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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- New iPhones and Apple Watches are inbound, with the company hosting an event on September 9.
- New AirPods Pro and HomeHub hardware are also rumored.
- Expect pricing tweaks to offset tariff costs, as well as changes to existing product lines.
It’s early September, and that means we’re now in the final home stretch to Apple’s biggest yearly update. New iPhones are days away, and it’s likely we’ll see new Apple Watches, and possibly new AirPods Pro and a HomeHub device. Does the invite sent out to journalists offer any clues as to what’s coming? Maybe …
Also: The best Apple deals right now: Save on MacBooks, iPhones, and more
But turning to the savvy buyer, this situation means that there are a lot more items on the “don’t buy” list than usual. But fear not, as this guide will ensure you don’t spend your money on something outdated in a few weeks.
Tariffs and trade wars
Tariffs still dominate the news. One moment they’re on, next they’re off, then they’re on again with a list of ifs, buts, and exceptions that may or may not stick around.
CNET: Tracking tariff prices: See how the new tariffs are hitting these 11 popular products
According to Apple’s July 31 earnings call, tariffs have cost the company approximately $800 million for the last quarter, with this figure expected to rise to $1.1 billion for the current quarter. So far, Apple is shouldering that burden.
So far.
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The ‘don’t buy’ list
You should give these Apple devices a pass for now, as we’ll likely see refreshed versions soon:
- iPhones: New models will arrive September/October, so unless you don’t mind running old hardware in a few days, hold off buying for now. The only exception here is the iPhone 16e that launched in March–>.
- Apple Watch: It’s likely new hardware will drop alongside the refreshed iPhone, so hold for now.
- Apple TV: Last updated in October 2022, this device is due for a refresh. Rumors suggest a fourth-gen Apple TV 4K will be announced soon.
- HomePod Mini: Released in October 2020, this is officially Apple’s oldest product. While there’s nothing technically wrong with the device, it’s hard to recommend paying full price for such old hardware.
- Vision Pro: It’s hard to bet against Apple, and it’s tough to put something with so much potential on the naughty list. However, if rumors are true that Apple will halt production because sales have slumped, it’s hard to have faith in the product. I’d hold out and see what Apple has planned. Current rumors point to a 2026 refresh.
The ‘do buy’ list
These Apple devices are worth springing for now, since it’ll be a while before we see significant hardware upgrades.
1. iPhone 16e
<!–>Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET 2. iPad and iPad Air
<!–>Apple/ZDNET The iPad Air–>, kitted out with the M3 chip, received a refresh in March. Prices start at $599 for the 11-inch version and $799 for the 13-inch version. At the time, the iPad<!–> also got a performance boost thanks to the A16 chip. Prices for this tablet start at $350.
3. MacBook Air
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Apple Both the 13-inch–> and 15-inch MacBook Air<!–> laptops got an upgrade in March 2025 to the 10-core CPU/10-core GPU M4 processor, and battery life is boosted to as much as 18 hours. Prices start at $999, but you can push the cost to $2,399 with upgrades.
4. Mac Studio
–>Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
