Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

10 Apple gadgets you shouldn't buy (May 2019 edition)

4 of 10 NEXT PREV
  • iPhone XS

    iPhone XS

    Why you should avoid: The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are now both entering the latter half of their lifecycle. While you will still get years of service from an iPhone XS that you buy now (assuming the battery lasts... or you get it changed, because that seems to be a consumable part), be aware that as September comes around, new handsets will roll out.

    Hardware last updated: September 2018.

    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • iPad

    iPad

    Why you should avoid: While the iPad Air and iPad mini have seen a refresh, the iPad it now a year old, and rumors seem to suggest that a new model is imminent.

    Hardware last updated: March 2018.

    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • MacBook

    MacBook

    Why you should avoid: Paying the sort of money that Apple is asking for the MacBook for technology that is now a stone's throw away from being two years old doesn't make sense.

    Hardware last updated: June 2017.

    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Apple Watch Series 4

    Apple Watch Series 4

    Why you should avoid: Much as with the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, the Apple Watch Series 4 is now entering the latter half of its lifecycle, and we could be seeing a refresh in September. So if you've held out on upgrading this far, you might want to hold on a few more months.

    Hardware last updated: September 2018.

    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • MacBook Pro

    MacBook Pro

    Why you should avoid: The 13- and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros were updated on July 12, 2018, so as Macs go they're not that old. While I wouldn't say that you should avoid this, the fact that they are based on Intel's Kaby Lake processors, which have been superseded by Cannon Lake, and that they appear to suffer from a cable flex issue that's expensive to fix, I'm saying spend your money cautiously.

    Hardware last updated: July 2018.

    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Apple Lightning cable

    Apple Lightning cable

    Why you should avoid: Buy something cheaper that will last you longer!

    I would never buy another Lightning cable from Apple, as there are far better alternatives on offer from companies such as Anker, Amazon, Nomad, and Paracable.

    But what about USB-C-to-Lightning I hear you ask? Well, now you have an option outside of Apple now that there are third-party options.

    Anker has released its own Powerline II USB-C-to-Lightning cable, which is fully compliant with Apple's Made For iPhone (MFi) standard.

    Another MFi-compliant third-party cable is available from Choetech, which has a 6-foot cable that appears to be more durable than Apple's offering.

    Status: Too expensive!

    best gift picks

    • CNET: Early Bird Gift Guide
    • TechRepublic: Gear for non-techies
    • Chowhound
    • Rachael Ray Show
    • ET Live
    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • HomePod

    HomePod

    Why you should avoid: The current HomePod is a first-generation device that was released over a year ago to offer a challenge to devices such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home speaker. But a year old in the tech industry is a long time, and so it might be worthwhile holding out on buying one until we get a clearer idea of whether Apple is planning a refresh. 

    Hardware last updated: February 2018.

    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Mac Pro

    Mac Pro

    Why you should avoid: Old, outdated, and Apple has already teased us with a replacement due in 2019.

    Once the apex of Apple's computer line, the Mac Pro is now a dinosaur.

    Now that Apple has confirmed that there will be a new Mac Pro this year, the old Mac Pro should be off everyone's list (unless you absolutely rely on it and you have to replace one that's been taken out of action).

    Hardware last updated: Price cut April 2017, but the Mac Pro has been unchanged since December 2013.

    best gift picks

    • CNET: Early Bird Gift Guide
    • TechRepublic: Gear for non-techies
    • Chowhound
    • Rachael Ray Show
    • ET Live
    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Apple TV 4K

    Apple TV 4K

    Guidance: Probably not going to see a refresh this year, so it's worth it if you feel like paying top dollar for last year's tech.

    Apple's 5th-generation Apple TV 4K, built around the A10X Fusion processor and coming with a choice of 32GB or 64GB of storage, was last updated over a year ago. It's still a great device, but the starting price of $179 feels hefty for something over a year old.

    Don't be confused between this and the 4th-generation Apple TV (without the 4K branding) which is also still for sale. This was first released October 2015.

    Hardware last updated: The 5th-generation Apple TV 4K was launched September 2017

    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • iPod touch

    iPod touch

    Why you should avoid: Old, still works, but far expensive for what it is now.

    This one is tricky. The hardware of the iPod touch was last updated back in July 2015, which means that by modern standards it's getting quite long in the tooth. 

    Since Apple didn't refresh the iPod touch alongside the iPhone XS, it's quite possible that Apple is going to milk this old piece of hardware for as long as possible. If you don't want an iPhone, have an ancient iPod instead.

    Hardware last updated: Storage options and price tweaks July 2017, but underlying product based on the iPod touch from July 2015.

    best gift picks

    • CNET: Early Bird Gift Guide
    • TechRepublic: Gear for non-techies
    • Chowhound
    • Rachael Ray Show
    • ET Live
    Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

4 of 10 NEXT PREV
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT) | Topic: Apple

  • iPhone XS
  • iPad
  • MacBook
  • Apple Watch Series 4
  • MacBook Pro
  • Apple Lightning cable
  • HomePod
  • Mac Pro
  • Apple TV 4K
  • iPod touch

iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple gadgets you shouldn't buy.

Read More Read Less

Apple Watch Series 4

Why you should avoid: Much as with the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, the Apple Watch Series 4 is now entering the latter half of its lifecycle, and we could be seeing a refresh in September. So if you've held out on upgrading this far, you might want to hold on a few more months.

Hardware last updated: September 2018.

Published: May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT)

Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

4 of 10 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

iPhone Hardware Mobility Smartphones Tablets iOS
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | May 1, 2019 -- 12:53 GMT (05:53 PDT) | Topic: Apple

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • ESR HaloLock MagSafe stands for Apple iPhone 12 review: Affordable, functional accessories

    MagSafe is one of the best Apple technologies that combines wireless charging with the ability to easily and securely mount your Apple iPhone. The latest accessories from ESR and ...

  • Presidio Perfect-Clear and Shieldview Glass for iPhone 12 Pro Max: Clear protection for the front and back

    Apple's new iPhone 12 devices have some cool color options and the best way to enjoy the colors is with a clear case. Speck also offers a compelling glass screen protector so together ...

  • Diamond Dog screen protector for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max: Affordable, clear, and easy to install

    While today's modern glass displays are designed to handle more abuse than in the past, they can still scratch or break so the first thing I do with a new phone is to install a screen protector. ...

  • Has your iPhone or iPad stopped charging? Check this first!

    Has your iPhone or iPad suddenly and unexpectedly stopped charging? Or has charging become slow, or is charging intermittent even though the cable is plugged in and the charger is ...

  • Apple M1 questions

    I've just again re-watched Apple's M1 chip unveiling event, and I'm left with more questions than answers.

  • Apple Silicon M1 chip -- in pictures

    Here's what we know about Apple's new M1 SoC.

  • Silicon Mac first look: Everything unveiled at Apple's 'One More Thing' event [pictures]

    CEO Tim Cook and Company show off next generation Mac computers and a whole lot more...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums