My guide to the Apple range
It’s easy to invest a lot of money into something that’s 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 have 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.
This post has just been updated (September 2025) to include the new iPhones, watches and AirPod’s Pro.
Mac
Over the last year, Apple filled several big gaps in the Mac range. We’re in a rare position where almost all of the devices are less than a year old (at the time of writing this update) but you still have to be careful.
MacBook Air
This is the MacBook most people will need. A new model arrived early last year, 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 soon.
Last updated: June 2023
Conclusions
I think it’s still a good time to consider a desktop Mac if you need one, as they tend to go some time between updates, but the MacBooks are likely to be refreshed soon. Rumours suggest it could be any time between October and January. The MacBook Air is also likely to be updated early next year.
There are also multiple rumours of a significant update to the MacBook range late 2026 or early 2027, after an effective ‘processor swap’ next time.
IPad
Apple refreshed the ‘standard’ iPad and the iPad Air in the spring. 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 writing this update). The iPad Pro is likely to be updated soon though.
iPad Pro
Although this is the ultimate iPad, an update is expected before the end of the year. It will probably just feature a new processor though, with no significant changes to the design. The new iPadOS also brings this a lot closer to replacing a MacBook. I think it’s worth waiting a few months to see what happens.
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 and they usually go several years between updates.
Last updated: October 2024
Conclusions
They’ve made it easy if you’re not after a Pro. With the new models, you just need to work out what you need and what you’re willing to pay. New iPad models could appear next year though. As I’ve said, I would recommend waiting to see what happens with the Pro. I think it’s possible we could see something as early as October.
iPhone
The iPhone is still the smartphone most people want to own. Apple have just updated their main models and introduced the new iPhone Air. They join the new ‘budget’ iPhone that was released last year. There’s a lot of choice now.
iPhone 17 Pro
A powerhouse. The new model includes the camera and battery enhancements you’d expect. In addition to this, there’s an innovative new cooling feature that should make a difference. Just remember that this is an expensive ‘Pro’ device though, so you should carefully consider if you really need all these features. The Max version is bigger and higher spec.
Last updated: September 2025
iPhone Air
The new iPhone, that’s really thin. Despite rumours warning of poor battery performance, it seems ok. They have also announced an optional, attachable battery that should help. Like most compact devices, there are compromises. You need to decide if an inferior camera, less battery life and lower specs justify the new design.
Last updated: September 2025
iPhone 17
A great iPhone that should suit most users. The improved battery life and display really got my attention. New camera features also make this a great upgrade. I think it’s a worthy replacement for any iPhone over 2 years old. Although it’s easy to be drawn to expensive alternatives, this one should deliver everything most people need.
Last updated: September 2025
iPhone 16
As usual, they keep last year’s phone in the range as a cheaper option. At the time of writing though, Apple appears to have removed the specs from their site. I think this is significant, as the iPhone 17 delivers a lot for that extra £100. If the price is an issue, I would look at the 16e.
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, rather than the SE designation they’ve always had. This is no longer an afterthought and for me, it’s a serious option if you’re not really interested in the camera. We just don’t know if a new model will appear early next year, or if they will go several years between updates.
Last updated: February 2025
Conclusions
This is a great time to consider an iPhone. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are very impressive and worthy upgrades. As I’ve said, you really need to consider if the iPhone Air is aimed at you and I would personally dismiss the old iPhone 16. The iPhone 16e is difficult though, as it’s not clear if this is going to be updated annually.
It’s also worth considering that we’re approaching the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, where they are sure to deliver something special. There are also rumours of folding devices on the horizon.
Watch
This is a great year for the Apple Watch. They have just refreshed the entire range and the new models are impressive.
Apple Watch Series 11
This is the Apple Watch I would look at. In addition to improvements to the battery life and screen, it now monitors blood pressure. As well as improved specs, it offers a lot more health monitoring features than the SE. It’s also a lot more compact than the Ultra.
Last updated: September 2025
Apple Watch SE
This new model looks very impressive. It now has an always-on display, which was a huge omission on previous models. While it’s not as impressive as the 11, with less brightness, battery life and health features, it’s close. I’d think carefully about what you actually want an Apple Watch for, as this one is likely to deliver what most people need. They also tend to go several years between updates.
Last updated: September 2025
Apple Watch Ultra 2
After a gap last year, a new model has arrived. It’s impressive, with an incredibly bright screen, huge battery life and emergency SOS via satellite. It’s expensive though, and I think it’s fair to say that this is aimed at people who spend a lot of time outside. Do you really need all of these features? If they go another two years between models, it’s a great time to invest if you do.
Last updated: September 2025
Conclusions
If you have an older model, or you’re tempted to dive in, this is the perfect time to consider an Apple Watch. They’ve come a long way over the last decade. You just have to consider what you really need.
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 arrived in the UK last summer. 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. There are also rumours of a scaled-down version on the horizon.
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
This model arrived last year. They should still suit most users though and are just the right price. You can update to a model with active noise cancellation if you need them, but they aren’t as good as the Pro when it comes to this. An update could be just around the corner as well.
Last updated: September 2024
AirPods Pro
New models have just arrived. They now feature heartbeat monitoring and enhanced noice reduction. There’s also improved battery life, which should really make a difference. It’s a great time to consider these, as they have previously gone three years between updates.
Last updated: September 2025
AirPods Max
Their flagship premium headphones were updated to include a USB-C connector last year. Other than that, and a choice of new colours, it’s the same model that was introduced in 2020. They are very expensive, and face competition from Bose, Sonos, Dyson and Sony. An update allows lossless playback with a wired connection on the 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. It’s a great time to invest in the Pro models, but it may be worth waiting to see if new standard models appear in the next six months. I think you really need to be serious about your audio to consider the Max. As I said, you should also look closely at the competition before making any decisions about them.
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, but a new model is probably on the way. The Apple TV 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.
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. They are also due an update.
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. Like their bigger brother, they are also due an update.
Last updated: October 2020
Conclusions
I’m a big fan of the Apple TV, but a replacement is almost certainly 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. Again, updates could be here in the next six months or so.
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 October or November.