If you’re a Windows user and may need to upgrade due to the minimum hardware requirements on Windows 11 after Windows 10 reached its end of life in 2025, iStore South Africa is offering a solution.
The retail arm of Apple’s distributor in South Africa, the Core Group says, “now is the ideal moment for PC users to switch to Mac”.
In a media statement issued this week, the iStore citied stats from research firm Canalys who says around 240 million Windows PC users would not be able to upgrade to Windows 11 due to not meeting Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements.
To capitalise on that, iStore has launched a guaranteed PC trade-in programme that will offer customers a minimum of R3 000 and maximum of R5 000 when trading in a qualifying Windows laptop towards a new Mac. The amount depends on the Windows laptop’s condition and specifications.
“Customers are already facing a replacement decision,” says Chris Dodd, CEO of Store.
“MacBook Neo changes the value equation, and our guaranteed PC trade-in offer makes switching easier. When you combine performance, price, support and the Apple ecosystem, now is the time to take advantage of that shift and consider Mac.”
Dodd adds that this isn’t a typical upgrade cycle as it’s being driven by hardware limitations.
“If customers are being forced to replace their laptops anyway, it’s time to rethink the default choice,” says Dodd.
The iStore believes the Macbook Neo is positioned to welcome Windows users to make the switch due to its starting price point of R11 999 for the 256GB model. The 512GB variant is priced at R13 999, but neither of these machines offer upgrades. It is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chipset as seen on the iPhone 16 Pro and 8GB of RAM.
In terms of value, the Neo offers everyday performance, long battery life, a fanless design and premium build quality, now at a price point far closer to mainstream laptops, says the company.
Existing iPhone users may find features useful like seamless file sharing, messaging continuity, cross-device copy and paste, and a tighter ecosystem integration.
iStore trade-in offer: How it works
- Customers can trade in qualifying Windows laptops, typically Intel Core i5 10th generation or newer with at least 8GB RAM and 128GB storage and receive a guaranteed trade-in value that is applied directly towards the purchase of a new Mac.
- All devices are assessed in store, with final value determined by processor generation, condition and battery health.
- The guaranteed minimum gives customers greater certainty upfront and helps turn an unavoidable replacement purchase into a more affordable switch to Mac.
Other benefits include:
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- Expert Apple technical support
- Data transfer and onboarding assistance
- iCare extended warranty options
- Access to Apple-trained specialists in-store
- Integration with iPhone, iPad and Apple services
Customers can visit their nearest iStore or go online to find out more information about the trade-in offer.
Can’t decide if the MacBook Neo is for you? Here’s Nafisa Akabor’s review of the MacBook Neo:
Recharged is an independent site that focuses on technology, electric vehicles, and the digital life by Nafisa Akabor. Drawing from her 18-year tech journalism career, expect news, reviews, how-tos, comparisons, and practical uses of tech that are easy to digest. Nafisa is a traveller at heart, having been to 46 countries and counting. Find her unique travel tips and tricks on TikTok alongside tech & EV content.
