Search
  • Videos
  • Enterprise Software
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • AI
  • Security
  • TR Premium
  • more
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Enterprise Software
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • AI
    • Security
    • TR Premium
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • 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 China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Apple products you shouldn't buy (November 2018 edition)

6 of 7 NEXT PREV
  • 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 or 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) 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: November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • iMac

    iMac

    Guidance: It's hard to recommend buying a computer that's over a year old.

    No matter how much Apple's new "Behind the Mac" ads try to convince me that Macs have a longer lifespan than a PC, I still find it hard to recommend people spend top dollar on technology that's over a year old.

    Hardware last updated: June 2017, with the refresh bringing with it Intel Kaby Lake processors, updated displays, and faster SSDs storage

    Published: November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • iPad mini

    iPad mini

    Guidance: Steer clear!

    As the iPhone gets bigger, the case of the iPad mini gets weaker. This is doubly so if the OLED iPhone 8 ships with the rumored 5.8-inch display.

    The iPad mini is also getting old, with the September 2016 update being only a storage bump.

    There are also some pretty strong rumors that suggest Apple is getting ready to drop the iPad mini from its line up.

    Hardware last updated: Storage options and price tweaks March 2017, but underlying product based on the iPad mini from September 2015

    Published: November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • AirPods

    AirPods

    Guidance: Buy now and you might regret it when a newer version drops.

    With rumors of updated AirPods continuing to make the rounds, now may not be the time to shell out $159 on Apple's wireless earphones.

    There are also a whole raft of other cheaper earphones out there that are worth taking a look at.

    Hardware last updated: Launched December 2016

    Published: November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • iPod touch

    iPod touch

    Guidance: Old, but still works, but 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. However, the July 2017 price cut means that it's a better deal than it was a few weeks ago.

    Personally, I'd see what happens at the next iPhone launch. It's quite possible that the price cut was a way for Apple to clear stock of the 6th-generation models before making an update. Or it may be a way to clear stock before killing it off altogether.

    Either way, I'd wait and see what happens later this year.

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

    Published: November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Mac Pro

    Mac Pro

    Guidance: Avoid unless you have to.

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

    Now that Apple has confirmed that there won't be a new Mac Pro until next year (presumably so as not to cannibalize iMac Pro sales), I think that 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

    Published: November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Apple Lightning cable

    Apple Lightning cable

    Guidance: 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.

    The only time I recommend buying an Apple cable is if you want USB-C fast charging capability on the iPhone X or iPhone 8. Only the genuine Apple cable is currently compatible with this feature (some more unscrupulous sellers may claim to support fast charging, but they don't).

    Status: Too expensive

    Published: November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

6 of 7 NEXT PREV
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST) | Topic: Hardware

  • Apple TV 4K
  • iMac
  • iPad mini
  • AirPods
  • iPod touch
  • Mac Pro
  • Apple Lightning cable

While Apple carried out a big refresh of its hardware lineup in September and October, refreshing the iPhones, iPad Pro, and some of the Macs, there are plenty of other Apple products you should avoid buying in the run up to the holidays.

Read More Read Less

Mac Pro

Guidance: Avoid unless you have to.

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

Now that Apple has confirmed that there won't be a new Mac Pro until next year (presumably so as not to cannibalize iMac Pro sales), I think that 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

Published: November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST)

Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

6 of 7 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

PCs Servers Storage Networking Data Centers
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | November 16, 2018 -- 09:01 GMT (01:01 PST) | Topic: Hardware

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
  • A brief history of Apple iPad models 2010-2019 (Gallery)

    Apple's iPad exploded into the consumer tech market in April of 2010, months ahead of the first Android-powered tablet, and since then the company has sold some 400 million units. ...

  • Tech turkeys: Apple and Google dominate the year's menu of failures

    In the spirit of Festivus here is our full list of the worst technology products and services of the year.

  • 20-pin USB-C magnetic breakaway connector

    Miss the old MagSafe connector on the MacBook? Wish you could have a similar connector on your USB-C laptop? You now can, and for under $30.

  • Volta XL magnetic USB-C breakaway cable

    Do you worry that one day you'll pull on your charging cable and drag your expensive laptop to the floor, causing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of damage? The Volta XL ...

  • Doubling down: How dual-screen devices have unfolded over the years

    Dual screens have been added to smartphones, tablets, and laptops through the years with some promising advantages. However, beyond a certain portable game console line, none have ...

  • Samsung Galaxy Fold, Google Pixel 4, OnePlus 7T, Apple Watch Series 5, and more: Reviews round-up

    From folding smartphones to Google's new devices and the latest e-readers, here's the hardware we tested in October.

  • The Zendure SuperTank

    The Zendure SuperTank is an absolute beast. It can fully charge a MacBook Pro in 90 minutes, and can double your battery life. If you have a smartphone such as the iPhone XS, then you can ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2019 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums