As we move through the second quarter of 2024, Apple'sproduct lineup continues to display a strong blend of innovationandquality. Despite these strengths, however, some noticeable weaknesses in the lineup merit your attention.
Thelaunch of the Apple Vision Pro unfolded with its fair share of turbulence, mirroring the typical reception of a first-generation product: a mix of excitement and skepticism. Beyond the challenge of defining its niche -- product in search of a problem -- Apple's entry into the mixed-reality market has been further marred by widespread reports of units spontaneously cracking, exacerbating the Vision Pro's already shaky debut.
Also: MacBook Pro (M3 Max) review: A desktop-class laptop for an AI-powered age
Then there's the great iPad wasteland, which looks like it might be addressed at the event scheduled for May 7. And Apple's tablet is in desperate need of an update: the youngest iPads -- the iPad and both the iPad Pro models -- are over the 18-month-old mark, and theoldest -- the iPad mini -- is now over two and a half years old. The good news for those looking for deals is that older iPads are likely to be available.
Beyond that, Apple's lineup seems pretty strong, from thehot-off-the-production-line M3 MacBook Air systems , the iPhone 15 to the Apple Watch line , and the14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops powered by the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max chips (no M3 Ultra... yet).
But don't let the shiny, space-age goggles fool you. Not everything Apple sells is fresh. There are a few things that I recommend giving a wide berth in the store.
Apple has updated its MacBook Air with its M3 line of processors and given them more oomph to tackle heavier-duty AI tasks.
Review: M3 MacBook Air: Apple's AI computer for the masses has arrived
Along with the updated processor, this MacBook Air can also power two external monitors with the lid closed, making it a great desktop replacement -- just add two screens!
With prices for the13-inch M3 MacBook Air starting at$1099 , and the 15-inch version starting at$200 more , these systems represent some serious processing power for an extremely competitive price (especially when you consider these are Apple laptops).
All eyes are on Apple's newest product and the company's foray into mixed-reality spatial computing.
Also: 10 reasons the Apple Vision Pro is secretly brilliant
It's hard to bet against Apple, but a futuristic set of goggles with a starting price of$3,499 doesn't feel like the easiest thing to sell. Still, Apple is Apple, and if any company can convince consumers to part with large sums of cash (and developers to create apps for a new platform that could very well fall flat on its face), it's Apple.
Last year brought a much-anticipated refresh of the iPhone lineup.
Review: iPhone 15 Pro: Coming from iPhone 12 Pro or earlier? This upgrade will wow you
The standard iPhone 15 line gets the processor that's currently in the iPhone 14 Pro line, a new 48-megapixel main camera, and USB-C, while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max get a new A17 Pro chip, a titanium structure, and updated cameras, including a 5x telephoto.
This lineup of MacBooks debuted the entire lineup of M3 chips -- from the powerful M3 to the insanely powerful M3 Max.
Also: M3 MacBook Pro buying advice: Who it's really for (and who should stick with M2 MacBook Air)
Apple refreshed the iMac, and while it has the same 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display, it received the M3 chip upgrade.
Also: Apple's M3 iMac disappoints 27-inch display devotees, but does anyone really need that?
More power thanks to the S9 SiP chip, new features such as double-tap gestures, and a new brighter display come to the Apple Watch. If you want to buy this watch from Apple, you should act quickly. Apple is involved in a legal battle with a medical technology company, causing a temporary halt on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales.
Also: Apple Watch Series 9 review: Don't settle for the less expensive models this year. Here's why
At the time of this writing, Apple resumed sales of both smartwatches, but more legal issues are on the horizon and another ban could occur. However, if Apple has to stop selling the watches again, you can still find them at other retailers likeAmazon and Best Buy while supplies last.
Apple's flagship smartwatch gets an upgrade in the form of the new S9 SiP chip, more storage, and a brighter display.
Also: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra: Is it time to upgrade?
This monster system finally got the Apple Silicon treatment. With astarting price of$7,000 , it's not cheap, but once you start adding the extras it's a lot cheaper than its predecessor.
Apple's "starter" Mac gets the M2 Apple Silicon treatment, and even though it was released last year, it is still a solid system.
Also: This $75 dock turns your Mac Mini into a Mac Studio (sort of)
The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offer a major upgrade over the previous model, giving Apple's premium buds a massive lead over the competition. Apple has now refreshed the charging case to use USB-C rather than Lightning -- great if you have a new iPhone, but yet another cable or dongle to carry if not.
Also: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) review: Two major upgrades, tamed by one familiar flaw
Also: New 'AirPods Lite' and AirPods Max expected later this year
Blowing away the competition, Apple'sAirTags are the perfect gift for someone who constantly loses things. You can add them to your luggage, your bike, your remote, or even your moving boxes -- the possibilities are endless.
Also: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you
Well-made, robust, and with a replaceable battery, these will make misplaced keys or lost wallet things of the past.