[KenanSulayman]

Apple wants members of their $500 Universal App Quick Start program to send back their Developer Transition Kit (DTK) units after the program automatically expires (!) after one year. [1]

Citing directly from this document:

> 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.

Admission to the program costs $500. What??? ...

Why did they not mention this anywhere but the terms of service?

[1] https://developer.apple.com/terms/universal-app-quick-start-...

[kemayo]

It's what they did back in the Intel transition, also. They then sent everyone who'd had one a new Intel iMac, so it's plausible that they might do something like that again this time. (But don't count on it -- it wasn't promised last time either.)

[ValentineC]

Apple is now able to remotely brick any of their devices (something they couldn't do in 2006), so there's a chance they'll be less likely to offer an incentive to return the devices.

[jbverschoor]

Well, I’m still enjoying my $1 appletv

[ValentineC]

> Why did they not mention this anywhere but the terms of service?

It's also mentioned on the website: 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.

[asutekku]

$500 to get an early access to an unreleased tech does not sound bad at all.