My guide to the Apple range
It’s easy to invest a lot of money into something that is soon replaced, or does far more than you’re ever likely to need. That doesn’t feel good. To help you, I’ll take you through the range.
This guide follows the layout of the Apple website and will let you know when everything was last updated.
As most people will probably own at least one Apple device, I thought it would be helpful. If you’re like me, these devices often act as your connection to the world and can help you be creative. I follow Apple closely, so you don’t need to.
To be clear, I love what Apple do but I don’t like their prices. Particularly in the UK. That’s why I think people need a guide like this. I keep it updated, so please bookmark it and keep coming back.
It includes the new iPhone 16e, Macs and iPads that have just been released.
Mac
Apple have just filled several big gaps in the Mac range. We’re in a rare position where almost all of the devices are less than six months old (at the time of writing this update). It’s a good time to consider a Mac if you need one. The entire Mac range is ready for Apple Intelligence.
MacBook Air
This is the MacBook most people will need. A new model has just arrived, with an M4 processor and a longer battery life. They make it easy now, as they no longer sell older models and this one is cheaper. There are several configurations of this device available with more storage, power and memory. The 15” models start with the higher spec and have better speakers.
Last updated: March 2025
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is a powerhouse, built for Apple Intelligence. It’s all about the new M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, with the option of a ‘standard’ M4 in the base 14“ models. They also feature a 24 hour battery life. My advice is to carefully consider whether you really need one. Will a MacBook Air deliver everything you need? These devices are designed for demanding professional tasks, with the 16” models delivering even more power for those who need it.
Last updated: October 2024
iMac
The latest model delivers the M4 chip and more memory. Aside from that, there are slightly different colours. I would think of this as the desktop equivalent to the MacBook Air. It’s not a Pro machine though. You can also upgrade to nano-textured glass if glare is a problem.
Last updated: October 2024
Mac mini
It’s a lot smaller now. This redesigned device is an obvious choice if you already have a display, keyboard and mouse/trackpad. Like before, there’s a more advanced model with an M4 Pro chip. The core model is great value if you don’t need a lot of storage.
Last updated: October 2024
Mac Studio
This is their professional desktop machine and you could think of it as the equivalent of the high-end MacBook Pro. It’s just received a much-needed upgrade with M4 Max and M3 Ultra processors. This is some very confusing branding from Apple and it’s not a mistake, as the M3 Ultra is superior to the M4 Max. The device below may have something to do with this odd naming though.
Last updated: March 2025
Mac Pro
This is not a consumer device. It’s aimed at organisations and specialists who need real power. It’s also been around a while, and the recent Mac Studio upgrade doesn’t make it appealing right now. It’s likely the ‘real’ M4 Ultra, or something with similar branding, could appear in a new model later this year.
Last updated: June 2023
Conclusions
This is a good time to consider a Mac. With the exception of the Mac Pro, everything is pretty much up-to-date. It’s really about working out what you actually need. I think the MacBook Air, Mac mini or iMac should be ideal for most users. At the moment, aside from a possible Mac Pro refresh, it’s likely that the next big update will come in the form of M5 MacBook Pro models in the autumn.
IPad
Apple have just refreshed the ‘standard’ iPad and the iPad Air. They join the new iPad mini that arrived late last year. It’s a very strong lineup at the moment. as all the current iPads are less than a year old at the time of their release. This hasn’t happened for a while.
iPad Pro
This really is the ultimate iPad. It has an incredible OLED screen and the power of an M4 chip. You can take things further with the new Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Just remember that this runs iPAD OS though. It’s not a replacement for a Mac.
Last updated: May 2024
iPad Air
While the iPad Pro may be incredible, it’s very expensive. This one should be ideal for anyone who wants an advanced tablet without paying the price of a laptop. A new model has just arrived with an M3 chip and a redesigned Magic Keyboard is also available for it. In terms of the device, there are very few changes and this is essentially a speed boost.
Last updated: March 2025
iPad
This is a new ‘standard’ iPad. It’s not powerful enough to run Apple Intelligence, but the storage now starts at 128GB. Although there’s a quicker chip, it’s virtually the same as the last one. It’s also the only iPad that doesn’t support the Apple Pencil Pro. That said, it’s a great device for the price and should suit most users.
Last updated: March 2025
iPad mini
The second generation of this device arrived last year, and it’s designed for Apple Intelligence. This update delivered a much-needed power boost. You can also use both models of the Apple Pencil with it now. It looks great.
Last updated: October 2024
Conclusions
They’ve made it easy. With the new models, you just need to work out what you need and what you’re willing to pay. The only slight concern I have is when they will update the iPad Pro. At the time of writing this update (March) there are no indications of anything happening soon. They aren’t on a yearly update cycle and often go around 18 months between new models.
iPhone
The iPhone is still the smartphone most people want to own. They updated their main models in September and we’ve seen big steps forward in terms of power. A new ‘budget’ iPhone has just been announced, and it’s different. This is an interesting time for the range.
iPhone 16 Pro
The flagship iPhone. The new one is built for Apple Intelligence and has a huge battery life. This is everything you’d want in a smartphone. The big question is whether you need it, as all of this comes at a cost. The latest ‘standard’ iPhone has also moved a lot closer to the Pro.
Last updated: September 2024
iPhone 16
This is one of the biggest advancements for the ‘standard’ model in some time. It’s received a big power boost and a new camera layout. It’s also ready for Apple Intelligence, unlike its predecessor. It should be more than enough for most people.
Last updated: September 2024
iPhone 16e
Their new ‘budget’ phone is more expensive now. It’s also more advanced. To put it simply, it looks and feels like a proper iPhone. So much so that it shares their name. This is no longer an afterthought and for me, it’s a serious option if you’re not really interested in the camera.
Last updated: February 2025
iPhone 15
Unfortunately, this device won’t be able to run Apple intelligence. I would definitely pay the extra for an iPhone 16, given all the upgrades. If you’re wondering why it’s still more expensive than the iPhone 16e, it’s because it has a more advanced camera and screen.
Last updated: September 2023
Conclusions
While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e will definitely reward anyone who needs a new phone, I think it may be worth waiting when it comes to the Pro. Personally, I think we’ll see bigger steps forward when they announce new models in September. They should know exactly what they’re building them for this year. The long shadow of Apple Intelligence also means I don’t think it’s worth settling for an iPhone 15. Especially with the iPhone 16e now available for less.
Watch
It’s been ten years since the Apple Watch was announced. They’ve come a long way. Always-On displays, massive speed boosts and the introduction of an Ultra model are just a few of the advancements. They can also help you keep track of your health and fitness.
Apple Watch Series 10
A big update for the ‘standard’ watch. It’s thinner and has a stunning screen. It’s a worthy update and definitely worth considering if you have an older model. This is the one I would go for.
Last updated: September 2024
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The flagship model hasn’t been updated this year. A black version did arrive though. I’d think carefully about this one. It’s over a year old, it’s expensive and it’s clearly aimed at serious outdoor activities.
Last updated: September 2023
Apple Watch SE
The ‘budget’ Apple Watch. It’s a very nice price, but it’s pretty far behind now. I’d probably wait to see what happens next year.
Last updated: September 2022
Conclusions
I was really surprised we only got one update this year. I think it makes the decision a lot easier though. As I said, I really like the Series 10. New models should appear in September though.
Vision
This category is more of a concept at the moment, and only features one product. The Vision Pro is Apple’s new spacial computing headset.
Vision Pro
This exciting glimpse of the future has just arrived in the UK. It’s very expensive though and it’s the first of its kind. This is clearly going to take some time before it becomes essential, or affordable. I personally consider this a very expensive prototype.
Last updated: June 2024
AirPods
Apple’s earbuds appear to have taken over the world. You see them everywhere. They also have premium headphones available. AirPods are designed for Apple devices and make everything automatic and easy.
AirPods 4
We’ve just had a big update, replacing several models. They should suit most users and are just the right price. You can update to a model with active noise cancellation if you need them.
Last updated: September 2024
AirPods Pro
Although these AirPods are amazing, they’ve been around for a while. Personally, I’d expect an update next year. The new ‘standard’ model also offers noice cancellation now.
Last updated: September 2022
AirPods Max
Their flagship premium headphones now have a USB-C connector and are available in a lot more colours. Other than that, it’s the same model that’s almost four years old. They are very expensive, and face competition from Bose, Sonos, Dyson and Sony. A new update has just been announced that allows lossless playback with a wired connection on this new model though. That might make a difference.
Last updated: December 2020
Conclusions
AirPods are an obvious choice if you own an Apple device, as they just integrate so well. The new ones look great, but it may be worth waiting to see if a new Pro model appears next year. I think you really need to be serious about your audio to consider the Max. As I said though, you should look closely at the competition before making any decisions.
TV and Home
The Apple TV has come a long way. Gaming is just one of its features, and you can use Playstation and Xbox controllers with it. The HomePods have also been developing nicely, bringing music and home automation to every room you put one in.
Apple TV 4K
This is a great device. It has all the features you’d expect and really delivers. You can also use it to stream content from your devices to the big screen with AirPlay. Just don’t expect it to be a replacement for your games console. It’s not there yet. They also tend to go some time between updates.
Last updated: October 2022
HomePod
This is the obvious choice if you want quality music streamed around your home and you’re firmly entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. They can also be paired and used as TV speakers with an Apple TV. While they should outperform alternatives from Amazon, you may want to look at what Sonos offer if you need more.
Last updated: January 2023
HomePod mini
They are obviously not at the same level as their bigger brother, but they will probably surprise you. I think these are more focussed on home automation and it’s easy to have a few of them around the house. You can also pair them together. Like the Apple TV, I think you can expect some gaps between updates.
Last updated: October 2020
Conclusions
I’m a big fan of the Apple TV, but there are rumours of a smaller replacement on the horizon. Again, it’s not in the same league as an Xbox, Playstation or even a Switch, but that may change in future. I really like HomePods as well and have several of them. Just don’t expect the voice features to be as good as Amazon’s Alexa.
That’s it. That’s my guide to the entire Apple range. Please remember that rumours are just rumours though, and nothing about there future plans can be guaranteed. I also don’t get to test these products, so please check anything important with Apple or the retailer before making any decisions.
The next big announcements will probably come in June, at their WWDC event. Keep checking back here for updates.