Strictly Apple Review: Shocking Truth About Refurbished Deals
The Viral Claim vs. Reality
When Strictly Apple's TikTok video claimed a mom bought two MacBooks for under $500, tech reviewer Austin Evans smelled trouble. Suspecting inflated deals or hidden flaws, he ordered six products under a pseudonym. What arrived ranged from mildly disappointing to shockingly unacceptable. After testing everything from iPads to AirPods Max, we expose whether these "deals" are worth your risk.
Key Concerns from the Start
Strictly Apple's website raised immediate red flags:
- Contradictory return policies (no refunds vs. 30-day returns)
- Absurd pricing like used iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,149 ($50 less than new)
- A "tip screen" at checkout—unheard of for refurbished tech
Product Testing Breakdown
iPad 9th Gen: Overpriced "Open Box"
Paid: $310 (Open Box SL condition)
Findings:
- Physically flawless, appearing new
- Functionally identical to retail unit
The catch: Best Buy sells this new for $250—$60 less. Austin's verdict: "Not a great start."
MacBook Air (2015): Bumps, Scratches & School Locks
Paid: $180 (Clearance condition)
First unit issues:
- Dents on corners and chassis
- Remote management locked to "Pasco County Schools"
Replacement process: After returns, second unit worked but had: - Deep scratches and visible wear
- Compatibility limitations (max macOS Monterey)
Performance: Barely handles modern tasks. At 9 years old, its usefulness is minimal.
iPhone 12: Hazardous Condition
Paid: $360 (Used condition)
Shocking flaws:
- Deeply scratched screen protector
- Actual crack in display glass
- Heavy scuffs on body
Silver lining: 94% battery health (unusually high)
Price reality: Back Market sells same model for $260.
AirPods Max: Biohazard Alert
Paid: $460 (Used condition)
Unboxing horrors:
- Overpowering body odor smell
- Visible earwax and grime in earcups
- Darkened, stained headband cushion
Post-deep clean: - Still linked to previous owner's Apple ID
- Triggered "owner can see location" alert
Ethical note: Purchasing iCloud-locked devices risks legal issues.
Mac Pro (2013): "Daredevil" Edit Bay Reject
Paid: $450 (Clearance condition)
Origin story: Unit had "Showtime Networks" asset tag, suggesting enterprise use.
Performance test:
- Choked editing 4K footage in 2024
- Glitches during playback
- Officially unsupported by macOS updates
The irony: Cost less than the filthy AirPods Max but delivered zero practical value.
Critical Warning Signs
The Dirty Tricks
- No order confirmations: Austin received no shipping emails until items arrived.
- Misleading conditions: "Used" implied light wear, not cracked screens or foul odors.
- Price gouging: Every item cost 20-40% more than competitors like Back Market.
Why You Should Avoid
- Refund roulette: Contradictory policies suggest returns aren't honored.
- Hygiene hazards: Non-sanitized items like AirPods Max pose health risks.
- No real savings: You'll pay more for worse products versus certified refurbishers.
Better Alternatives for Refurbished Apple
For iPads/Macs:
- Apple Certified Refurbished: Full warranty, like-new condition
- Best Buy Open Box: Physical inspection, easy returns
For iPhones/AirPods: - Back Market: Rigorous testing, 1-year warranty
- Gazelle: 30-day returns, free shipping
Final Verdict
After testing $1,800+ of Strictly Apple products, not one item delivered fair value. The MacBook needed replacement, AirPods required biohazard cleaning, and everything was overpriced. Combine this with deceptive marketing and nonexistent customer service, and we strongly recommend avoiding this retailer.
"This might be the worst refurbished store we've ever covered. Literally nothing was a good deal." — Austin Evans
Your experience: Have you tried Strictly Apple? Share your story below—we'll investigate recurring issues.
