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Apple Requiring Developers to Return DTK Mac Minis by March 31
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Two words - sales tax. Why should Apple refund a portion of the cost they're not entitled to reclaim themselves, having long since handed it over to the relevant tax man?
Claim it was stolen and hang on to it for a decade or two and then sell it as a collectors item when Apple doesn’t care any more.
Apple collector usually interested with rare creature like this, I bet they priced higher ten years later.
Ah yes, nothing should ever be reported on because of... “contracts”... 🙄
Without MacRumors originally reporting on this developers would be out $300.
Accountability is good, actually.
LOL, Now it is confirmed you have to return it before March 31. Full Spin from the Apple Apologist camp again.
I think it's more to do with a change in contract between Apple and Developers relating to DTK. I was changed, though I don't see the problem considering M1 MacMini is available and Developers are receiving credit for it. Use the credit and get a refurb M1 MacMini which will have guaranteed support compared to the DTK.
Not seeing what the fuss is all about regarding returning the DTK early.
While I agree the initial lack of parity of value was a penny pinching move by Apple and I am pleased that Developers made a stink about it and Apple rectified it after being exposed. I see this latest report as nonsensical.
1. Paid Apple $500 for DTK in summer 2020.
2. Contract was set for a year to return DTK with nothing in return.
3. Apple initially offers $200 AppleStore credit for DTK to be returned early.
4. Developers make a stink about it.
5. Apple raises offer by $300 for a total of $500 AppleStore credit for Developers.
6. Apple now sets a premature deadline/return window counter to its initial contract.
7. M1 MacMini have been available since mid to late November 2020 and refurbs available late Feb 2021.
8. Developer wants to hold on to DTK with no promise of future support, why not use the credit on a refurb M1 MacMini or wait it out on something better.
I hope there is no expiry on those $500 AppleStore credit, if there is Apple should change that.
Not seeing what all the fuss is about.
"You'd think if some dev really wants to keep theirs as a memento,..."
If a dev really wanted to keep it, he/she shouldn't have entered into the contract. It really makes zero difference why Apple wants them back.
When I as a (paying) developer had to shell out $500 for access to the device to perform basic M1 cross-platform testing, which by the way is contractually supposed to be covered in my paid developer agreement, yes, it's very anti-Apple's culture to make a move like that.
ahm the layout of a DTK and M1 mac mini are very different.pls make some research before making such accusations
I don't recall if they honestly charged sales tax in addition to the $500 for the unit
Even if all devs kept it, production was still very very limited. This is the very first “mass-produced” arm Mac ever. I wonder how many they made.. a few hundred? It’s literally a limited-edition Mac. Imagine how valuable these machines will be in 20-30 years.
apple always asked back for their DTK same in 2006 and it was stated on the Page in Developer Section of Apples Website that they have to be returned
Show me where in the M1 developer access agreement it says that
there is not "M1 Developer Access Agreement" its called the "Universal App Quick Start Program". and it states down on the website about the DTK
https://developer.apple.com/programs/universal/
"As part of the program, you’ll have limited access to a Developer Transition Kit (DTK), which will be shipped to you, for developing and testing your Universal apps. The DTK is owned by Apple and must be returned."
and on The Terms & Condition Page its Written under point 4.
https://developer.apple.com/terms/u...veloper-Universal-App-Quick-Start-Program.pdf
4. Term and Termination; Return of the Developer Transition Kit
The Universal App Quick Start Program will commence on the date You accept this Addendum and will automatically expire and terminate without notice from Apple one (1) year from the date You accept the Addendum, unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Section 4 or otherwise agreed by Apple (the “Term”). This Addendum and all rights and licenses granted by Apple hereunder will terminate (including any right to use the Developer Transition Kit), effective immediately if You or any of Your Authorized Developers fail to comply with any term of this Addendum and/or the Developer Agreement, or in the event that Apple suspends or terminates Your Developer account. Either party may terminate this Addendum for its convenience, for any reason or no reason, effective immediately upon written notice from the other party of the intent to terminate.
You agree to promptly return the Developer Transition Kit to the Apple address designated by Apple no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the Term, or as otherwise earlier requested by Apple (including via email or announcement by Apple on developer.apple.com). At the end of the Term, You agree to immediately cease all use of the Developer Transition Kit and the Universal App Quick Start Program. Failure to return the Developer Transition Kit may result in the suspension of Your Developer account or termination of Your Developer Agreement.
Someone didn’t bother to read the terms. It’s literally in the first section of restrictions.
it is no where covered in the Apple Developer Programm agreement that you have access to the DTK. its only that you have the Possibility to apply to get a DTK. however you have access to all the software tools to program apps even without being part of the Paid Dev Programm. for paying u get access to the Validation and pushing your apps to the Appstore. also a Paid dev Membership gives u access to directly get support from a Software Engineer at Apple
Read Harder.
Section 2.1:
"Apple retains all its right, title and interest in and to the Developer Transition Kit, and You are responsible for returning it to Apple. You agree to promptly return the Developer Transition Kit as
Universal App Quick Start Program Page 1 set forth in Section 4. Nothing in this Addendum shall be construed as conveying to You (or any other party) any ownership rights, title or interest in the Developer Transition Kit."
Section 4:
"You agree to promptly return the Developer Transition Kit to the Apple address designated by Apple no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the Term, or as otherwise earlier requested by Apple (including via email or announcement by Apple on developer.apple.com)."
Did you really have a DTK yourself, that you personally signed up for? I kind of doubt you did because you don't seem to be very aware of the conditions.
Can I start a business partnership with you? I'll send a contract...no need to read it
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#jinx - your answer was more complete than mine
The DTK Mac Mini is Directl build fo the Purpose they are definetly not Recycled hardware since its totally incompatible with previous Mac Minis. You cannot just rip of a Intel CPU and stuck a A12Z SoC on it. even the Pin Layouts are completely different not to talk about a completely differen Platform
The country where developers were charged $500 and are receiving a credit of $500 isn't the issue.
It's actually more in reference to other countries where the cost of the DTK was higher than $500... in many cases because both: other countries charge sales tax on that type of transaction, AND sales tax is included in the cost rather than added later.