Finally, Apple has addressed -- in part at least -- the great iPad wasteland, updating theiPad Air with M2 silicon,andfitting theiPad Pro models with its new M4 chip. TheiPad now also features an updated price tag -- everything else remains the same -- so that's back on the menu, but be aware that you're still buying hardware released in October 2022.
Interest in the Apple Vision Pro seems to be fading after the rocky start, and it remains to be seen if Apple can inject new interest in this product at its annual WWDC developer conference this summer.
Also: I've used every iPad since the original. Here's my buying advice for the new 2024 models
Beyond that, Apple's lineup seems pretty strong, from theM3 MacBook Air systems and the14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops powered by the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max chips (but still no M3 Ultra... yet).
Note that the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch line are now in their final months; by summer I'll start recommending that you hold off buying them until new products are released.
But don't let the shiny new tablets distract 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 the15-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?
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
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.