For over twenty years, the MacRumors Purchaser’s Information has served as a invaluable useful resource for preserving observe of when Apple merchandise had been final up to date.
Under, we’ve 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 checklist excludes previous-generation Apple merchandise nonetheless offered, such because the iPhone 13, together with numerous equipment and cables.
Professional Show XDR
Apple launched the Professional Show XDR in December 2019, so will probably be 5 years previous later this yr. The high-end monitor begins at $4,999 and includes a 32-inch display measurement with 6K decision, however 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 displays, together with an up to date model of the Professional Show XDR that will likely be outfitted 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 likely be launched or what different new options it can have.
Age: 4 years and eight months
Advice: Given how costly the Professional Show XDR is, it’s price ready for the following mannequin at this level. Additionally think about 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 also be practically 4 years previous. 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 just a few 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 information remains to be correct, as there haven’t been any current 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 may be not an excessive amount of hurt in buying one now when you do not wish to wait.
AirPods Max
Launched in December 2020, the AirPods Max will flip 4 years previous 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 previous past that change, so chances are you’ll want to think about newer competing choices, such because the Sony XM5, Bose QuietComfort Extremely, and Sonos Ace. Amazon does have the AirPods Max on sale for $399 in case you are curious about 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 help on mobile fashions, a 12-megapixel rear digicam with Heart Stage help, 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 could possibly be an indication that the system will likely 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 help, 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 advise 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 previous.
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 lively 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 predicted to announce the fourth-generation AirPods in lower than two weeks.
