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Brand new MacBook Pro but apps "cannot be updated because it was refunded or purchased with a different Apple ID."

I just bought a brand new MacBook Pro 13 a few days ago from a reputable retailer (John Lewis). Today I noticed several apps needed an update but when I try to update them I get the error message that they were refunded or purchased with another account.


If I open the App Store, got to my account name (bottom left), the only option available against "Purchased by" is my own name.


How can this have happened on a brand new MacBook?

How do I fix this?

(Or should I be returning the device to the retailer and asking for a refund because the device is not actually brand new?)


This is my first ever Apple device after years with Google/Android so I am pretty disappointed!

Posted on Aug 6, 2020 2:16 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 6, 2020 3:23 AM

The work around is to delete the apps and redownload them logged into your current Apple ID.


ASC - Late 2012 Mac mini, macOS 10.14.6; Watch, series 5 GPS/cellular, watchOS 6.2; iPad Air 2, ipadOS 13.5.1; iPhone 8+, iOS 13.5.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 13.4.6;  HomePods, audioOS 13.4.6 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 6, 2020 3:23 AM in response to boardsilly05

The work around is to delete the apps and redownload them logged into your current Apple ID.


ASC - Late 2012 Mac mini, macOS 10.14.6; Watch, series 5 GPS/cellular, watchOS 6.2; iPad Air 2, ipadOS 13.5.1; iPhone 8+, iOS 13.5.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 13.4.6;  HomePods, audioOS 13.4.6 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

Brand new MacBook Pro but apps "cannot be updated because it was refunded or purchased with a different Apple ID."

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