Introduction: Is the 2017 MacBook Pro Still a Good Buy in 2025?
The MacBook Pro 2017 was once a premium device with sleek design and solid specs. But fast-forward to 2025, and the landscape has changed dramatically. With macOS updates moving on and known hardware issues resurfacing, the 2017 MacBook Pro has fallen far behind newer models. While the price may be tempting—especially for those shopping under $300—it’s important to look beyond the sticker price. Before you buy, consider its aging hardware, lack of software support, and major design flaws that Apple has since moved away from.
Current Price and Availability in 2025
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished MacBook Pro 2017 models start at just over $200 in 2025. While that sounds like a steal, it reflects the market’s declining confidence in this model. Inventory is becoming scarce from certified sellers, and many units come with cosmetic wear or limited warranties. By comparison, the Certified Refurbished MacBook Pro 2020 has dropped to the $400+ range—offering significantly better performance and reliability for just a little more.
macOS 15 Sequoia Support: No Longer Available
One of the biggest reasons to skip the 2017 MacBook Pro in 2025 is that it no longer supports the latest version of macOS—macOS 15 Sequoia. Apple officially dropped support for the 2017 model in 2024, which means no more major OS upgrades, new features, or security improvements.
This lack of support also creates issues with software compatibility, especially for newer apps that require recent macOS versions. Without updates, the 2017 model is more vulnerable to security risks and may struggle to run the latest tools or workflows.
The Butterfly Keyboard Problem: Why It’s a Dealbreaker
One of the most infamous design decisions Apple made in the 2015–2019 MacBook lineup was the butterfly keyboard—and the 2017 MacBook Pro sits right in the middle of that troubled era. Apple replaced the traditional scissor-switch keyboard with the ultra-thin butterfly mechanism to reduce keyboard thickness and make laptops slimmer. The result? A typing experience that felt shallow, fragile, and prone to failure.
Here’s why the butterfly keyboard is a major red flag in 2025:
- High Failure Rate: Dust, crumbs, or even minor debris could cause individual keys to stop responding or register multiple keystrokes. This wasn’t just a nuisance—it often made the keyboard unusable.
- Expensive Repairs: Repairing a single key often required replacing the entire top case of the MacBook, including the battery. While Apple did offer a free keyboard replacement program, that program is now winding down—and any out-of-pocket repair costs in 2025 can run $300 or more.
- Typing Experience: Even when fully functional, the butterfly keyboard was widely criticized for being too flat and clicky, with less travel and feedback compared to Apple’s newer Magic Keyboard.
- Resale & Longevity Issues: Because of its reputation, the butterfly keyboard lowers resale value and buyer confidence. Many refurbished 2017 MacBooks still carry this flawed design, which is one of the key reasons they’re priced lower on the market.
In short, the keyboard isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a fundamental flaw in the device’s usability and durability. It’s no surprise that Apple abandoned the butterfly mechanism starting with the 2020 MacBook lineup and returned to a more reliable scissor-switch design. If you’re shopping in 2025, we strongly advise choosing a MacBook model that includes Apple’s redesigned Magic Keyboard—starting with the 2020 generation.
Performance & Hardware Limitations in 2025
While the 2017 MacBook Pro was a capable machine when it launched, it now struggles to meet the demands of modern users in 2025. Here’s why:
- Outdated Processors: Most 2017 MacBook Pro models use 7th-gen Intel Core i5 or i7 chips (Kaby Lake). These CPUs are noticeably slower than Apple’s newer M1, M2, and M3 chips in real-world performance, power efficiency, and multitasking.
- Thermal Throttling: These Intel chips are known to overheat under sustained workloads, causing the system to throttle performance to stay cool. This leads to slower rendering, lag in heavy applications, and reduced overall speed—especially when editing video, running multiple browser tabs, or using developer tools.
- Battery Degradation: A 2017 MacBook Pro is now at least 7–8 years old, and unless it has had a battery replacement, its battery health is likely degraded. Short battery life and unexpected shutdowns are common issues, especially under load.
- Limited RAM and Storage Options: Most base models came with 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB SSDs, which are no longer sufficient for heavy multitasking, large applications, or creative work. Storage is also soldered, meaning you can’t upgrade it later.
- No Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.0: The 2017 MacBook Pro lacks newer wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, which are now common and necessary for faster, more stable connections—especially in office or school environments with many devices.
- No Apple Silicon Optimization: Apple is now fully focused on Apple Silicon (M1 and newer). Apps and macOS updates are increasingly optimized for these chips, leaving older Intel Macs behind in terms of speed, battery life, and software compatibility.
- Poor Resale Value: Because of all the above issues, the 2017 MacBook Pro doesn’t hold value well. Many buyers are wary of its hardware limitations and keyboard problems, which depress resale and trade-in prices.
Comparison: 2017 MacBook Pro vs. 2020 MacBook Pro
If you’re deciding between a 2017 MacBook Pro and a newer 2020 model, the differences are substantial—especially now that the 2020 version regularly sells for under $450 in certified used or refurbished condition.
| Feature |
2017 MacBook Pro (Intel) |
2020 MacBook Pro (Intel) |
2020 MacBook Pro (M1) |
| Processor |
Intel Core i5/i7 (7th-gen) |
Intel Core i5/i7 (10th-gen) |
Apple M1 Chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) |
| RAM |
8GB or 16GB DDR3 |
8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X |
8GB or 16GB Unified Memory |
| Storage |
128GB to 1TB SSD |
256GB to 2TB SSD |
256GB to 2TB SSD |
| Keyboard |
Butterfly Keyboard (prone to failure) |
Magic Keyboard (scissor-switch) |
Magic Keyboard (scissor-switch) |
| Display |
13.3" Retina (2560×1600) |
13.3" Retina (2560×1600) |
13.3" Retina (2560×1600) |
| Ports |
2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) |
4x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) |
2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Battery Life |
Up to 10 hours (real: ~6–7 hrs) |
Up to 10 hours (real: ~7–8 hrs) |
Up to 20 hours (real: ~15–17 hrs) |
| macOS Support |
Up to macOS Ventura (no Sequoia) |
macOS Sequoia (expected final version) |
Full support for macOS Sequoia and beyond |
| Weight |
~3.02 lbs (1.37 kg) |
~3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
~3.0 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| Starting Price (2025) |
~$200+ (Used/Refurbished) |
~$400+ (Used/Refurbished) |
~$600+ (Used/Refurbished) |
Key Differences:
- Processor: The 2017 model uses Intel’s 7th-gen chips, while the 2020 MacBook Pro (with M1) uses Apple’s first-generation silicon chip. The M1 chip delivers dramatically better speed, battery life, and app optimization.
- Keyboard: The 2017 model uses the infamous butterfly keyboard, known for failure. The 2020 model brings back the scissor-switch "Magic Keyboard," which is far more reliable and pleasant to type on.
- Battery Life: M1-powered 2020 MacBook Pro models offer 15–20 hours of battery life—nearly double what the 2017 Intel models deliver (even when new).
- Thermals & Performance: The 2020 MacBook Pro is fanless, quieter, and far more efficient. It runs cooler and performs better under load compared to the thermally constrained 2017 model.
- macOS Support: The 2020 MacBook Pro runs macOS 15 Sequoia and will continue receiving major OS updates for years to come. The 2017 model is no longer supported.
- Resale Value: The 2020 model holds much stronger resale value due to its Apple Silicon foundation and reliable keyboard.
Conclusion
While the Certified Refurbished MacBook Pro 2017 might seem like a budget-friendly deal at $200+, the drawbacks are hard to ignore: outdated performance, failing keyboards, no macOS 15 Sequoia support, and short battery life. In contrast, the Certified Refurbished MacBook Pro 2020 starting at around $400+ brings massive upgrades in speed, reliability, and usability.
If you’re looking for a MacBook in 2025, the 2017 model is no longer worth your money—even at a deep discount. Spend a little more for Certified Refurbished MacBook Pro 2020, and your future self will thank you.
FAQ: Buying a 2017 MacBook Pro in 2025
1. How much is a 2017 MacBook Pro worth in 2025?
You can find certified used or refurbished units starting around $200, but availability is limited, and we do not recommend it due to hardware issues.
2. Does the 2017 MacBook Pro support macOS 15 Sequoia?
No. Apple ended major OS support for the 2017 MacBook Pro before macOS 15, meaning no new features or security updates in 2025.
3. What's wrong with the butterfly keyboard?
The butterfly keyboard used in 2016–2019 MacBook Pros is known for frequent failure due to dust and debris. Apple has discontinued the design, and repair costs can be high.
4. Should I buy any Intel-based Mac in 2025?
It’s still OK to buy the 2020 model, but Apple Silicon models are now the standard and offer longer-lasting value and better support, if your budget allows.
5. Where can I find the best deals on refurbished MacBooks?
Use UpTrade to compare real-time prices from certified resellers like Apple, Amazon, and BestBuy—all in one place.
6. What is a Refurbished MacBook Pro?
A Refurbished MacBook Pro is a pre-owned unit that has been inspected, tested, cleaned, and restored to full working condition by a certified technician. It may have been returned due to a defect, cosmetic issue, or simply buyer’s remorse, and is often sold at a significant discount.
7. Is a Refurbished MacBook Pro reliable?
Yes, when purchased from a certified seller (like Apple, BestBuy, or Amazon Renewed), refurbished MacBook Pros are highly reliable. These units typically undergo strict quality checks, and many come with a limited warranty or return policy for added peace of mind.
8. What's the difference between "Used" and "Refurbished" MacBook Pro?
Used MacBooks are sold as-is, often by individual sellers. They may have unknown wear, no inspection, and no warranty.
Refurbished MacBooks are professionally tested, repaired if needed, cleaned, and resold by certified vendors. They’re generally more reliable and come with some form of guarantee.
9. Do Refurbished MacBook Pros come with a warranty?
Most certified refurbished MacBook Pros come with at least a 90-day warranty, and some—especially those from Apple—include a full 1-year warranty. Always check the seller’s return and warranty policy before purchasing.
10. Can I update the macOS on a Refurbished MacBook Pro?
Yes—as long as the model is eligible. For example, a 2020 MacBook Pro (Intel or M1) will support macOS Sequoia and likely future versions, while a 2017 model will no longer receive major macOS updates.
11. Is a Refurbished MacBook Pro as good as new?
In most cases, yes—especially if it’s Certified Refurbished. These MacBooks undergo rigorous testing, replacement of faulty parts (if any), and thorough cleaning. While they may show minor cosmetic wear, their functionality is often indistinguishable from a brand-new unit. For most users, a Certified Refurbished MacBook Pro offers the same performance and reliability as a new one—at a much lower price.
