Developers Start Receiving $500 Credits for Returning DTK Mac Minis

Apple last week sent out emails to developers who are in possession of a Developer Transition Kit, providing instructions on returning the test machines. Developers have now started mailing in their DTKs, with Apple rewarding the promised $500 USD credit once the DTK has been received.

mac mini developer transition kit photo feature

In appreciation of your participation in the Universal App Quick Start program and to help with your continued development of Universal apps, we'd like to provide you with a one-time-use promo code for $500 toward the purchase of a new M1 Mac or other Apple products ordered through the Apple Store Online.

Developers are receiving the equivalent of $500 USD regardless of country, so those in Canada are receiving C$ 636, while those in Europe will receive 412 euros. In some cases, the amount being paid out by Apple does not match the cost that developers paid to participate in the program as some countries were required to pay more than $500 USD.


The Developer Transition Kits were offered to developers ahead of the release of the M1 Macs to allow them to begin developing apps for Apple silicon chips. The DTKs are Mac minis with an A12Z chip, 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and an HDMI 2.0 port. The A12Z chip in the DTK was first developed for the 2020 iPad Pro models.

Apple has asked developers to return their DTKs by March 31, 2021 in order to get the $500 credit, which can be used toward the purchase of any Apple product.

Apple originally planned to give developers a $200 credit, but later upped that amount to $500 after developers complained about low credit amounts and the technical issues that were experienced during the testing process.

While DTKs must now be sent back, developers will continue to have access to a private discussion forum and technical support from Apple for further app development.

Popular Stories

iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
Netflix Smaller 4

Netflix Kills Casting From Its Mobile App to Most Modern TVs

Monday December 1, 2025 4:36 am PST by
Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer. The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices...
Cyber Week Deals 2025

Best Cyber Week Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Cyber Week is here, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically,...
studio display purple february

M5 iPad Pro Could Hint at New Studio Display Feature

Sunday November 30, 2025 10:30 am PST by
The updated specs of the M5 iPad Pro may point toward a major new feature for Apple's next-generation Studio Display expected in early 2026. Apple's latest iPad Pro debuted last month and contains one display-related change that stands out: it can now drive external monitors at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync. The feature should deliver lower latency, smoother motion, and fewer visual...
Sad Siri Feature

Apple AI Chief John Giannandrea Retiring After Siri Delays

Monday December 1, 2025 2:16 pm PST by
Apple AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down from his position and retiring in spring 2026, Apple announced today. Giannandrea will serve as an advisor between now and 2026, with former Microsoft AI researcher Amar Subramanya set to take over as vice president of AI. Subramanya will report to Apple engineering chief Craig Federighi, and will lead Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: Apple's Big Plans for iPad Mini 8

Friday November 28, 2025 8:39 am PST by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through the latest rumors about Apple's upcoming iPad mini 8. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos The next-generation version of the iPad mini is expected to feature an OLED display, as part of Apple's plan to expand the display technology across many more of its devices. Apple's first OLED device was the Apple...
maxresdefault

iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

Monday December 1, 2025 3:00 am PST by
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that ...

Top Rated Comments

4jasontv Avatar
62 months ago

Isn't this a given? Why is the $500 credit getting this much attention
Because Karen and her friends were upset about the lease they signed.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zachz Avatar
62 months ago
Isn't this a given? Why is the $500 credit getting this much attention
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
opiapr Avatar
62 months ago
In some cases, the amount being paid out by Apple does not match the cost that developers
paid to participate in the program as some countries were required to pay more than $500 USD


They weren't entitled to anything. They did not put down a refundable deposit they paid for access to the DTK without any refund. Apple offered them $200 and then raises it to $500 as a nice gesture. People should understand what contracts they enter into and abide by them. Stop whining afterwards.

I believe real developers understand this. But a lot of people got this DTK with the intention of getting freebie from Apple and those are the ones whining.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
code-m Avatar
62 months ago

Why is this news ?‍♂️
Seems drawn out to me tbh. It’s a contract and condition between Apple and the developer not sure why regular folks here need to be kept in the loop or every development that has no bearing on anything related to them.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LFC2020 Avatar
62 months ago
Why is this news ?‍♂️
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
code-m Avatar
62 months ago

It was not part of the original contract they signed. With that, they paid $500, no credit, and had to return the device at end of the early access lease period.
Except the contact was for a year, Apple changed it and ended it early to me if Apple is going to take something then it should give something. In the original case it was $200 which was a lowball offer considering these things, developers made it public and Apple reconsidered and everyone (almost) is happy. Some developers have reported issues with the DTK with little to no support from Apple (cannot confirm).

There is another thing in many business’ called appreciation and sometimes that is a little token, the belated Steve Jobs understood this while Tim Cooks seems to have lost touch. Without developers a platform will faultier.

Rather than piss on the developers or Apple, understand a mutual understanding and agreement can be reached.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)