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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The long-awaited iPhone 17 has landed, and the Air replaces the Plus.
- Apple Watch also gets a refresh, with the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3.
- iPhone pricing hints at Apple passing on some of the tariff costs to consumers.
OK, so Apple has had its biggest update of the year, and the next generation of powerhouse gadgets that will pull billions of dollars into the company has landed. Yes, I’m talking about the iPhone 17, which is now available (if you haven’t got your order in, the current wait for most models seems to be about two to three weeks through Apple), and by now, already in the hands of millions.
I’m very impressed by the battery life on my new iPhone 17 Pro Max<!–>, but I’ll be treating the battery in this one a bit differently.
There is also a new line of Apple Watches–>, including the Series 11<!–> and even a new Ultra 3–>, to replace the now two-year-old Ultra 2. There’s an update to the budget SE line, with the release of the SE 3<!–>, too. The Ultra 3–> has replaced my Ultra 2 after two years of hard service, and I’m really impressed by the display — it’s brighter, clearer, and much more responsive than the one on the older model.
Also: The best Apple deals right now: Save on MacBooks, iPhones, and more
There was a big AirPods Pro upgrade, in the form of the AirPods Pro 3<!–>, as well. I’m blown away by the comfort, audio clarity, and improved noise cancellation on these new buds.
While all that seems like a big update, there are plenty more Apple updates rumored for 2025 and early 2026. These could include a budget iPhone 17e, a new Apple Vision Pro, an updated Home Hub, a HomePod Mini 2, an Apple TV, a M5 chip-powered iPad Pro, a MacBook Pro, a MacBook Air, and an updated AirTag. That’s a lot.
So, what’s safe to buy now, and what’s best avoided?
The ‘don’t buy’ list
These are the Apple devices I recommend giving a pass for now, as we’ll likely see refreshed versions soon:
- 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 before the end of the year.
- iPad Pro: Last updated in May 2024, this is now well over the year-old mark with the same price tag it had on day one. Pass.
- 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, and rumors of an imminent update are circulating.
- 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 buying now, since it’ll be a while before we see significant hardware upgrades.
1. iPhone 17 series
The iPhone 17–> is now available, sporting a faster A19 and A19 Pro processor, a better camera, and better battery…
Also: Should you upgrade to an iPhone 17 Pro from last year’s model? I am – here’s why
The reviews almost write themselves by now. For those with too much money, Apple now offers the iPhone 17 Pro Max with 2TB of storage for a reassuring $1,999<!–>. There’s also a new iPhone model, the ultra-thin (well, excluding the big camera bulge at the top) iPhone Air–>, which seems to replace the iPhone Plus line and attempts to unify Apple’s buzzwords.
2. Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3
Also: I tried the Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and SE – what the keynote didn’t tell you
There’s a new Apple Watch at every price point, from $249 for the SE 3<!–> to $899 for the Ultra 3 with the neat titanium Milanese band–>.
3. AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 get some big upgrades, including improved noise cancellation, better audio quality, increased battery life, and a new feature – heart rate detection. This is an interesting shift for Apple since it moves some of the core functionality found in the Apple Watch to another device.
Also: I replaced my AirPods Max with the AirPods Pro 3 for flights, and it’s been a game-changer
Are you excited to get your hands on the new AirPods Pro 3? I am, too, but you could save a few bucks by waiting until the Black Friday deals roll by. They could even be on sale during October Prime Day. Traditionally, this is a product that gets discounted.
Who knows? You might save yourself $50.
4. iPad and iPad Air
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.
5. MacBook Air
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.
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6. Mac Studio
Apple’s pro-grade alternative to the Mac mini also saw a serious processing boost in March 2025, with the M4 Max–> and M3 Ultra<!–> offered in a range of configurations. Prices start at $1,999 but can reach $14,099 for a fully tricked-out system.
