The expansion supports SYM’s mission to promote the reuse, repurposing, and responsible recycling of Apple devices across North America.

The company’s expansion opens a simple and secure avenue for Canadians to sell their used Apple devices for competitive value, while supporting the global initiative to minimise electronic waste. 

SYM Canada will focus exclusively on Apple products, including MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, and accessories, allowing for more accurate device assessments and higher payouts compared to multi-brand resellers.

Jon Murphy, general manager, ITAD Other World Computing (OWC), said the company’s entry into Canada aligns with its focus on sustainability and trust. 

“Expanding to Canada allows us to extend our mission of reuse and sustainability to a new community of Apple users,” Murphy said. “We’ve helped more than 100,000 customers in the U.S. recoup value from their devices, and now Canadians can experience that same level of trust, convenience, and service – right in their own backyard.”

SYM Canada is set to purchase a wide range of Apple devices including MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, and Apple TV. The company will not buy pre-Intel-based Apple computers but will ensure their responsible disposal through r2 and e-Stewards certified zero-landfill recycling partners.

Since its founding in 2006 and rebranding in 2009, SYM has grown into one of the most trusted companies in the used Apple device market. Operating from its 8,000-square-foot facility in Blue Ash, Ohio, the company has paid out over $68 million to more than 100,000 customers trading in their old Apple products.

As part of the Other World Computing (OWC) group, SYM benefits from a parent company with a long history of innovation in professional-grade technology solutions. 

OWC, established in 1988, is known for its storage, docking, and connectivity products designed for creative professionals and businesses.

The new M5 chips, announced this week by Apple, will enhance on-device AI performance, and OWC’s updated lineup is designed to help users take full advantage of that power, without overspending.

OWC, a long-time company in the Mac ecosystem, is rolling out updated Thunderbolt hubs, portable docks, and SSDs that work seamlessly with Apple’s new hardware. Each accessory has been optimised for creators, developers, and everyday users who need faster workflows, more ports, and expandable storage options.

Larry O’Connor, founder and CEO of OWC, said: “Apple just took a big step forward in performance and on-device AI. Our mission is to make that intelligence and power easy to use everywhere. With OWC hubs and docks, users can plug in everything they need or want, and then some. And with OWC storage, users get the smartest way to scale capacity, without overpaying – while enjoying unrivalled performance and reliability.”

Built for the M5 Generation

The company’s latest range includes three docking solutions:

• OWC Thunderbolt Hub ($128.99) – adds three Thunderbolt 4 ports and one USB port, expanding users’ connectivity options.
• OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock ($249.99) – combines three Thunderbolt 4 ports, three USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and 2.5G Ethernet, enabling full-scale desktop setups.
• OWC USB-C Travel Dock ($49.99) – a five-port portable hub that connects displays, transfers data, and delivers up to 100W power through a single USB-C cable.

For users who need portable, high-speed storage, OWC also revealed several SSD options:

• OWC Express 1M2 (up to 8TB, from $119.99) – an ultra-fast USB4 NVMe SSD enclosure that can be built or bought ready-to-use.
• OWC Envoy Pro FX (480GB–4TB, from $199.99) – a rugged, waterproof SSD offering speeds up to 2800MB/s via Thunderbolt or USB.
• OWC Envoy Pro Elektron (480GB–4TB, from $129.99) – a pocket-sized SSD with desktop-class performance for editing and backups.
• OWC Envoy Pro mini (500GB–2TB, from $94.99) – a thumb-sized drive offering professional-grade speed and compatibility.

These devices make it easier to connect external displays, import large media files, power multiple accessories, and edit projects directly from external storage, all while keeping pace with the features of Apple’s new M5 chip.

A Perfect Match for Apple’s Leap in AI Performance

Apple’s M5 chip, built on third-generation 3-nanometre technology, introduces a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core. The company claims it delivers “over 4x the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to M4” and up to “45 percent faster graphics performance.”

Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, said: “M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon. With the introduction of Neural Accelerators in the GPU, M5 delivers a huge boost to AI workloads.”

The M5 chip also features a faster Neural Engine, improved CPU architecture, and increased unified memory bandwidth, allowing devices like the new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro to handle larger AI models and graphics-heavy tasks entirely on-device.

Value and Versatility

OWC says its solutions give users professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost of Apple’s built-in upgrades. For example, the 4TB Express 1M2 costs $599, “about 50% less than comparable upgrades from the prevailing vendors,” according to the company.

Since its founding in 1988, OWC has been known for delivering reliable, high-performance tools for professionals in video, photography, and audio. This latest range continues that legacy, giving M5 users more leverage over how they expand and optimise their systems.

Built with a rugged, fanless aluminium design, the device is compatible with Macs, PCs, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, and Microsoft Surface devices using Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, and USB4.

Designed for professionals, gamers, and mobile creators who want faster performance on the move, the new drive is built with an aluminium finned design. The Express 1M2 80G manages heat while sustaining top speeds without throttling.

The OWC Express 1M2 80G SSD also supports Thunderbolt 3 Macs, enlarging its user base. Buyers can either choose a “build-your-own” option or purchase ready-to-use versions with up to 8TB capacity.

Future upgrades are straightforward, thanks to support for faster and higher-capacity NVMe M.2 SSDs.

Larry O’Connor, OWC’s founder and CEO, described the product as a breakthrough for users unwilling to compromise on speed. “This is more than just an update – it’s a next-gen tool for anyone who refuses to settle for slow. From on-the-go creatives, to tech-savvy DIYers, to portable gaming pros – we built the Express 1M2 80G to deliver unmatched performance, flexibility, and reliability.”

The SSD’s specifications highlight its versatility:

• Performance: Real-world speeds above 6,000MB/s
• Options: DIY kit or ready-to-use with up to 8TB storage
• Durability: Rugged, heat-dissipating enclosure
• Convenience: Bus-powered via USB4 cable
• Use cases: Everyday data handling to professional-grade creative projects

Pricing starts at $219 for the 0TB enclosure, with preconfigured models ranging from $349 for 1TB to $1,299 for 8TB. The product is now available through OWC’s official website and Amazon.

Founded in 1988, OWC has built a reputation for high-performance storage and connectivity solutions that support creative professionals and businesses worldwide.