Don’t let a busy six months of updating fool you into thinking that everything Apple is fresh Bloomberg/Getty Images With half of 2023 behind us, it’s been a very busy year for Apple, kicking off with a January refresh of the Mac Mini and MacBook Pro that equipped these systems with the latest-generation Apple Silicon M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max processors. The first 6 months of 2023 also saw Apple update the MacBook Air and roll out the M2 Ultra to the Mac Pro, finally updating that behemoth system and completing the move away from Intel.
But what about the iPhone,the AirPods Pro, the Apple Watch, and the iPad and iPad Pro?
And as for the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, well, that’s not going to launch until early 2024.
Also: The best Apple Watches right now
But don’t let a busy six months of updating fool you into thinking that everything Apple is fresh. That’s not the case, and there are still a few Apple products that you should avoid buying right now, either because they’re in line for a refresh, or they’re just not going to get updated because Apple is phasing them out.
The ‘Naughty’ list13-inch MacBook Pro: This is now overpriced for what you’re getting. Unveiled a year ago at WWDC 2022, this is due for a refresh to an M2 Pro or M2 Max chip.13-inch MacBook Air: With an M2 version of the MacBook Air now available for only $100 more, it doesn’t make sense to be buying one based on the M1 chip anymore.
24-inch iMac:Now that the M1 chips have been superseded by the M2, Apple is asking a lot of money to pay for a Mac that could see a refresh in the next few months.
iPad Mini: Released in September 2021, it’s worth keeping in mind the age of this tablet.
Over 20 months is a long time in tech. Would you pay full price for an iPhone 13, which was released at the same time? No, you wouldn’t.Joining the iPad Mini is the iPad Air. Released in March 2022, this isn’t as old as the Mini — but it’s still over that 12-month mark, making it a dubious buy for the price.
iPhone SE: This handset is now well over a year old, and while it could be 2024 before we see an update released, it’s worth bearing in mind that the current model was released in March 2022.
iPhone 14: Sure, it’s still less than a year old, but we’re into the final few months before the iPhone 15 makes its debut, and if you’ve held out this long buying one, then perhaps it makes sense to make your existing handset last a few more months until the fall. Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra: Like the iPhone 14, these are in the final few months before being updated; if you can, I’d suggest waiting for the updated versions that will release this fall.The ‘nice’ list2023 Apple Mac ProThis monster system finally gets the Apple Silicon treatment. With a starting price of $7,000, it’s not cheap, but once you start adding the extras it’s a lot cheaper than its predecessor.
Apple M2 Ultra chip, with 24-core CPU and up to 76-core GPUUp to 192GB of unified memory32-bit Neural EngineUp to 8TB of storage 2 x HDMI2x10Gb EthernetRack or desk mounting options2023 Apple MacBook AirApple’s “thin and light” laptop gets bumped up to a 15-inch display and an M2 chip.
15.3-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology2880-by-1864 native resolution at 224 pixels per inch8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores10-core GPU16-core Neural EngineApple’s “starter” Mac gets the M2 Apple Silicon treatment, bringing it into 2023.
Apple M2 or Apple M2 Pro chipTwo Thunderbolt 4 ports (M2) or four Thunderbolt 4 ports (M2 Pro) Two USB-A ports (up to 5Gb/s)HDMI portGigabit Ethernet port (configurable to 10Gb Ethernet)3.5mm headphone jack8- to 12-core CPUs10- to 19-core GPUs8GB to 32GB unified memory256GB to 8TB storageAlso: This $75 dock turns your Mac Mini into a Mac Studio (sort of)
Apple’s M2-powered MacBook Air is a powerhouse of a laptop, offering a huge performance boost over the older Intel-powered MacBook Air, such as 15 times faster video editing — yes, video editing on a MacBook Air! — and up to 18 hours of battery life.
Review: Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022): Sleeker, faster — and more expensive
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display features over 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color, and support for 1 billion colors.Next-generation M2 8-core CPU with 8-core GPU and 8GB of unified memoryUp to 18 hours of battery life1080p FaceTime HD camera, three-mic array, and four-speaker sound system with Spatial AudioA MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jackWeights just 2.7 pounds2nd-gen AirPods ProThe second-generation AirPods Pro are a major upgrade over the previous model, giving Apple’s premium buds a massive lead over the competition.
Also: AirPods Pro might be an inexpensive solution to your hearing loss
Active Noise Cancellation reduces unwantedd background noise.Adaptive Transparency lets outside sounds in while reducing loud environmental noise.Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you.Multiple ear tips (XS, S, M, L)Touch control lets you swipe to adjust volume, press to direct media playback, answer or end calls, and press and hold to switch between listening modes.Sweat- and water-resistant for AirPods Pro and charging case.MagSafe Charging Case with speakerCase features a lanyard loop.
Also: Adaptive Audio listening mode is coming to AirPods Pro 2
Blowing away the competition, Apple’s AirTags are the perfect gift for someone who constantly loses things. You can add them to your luggage, your bike, your remote, or even your moving boxes — the possibilities are endless.
Also: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you
Well-made, robust, and with a replaceable battery, these will make lost keys or wallet things of the past.