I don’t recommend buying these 6 Apple devices right now
With the holiday shopping season upon us, you might be excited to add some Apple products to your shopping or gift list. However, there are some Apple products that I would not recommend buying because Apple is likely to refresh them in the near future.
1 iPhone SE
iPhone SE is by far the most efficient way to enjoy everything iPhone has to offer. However, Apple last updated it in early 2022, and the device has a small 4.7-inch screen and Touch ID. Compared to modern iPhone models, it is very outdated. But that is about to change.
According to recent reports, the next-generation iPhone SE is expected to launch as early as March 2025 and is expected to feature several significant improvements. In addition to a larger screen, expect the new iPhone model to feature Face ID with a body similar to the iPhone 14. The phone should also have a much faster chip and more RAM to support Apple Intelligence features.
2 iPad (10th generation)
Like the iPhone SE, the iPad (10th generation) is the cheapest way to jump into Apple’s iconic tablet lineup. However, Apple introduced this model in late 2022 with a Touch ID power off button and a 10.9-inch display. Starting in 2024, Apple lowered the starting price from $449 to $349.
We expect the updated model to arrive as early as spring 2025. While the tablet should retain the same design and other features, expect a big speed boost with an A17 chip or later. This will help it run Apple Intelligence features like the latest iPad mini, which is really worth buying right now. It’s currently the only iPad Apple sells that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence.
3 Mac Studio
Mac Studio is a premium desktop Mac designed for professionals and other advanced Apple users. Starting at $1,999, you can choose from a model that includes the fast M2 Max or M2 Ultra chip. The base model also starts with 32GB of memory. A new version of the Mac is likely to arrive in 2025 with faster M4 Max and Ultra chips.
If you can’t wait until then, consider the recently updated Mac mini. Higher models include the M4 Pro chip and are equipped with Thunderbolt 5 ports. It also offers an HDMI port and 16GB of RAM. The built-in SD card slot is the only thing missing compared to the Mac Studio.
4 HomePod mini
It may be hard to believe, but Apple released the HomePod mini four years ago in 2020 to bring Apple fans a cheaper version of the HomePod. It’s still a great way to enjoy Siri, and it boasts powerful sound quality in a small package. But there is no real news about the second generation model anytime soon.
If you can wait, the HomePod mini could probably be replaced by Apple’s reported smart home controller and home hub. Recent reports say the device could arrive as early as March 2025. It looks like a blocky iPad and will focus on smart home control and security.
Apple will also offer attachments for the device, including a base with speakers that can be placed in the kitchen or on a nightstand. If you’re tired of waiting and want to spend a little more for a bigger audio punch, the larger second-generation HomePod is also a great option.
5 AirPods Pro 2
AirPods Pro 2 remain one of the most popular AirPods models available, thanks to active noise cancellation and tons of great features, including the recently added set of hearing health features and the ability to double as a hearing aid.
If you’re willing to wait, 2025 will probably bring the next generation of headphones. Reports say that the new headphones will offer additional health tracking features such as heart rate monitoring. Both the charging case and the headphones may also get a new design.
6 Apple TV 4K
In a sea of cheap streaming devices, the Apple TV 4K stands out from the crowd, and not in a good way. It starts at $129 for the Wi-Fi-only version or $149 for 128GB with Ethernet. This is easily twice as much as the competition on the market.
It was last updated by Apple in 2022 and features an aging A15 processor. There are no strong rumors about the next model, but it is widely expected to include a faster processor and even a price drop to make it more competitive. If you can’t wait, consider picking up another great streaming box for your home.
While these Apple products are still great to use, it’s better to save your money and wait for updated models that offer the latest and greatest features. After all, no one wants to spend money on an aging Apple device that is due for a hardware update.