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 all the new Macs they announced in October.
Mac
New Macs have just arrived. Apple has refreshed most of the range with M4 chips and more memory. They are clearly positioned as the tools to deliver Apple Intelligence. The memory boost is significant for me though. As a user of an older Mac, the 8GB that has been standard for so long is starting to hold me back. It’s also worth remembering that, at the time of writing, Apple Intelligence has not been released. We simply don’t know what a difference it will make.
MacBook Air
They’ve just upgraded the MacBook Air range to include 16GB memory as a minimum. This is clearly related to Apple Intelligence and it was the only change they made. They still feature M2 and M3 processors. While they were a clear choice for consumers before, their desktop equivalents (the iMac and Mac mini) have the far more advanced M4 chips. If you can, my advice would be to wait to see what arrives in the spring if you want one of these.
Last updated: March 2024
MacBook Pro
The new 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 new 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 Pros. It was last updated in 2023 though and still features M2 chips. It’s hard to see who will need this one now, given how expensive it is, with an M4 model clearly on the horizon.
Last updated: June 2023
Mac Pro
This is something else. I think it’s safe to say it’s aimed at organisations. Although it’s incredible, it’s surely far too powerful and expensive for most consumers. That said, a lot of organisations may find the Mac Studio to be enough for what they need. They’ll probably want to get the best out of Apple Intelligence though, so waiting for an M4 equivalent will probably make sense.
Last updated: June 2023
Conclusions
If you want a consumer desktop device or a professional laptop, you’re in luck. It’s an easy decision. The new Mac Mini and iMac are perfect for most people and I think it’s a great time to invest in a MacBook Pro.
As I’ve said though, I think there will be a new MacBook Air pretty soon as they were probably reluctant to update it so soon after its release. In my opinion, it’s not a good time to consider a professional desktop device either. I think M4 versions are likely to be announced by June at the latest.
IPad
A new iPad mini has just arrived, joining the latest models at the top of the range that were updated this summer. It’s a very strong lineup at the moment.
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. It features an M2 chip and you can use the new Apple Pencil with it. Unfortunately, it only works with an older model of the Magic Keyboard though.
Last updated: May 2024
iPad
I was not a fan of this device when it was first released. It was expensive and positioned in the middle of their range, with older models taking the entry-level slot. It’s now been reduced in price though and it’s a good starting point. That said, it’s been around a while.
Last updated: October 2022
iPad mini
The wait is over. The second generation of this device has just arrived, and it’s designed for Apple Intelligence. This of course means a much-needed power boost. You can also use both models of the Apple Pencil with it now.
Last updated: October 2024
Conclusions
They’ve made it easy. With three new models, you just need to work out what you need and what you’re willing to pay. Personally, I’d hold off the standard model if you can. There could be something new early next year.
iPhone
The iPhone is still the smartphone most people want to own. They have just updated their main models, and we’ve seen big steps forward in terms of power. You might want to think about the others though.
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 just 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 15
Unfortunately, this device won’t be able to run Apple intelligence. I would definitely pay the extra for an iPhone 15, given all the upgrades.
Last updated: September 2023
iPhone 14
This has been left in the range to fill the entry-level. Just be aware that we’re likely to see a new iPhone SE over the next year, so it’s probably worth holding on.
Last updated: September 2022
iPhone SE
This isn’t a ‘normal’ iPhone. It’s their budget smartphone that rarely gets updated, and it’s based on a very old model. This one has been around for a while, so I’d think very carefully. There are also rumours of a bigger and more advanced replacement that’s expected to arrive next year.
Last updated: March 2022
Conclusions
While the iPhone 15 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 next year. When they know exactly what they’re building them for. The long shadow of Apple Intelligence also means I don’t think it’s worth settling for a cheaper, older model that could soon be obsolete when it comes to these features.
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.
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.
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.
We should have more announcements from Apple in the first quarter of 2025. Keep checking back here.