This year has been an eventful one for Apple. The company released new software, a larger MacBook Air, upgraded computer chips, the next-generation iPhone, upgraded MacBook Pros, the new Apple Watch, and announced its first mixed-reality headset.
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But what about the new AirPods? Of course, Apple has re-released the new AirPods Pro (2nd generation). However, the new AirPods only saw a software update, an upgrade to the charging case’s dust resistance, and swapped out the Lightning charging port for USB-C.
nevertheless, AirPods Pro Didn’t get any upgrades to the internal hardware or audio components. More importantly, none of the other AirPods received an upgrade, including Apple’s high-end over-ear headphones. AirPods Max. AirPods Max are closing in on their third birthday and still retail for $549 despite no hardware or software upgrades.
And where are the new iPads? It’s a question that many consumers and Apple analysts have asked throughout the year, as Apple hasn’t refreshed the iPad and iPad Pro From October 2022 iPad mini It hasn’t had a refresh since September 2021, and the iPad Air last claimed our attention in March 2022.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple didn’t have new iPads or AirPods ready in time for release ahead of the holiday shopping season. Gurman expects Apple to refresh all four iPad models next year. Gurman says the base model AirPods and AirPods Max should also be refreshed next year.
Also: MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: How to decide which Apple laptop to buy
However, avoiding Apple refreshing iPads might not be the worst business decision. Compared to the third quarter of last year, global tablet shipments fell 14.2%, according to a IDC report.
With the economy minimally improving and consumers allocating their money to buying new smartphones and PCs, tablets aren’t high on people’s tech priority lists.
So, if you’re hoping to buy a new iPad for the holidays, you won’t have a new model to choose from. Check out ZDNET’s list of Apple products you shouldn’t buy this month and the best tablets you can buy now before paying full price for last year’s technology.