With the holiday shopping season here, you may be excited to add some Apple products to your shopping or gifting list. However, there are some Apple products I wouldn’t recommend buying since Apple will likely refresh them in the near future.
1 iPhone SE
The iPhone SE is by far the most cost-effective way to enjoy everything an iPhone has to offer. However, Apple last updated in early 2022, and the device features a small 4.7-inch screen and Touch ID. Compared to modern iPhone models, it’s very outdated. But that’s set to change soon.
According to recent reports, the next-generation iPhone SE should launch as early as March 2025, and it’s expected to pack some significant upgrades. Besides 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 least expensive way to jump into Apple’s iconic tablet lineup. However, Apple introduced this model in late 2022 with a Touch ID power button and a 10.9-inch display. As of 2024, Apple dropped the starting price from $449 to $349.
We’re expecting to see an updated model arrive as soon as spring 2025. While the tablet should keep the same design and other features, expect a big speed boost with an A17 chip or later. That will help it run Apple Intelligence features like the latest iPad mini, which is actually worth buying right now. Currently, it’s the only iPad Apple sells that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence.
3 Mac Studio
The Mac Studio is a high-end desktop Mac designed for professionals and other Apple power users. Starting at $1,999, you can select from a model that packs the fast M2 Max or M2 Ultra chip. The base model also starts with 32GB of memory. A new version of the Mac will likely arrive in 2025 with faster M4 Max and Ultra chips.
If you can’t wait until then, consider the recently updated Mac mini. The higher-end models pack the M4 Pro chip and feature Thunderbolt 5 ports. It also offers an HDMI port and comes with 16GB of RAM. A built-in SD card slot is the only thing missing compared to the Mac Studio.
4 HomePod mini
It might be hard to believe, but Apple released the HomePod mini four years ago in 2020 to bring a lower-cost version of the HomePod to Apple fans. It’s still a great way to enjoy Siri and boasts strong audio quality in a small form factor. But there have been no real reports of a second-generation model in the pipeline anytime soon.
If you can wait, the HomePod mini could likely be replaced by the reported Apple smart home controller and home hub. Recent reports say the device could arrive as early as March 2025. It will apparently look like a square iPad and 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 nightstand. If you aren’t interested in waiting and want to spend a bit more for a bigger audio punch, the larger, second-generation HomePod is also an excellent choice.
5 AirPods Pro 2
The 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 suite of hearing health features and the ability to act as hearing aids.
If you’re willing to wait, 2025 will likely usher in the next generation of earbuds. Reports say the new earbuds will offer additional health-tracking features, like heart rate monitoring. Both the charging case and earbuds might also get a new design.
6 Apple TV 4K
In a sea of low-cost streaming devices, the Apple TV 4K stands out from the crowd, and not in a good way. It starts at $129 for a Wi-Fi-only version or $149 for a 128GB with Ethernet. That’s easily twice as much as many competitors on the market.
Apple last updated it in 2022, and it features the aging A15 processor. There are no strong rumors about the next model, but it’s widely expected to feature a faster processor and even a drop in price to make it more competitive. If you can’t wait, consider choosing another great streaming box for your home.
While these Apple products are still great to use, you’re better off saving your cash and waiting for the updated models that offer the latest and greatest features. After all, nobody wants to waste money on an aging Apple device that’s due for a hardware refresh.
