For over 20 years, the MacRumors Purchaser’s Information has served as a worthwhile useful resource for preserving observe of when Apple merchandise had been final up to date.
Under, we now have highlighted 5 current-generation Apple merchandise that haven’t obtained {hardware} upgrades in a number of years. We additionally present some buying suggestions primarily based on each rumors and our personal opinions.
This record excludes previous-generation Apple merchandise nonetheless bought, such because the iPhone 13, together with varied equipment and cables.
Professional Show XDR
Apple launched the Professional Show XDR in December 2019, so it will likely be 5 years outdated later this yr. The high-end monitor begins at $4,999 and incorporates a 32-inch display measurement with 6K decision, nevertheless it lacks a built-in digicam and audio system.
In December 2022, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman stated Apple was engaged on a number of new exterior screens, together with an up to date model of the Professional Show XDR that will probably be geared up with an Apple silicon chip, identical to the Studio Show with the A13 chip. Nonetheless, it is unclear when the brand new Professional Show XDR will probably be launched or what different new options it would have.
Age: 4 years and eight months
Advice: Given how costly the Professional Show XDR is, it’s value ready for the following mannequin at this level. Additionally contemplate the Studio Show, which is over two years newer, extra reasonably priced, and has a built-in digicam and audio system.
HomePod mini
Launched in November 2020, the HomePod mini can be practically 4 years outdated. The smaller Siri-enabled sensible speaker has not obtained any {hardware} updates since launching, though it did get Blue, Orange, and Yellow shade choices in November 2021, and House Grey was changed with a virtually-identical Midnight end a number of months in the past.
In February 2023, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated mass shipments of a second-generation HomePod mini would start within the second half of 2024, however it’s unclear if that data continues to be correct, as there haven’t been any latest HomePod mini rumors.
Age: 3 years and 9 months
Advice: Given there was a rumor {that a} new HomePod mini is perhaps launched later this yr, it is perhaps greatest to carry off for 3 to 4 extra months to see if that occurs. Nonetheless, given the HomePod mini is a modest $99, there’s not an excessive amount of hurt in buying one now if you happen to do not wish to wait.
AirPods Max
Launched in December 2020, the AirPods Max will flip 4 years outdated later this yr. Apple’s over-ear headphones haven’t obtained any {hardware} updates since, and stay priced at $549 on Apple’s on-line retailer, with 5 shade choices out there.
Age: 3 years and eight months
Advice: We suggest ready for the AirPods Max with a USB-C port to launch later this yr, however the headphones will nonetheless kind of be 4 years outdated past that change, so it’s possible you’ll want to contemplate newer competing choices, such because the Sony XM5, Bose QuietComfort Extremely, and Sonos Ace. Amazon does have the AirPods Max on sale for $399 if you’re all in favour of buying them now at a reduction.
iPad mini
Apple launched the present iPad mini in September 2021, with new options on the time together with a bigger 8.3-inch show, a USB-C port, a Contact ID energy button, the A15 Bionic chip, 5G assist on mobile fashions, a 12-megapixel rear digicam with Middle Stage assist, compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, and extra.
In November 2023, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated mass manufacturing of the following iPad mini would start within the second half of 2024. Extra lately, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman stated stock of the present iPad mini was beginning to dwindle at Apple Shops, which may very well be an indication that the gadget will probably be up to date within the close to future.
Rumored options for the following iPad mini embrace a more recent chip, upgraded cameras, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 assist, new shade choices, and a repair for the so-called “jelly scrolling” impact on the present mannequin’s show.
Age: 2 years and 11 months
Advice: At this level, we recommend ready for the brand new iPad mini that’s rumored to launch later this yr.
AirPods 3
Launched in October 2021, the third-generation AirPods are practically three years outdated.
Two new fourth-generation AirPods fashions are anticipated to be unveiled at Apple’s particular occasion on September 9, with each choices rumored to characteristic a tweaked design with higher match within the ear, improved sound high quality, and an up to date charging case with a USB-C port. The upper-end AirPods 4 are additionally stated to characteristic energetic noise cancellation, and a speaker within the charging case that may play a sound for Discover My location monitoring.
Age: 2 years and 10 months
Advice: Don’t purchase! Apple is anticipated to announce the fourth-generation AirPods in lower than two weeks.