For over twenty years, the MacRumors Purchaser’s Information has served as a helpful useful resource for protecting observe of when Apple merchandise have been final up to date.
Beneath, now we have highlighted 5 current-generation Apple merchandise that haven’t acquired {hardware} upgrades in a number of years. We additionally present some buying suggestions based mostly on each rumors and our personal opinions.
This listing 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Apple launched the Professional Show XDR in December 2019, so it is going to be 5 years outdated later this 12 months. The high-end monitor begins at $4,999 and incorporates a 32-inch display screen 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 can 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 can be launched or what different new options it is going to have.
Age: 4 years and eight months
Suggestion: Given how costly the Professional Show XDR is, it’s price ready for the subsequent mannequin at this level. Additionally take into account the Studio Show, which is over two years newer, extra inexpensive, and has a built-in digicam and audio system.
HomePod mini
Launched in November 2020, the HomePod mini can also be almost 4 years outdated. The smaller Siri-enabled good speaker has not acquired any {hardware} updates since launching, though it did get Blue, Orange, and Yellow shade choices in November 2021, and Area Grey was changed with a virtually-identical Midnight end a couple 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 information continues to be correct, as there haven’t been any latest HomePod mini rumors.
Age: 3 years and 9 months
Suggestion: Given there was a rumor {that a} new HomePod mini is perhaps launched later this 12 months, 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 in the event you do not need to wait.
AirPods Max
Launched in December 2020, the AirPods Max will flip 4 years outdated later this 12 months. Apple’s over-ear headphones haven’t acquired any {hardware} updates since, and stay priced at $549 on Apple’s on-line retailer, with 5 shade choices obtainable.
Age: 3 years and eight months
Suggestion: We advocate ready for the AirPods Max with a USB-C port to launch later this 12 months, however the headphones will nonetheless kind of be 4 years outdated past that change, so chances are you’ll want to take into account 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 inquisitive 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 Middle Stage help, compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, and extra.
In November 2023, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated mass manufacturing of the subsequent iPad mini would start within the second half of 2024. Extra just lately, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman stated stock of the present iPad mini was beginning to dwindle at Apple Shops, which might be an indication that the gadget can be up to date within the close to future.
Rumored options for the subsequent iPad mini embody 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
Suggestion: At this level, we recommend ready for the brand new iPad mini that’s rumored to launch later this 12 months.
AirPods 3
Launched in October 2021, the third-generation AirPods are almost 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 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
Suggestion: Don’t purchase! Apple is anticipated to announce the fourth-generation AirPods in lower than two weeks.