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.

The 'Naughty' list

• AirPods: As much as I love AirPods, they're getting old. The 3rd-generation model was released two and a half years ago and is overdue for an update. Apple still sells the 2nd generation AirPods, and those were released five years ago! My advice here is to stick to the2nd generation AirPods Pro  (technically, the version with the USB-C charging case are more of a 2.5 gen as they feature a few small updates), orbuy something not made by Apple .
  
• iPad:Released in October 2022, this revamped iPad -- featuring an A14 Bionic chip, a Touch ID power button, and USB-C port -- was at the time a cutting-edge tablet. Not anymore.
• iPad Mini: Released in September 2021, this tablet's age is worth keeping in mind. Two and a half years is a long time in tech. Would you pay full price for an iPhone 13, which was released at the same time? No, no you wouldn't.
• iPad Air:Released in March 2022, this isn't as old as the iPad Mini -- but it's now hit that two-year mark, making it a dubious buy for the price.
• 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro: These aren't in a dire state, but with the M3 chips now out, it feels strange paying top dollar for devices powered by M2 chips. 
• iPhone SE: Thishandset was released in March 2022 and rumor has it there won't be another one. Other rumors say the next one will launch this year, or sometime in 2025. We'll see.

The 'Nice' list

Apple M3 MacBook Air

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).

Apple Vision Pro

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.

Apple Vision Pro

View now at Apple

Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max

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.

iPhone 15

View now at Apple

Apple 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro

This lineup of MacBooks debuted the entire lineup of M3 chips -- from the powerful M3 to the insanely powerful M3 Max.

• Powered by the M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max chips, Apple's most advanced chips for personal computers 
• Up to 22 hours of battery life
• 8GB to 128GB of unified memory
• 512GB to 8TB of SSD storage
• Liquid Retina XDR display
• Ports galore, with up to three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, a MagSafe 3 port, and a headphone jack

Also: M3 MacBook Pro buying advice: Who it's really for (and who should stick with M2 MacBook Air)

2023 M3-powered MacBook Pro

View now at Apple

Apple iMac 24-inch

Apple refreshed the iMac, and while it has the same 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display, it received the M3 chip upgrade. 

• Apple M3 chip (no M3 Pro or M3 Max option)
• 24-inch 4.5K Retina display
• 8GB to 24GB of unified memory
• 512GB to 2TB of SSD storage
• Super-thin all-in-one desktop 
• Seven vibrant colors

Also: Apple's M3 iMac disappoints 27-inch display devotees, but does anyone really need that?

Apple iMac 24-inch

View now at Apple

Apple Watch Series 9

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.

• S9 SiP chip
• 45mm or 41mm aluminum or stainless steel case
• Up to 2000 nits display brightness
• 50-meter water resistance

Apple Watch Series 9

View now at Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple's flagship smartwatch gets an upgrade in the form of the new S9 SiP chip, more storage, and a brighter display.

• S9 SiP chip
• 49mm titanium case
• Up to 3000 nits display brightness
• 100-meter water resistance

Also: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra: Is it time to upgrade?

Apple Watch Ultra 2

View now at Apple

2023 Apple Mac Pro

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 M2 Ultra chip, with 24-core CPU and up to 76-core GPU
• Up to 192GB of unified memory
• 32-bit Neural Engine
• Up to 8TB of storage 
• 2 x HDMI
• 2 x 10Gb Ethernet
• Rack- or desk-mounting options

M2 Ultra Mac Pro

View now at Apple

2023 Apple Mac Mini with M2 chip

Apple's "starter" Mac gets the M2 Apple Silicon treatment, and even though it was released last year, it is still a solid system.

• Apple M2 or Apple M2 Pro chip
• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports (M2) or four Thunderbolt 4 ports (M2 Pro) 
  
• Two USB-A ports (up to 5Gb/s)
• HDMI port
• Gigabit Ethernet port (configurable to 10Gb Ethernet)
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• 8- to 12-core CPU
• 10- to 19-core GPU
• 8GB to 32GB unified memory
• 256GB to 8TB storage

Also: This $75 dock turns your Mac Mini into a Mac Studio (sort of)

2023 Apple Mac Mini with M2 chip

View now at Apple

2nd-gen AirPods Pro (now with USB-C)

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.

• Active Noise Cancellation reduces unwanted background noise.
• Adaptive Transparency lets outside sounds in while reducing loud environmental noise.
• Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places the sound all around you.
• Multiple ear tips (XS, S, M, L).
• Touch control lets you swipe to adjust volume, press to direct media playback, answer or end calls, and press and hold to switch between listening modes.
• Sweat- and water-resistant for AirPods Pro and charging case.
• MagSafe Charging Case includes a speaker.
• The case features a lanyard loop.
• USB-C charging.

Also: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) review: Two major upgrades, tamed by one familiar flaw

2nd Gen AirPods Pro

$179.99 at Amazon

Also: New 'AirPods Lite' and AirPods Max expected later this year

AirTag

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.

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