical support valid for the whole year.
However, many developers are not pleased with Apple's compensation knowing the price of the DTK program amounted to $500. Moreover, there were many bugs encountered during the experience which makes it even more difficult. The last instance Apple had given kits to developers, they gave out Intel Mac for free.
A twitter user named Steve Smith said "TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS? That doesn't even go a third of the way towards the cheapest M1 Mac. It just about covers the 4 months the DTK was usable out of the 12 month lease you paid for."
It’s an absolute joke. I’ve been waiting for nearly three months to get my unusable DTK replaced with a useable one, still radio silence from Apple after agreeing to replace it. Along with the fact it must be used by May 31st. Very disappointed
— Alpha (@AlphaNDB) February 4, 2021
More users had heightened the complaints for Apple's satisfactory compensation. According to them the $200 discount was too small compared to the expense used in the Kit. Moreover, it would cover a very small portion of the available Mac. The cheapest choice would be the $699 Mac Mini for those who want to purchase the M1 Mac.
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Written by Nikki D
