With WWDC 2024 out of the way, the next big milestone for Apple will be the fall unveiling of the new iPhone, the new Apple Watches, and a total update of Apple's entire OS lineup, from iOS and MacOS, down to watchOS and tvOS. Until then, it's likely to be a bit of a lull over the summer.
That also means it's a bad time -- the worst time, really -- to think about buying an iPhone or Apple Watch. New ones will be landing in a few weeks, so unless you don't care about new releases (and don't mind paying full price for something that will be superseded before the end of the year), put any of these purchases on the back burner for now.
Also: I upgrade my iPhone every year, but the iPhone 16 worries me - here's why
Thenew iPhone models are expected to bring significant upgrades, including enhanced AI capabilities and improved hardware features, while the next-generation Apple Watches will feature new health and fitness tracking capabilities, along with a revamped version of watchOS.
For those seeking tablets for work or that back-to-school frenzy, Apple has addressed -- in part, at least -- the great iPad wasteland, updating theiPad Air with M2 silicon, and fitting 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.
Beyond that, Apple's lineup seems pretty strong, from theM3 MacBook Air systems to the14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops powered by the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max chips (but still no M3 Ultra... yet).
Apple has updated its MacBook Air with its M3 line of processors -- and given the chips 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 fall flat on its face), it's Apple.
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?
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.