As we approach the end of 2024 and head toward 2025, a new year means new Apple products. This year alone, Cupertino updated its existing lineup across multiple products; some received a major facelift, like the Mac mini, while others got a performance boost, like the new iMac. However, with Apple Intelligence becoming increasingly dominant across Apple products, Apple’s next lineup promises to showcase a powerful blend of hardware and software. This means that some Apple products may not be worth purchasing right now and are best avoided. Here is a list of four Apple devices that aren’t worth getting at the moment.
iPhone SE
The iPhone SE 4 is said to ditch the physical home button in favour of FaceID. (Image Source: AppleTrack)
The iPhone SE (Special Edition) may be the most cost-effective way to enter Apple’s ecosystem, but we would advise against buying one—even a second-hand model. Apple is rumoured to launch a new iPhone SE model in spring 2025 (possibly even earlier), and this release is expected to bring significant updates. We no longer recommend the 2022 iPhone SE (review), as the next iteration of Apple’s budget phone is just around the corner. The new model is likely to be quite different from the current iPhone SE, potentially resembling the iPhone 14 by replacing the old-school home button and fingerprint sensor with a navigation gesture system and an OLED display. We wouldn’t be surprised if the new iPhone SE includes a single 48MP rear camera—a significant upgrade over the 12MP camera in its predecessor. Expect improved battery life, a more powerful processor, and additional RAM to support Apple Intelligence. There’s plenty of potential for Apple to reimagine its budget iPhone, and considering its appeal in a market like India, Apple may be aiming to attract more Android users to iOS with the next iPhone SE model.
Mac Studio
Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max processor (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
When Apple launched the Mac Studio in 2022 (review), it was well-received for its media-intensive capabilities, though it fell short for gaming purposes. Nonetheless, this compact Mac brought impressive computing power with lower energy consumption and tighter hardware-software integration, replacing the much more expensive Intel-based Mac Pro from December 2019. However, over two years have passed since the Mac Studio’s release, and pro users are eagerly awaiting an even more powerful desktop Mac. The M2-powered Mac Studio is no longer the top-performing Mac, especially now that Apple has launched two options with the high-end M4 Pro and M4 Max chipsets. While Apple does offer an M4 Pro Mac mini, we don’t believe it provides the workstation-level performance that demanding professional users require. We recommend skipping the current Mac Studio and waiting for Apple’s next model, hopefully coming next year.
Vision Pro
Apple says ‘spatial Persona’ is available on visionOS 1.1 or later. (Express Photo)
Apple’s Vision Pro is a tour de force in mixed reality headsets, and while it is loaded with advanced technology, the response hasn’t been as phenomenal as Apple might have hoped. This is not to discredit the Vision Pro and its innovations, but the truth is that it fell short of expectations—possibly due to its high price, the lack of killer apps, discomfort after prolonged use, or a combination of all three. Nevertheless, if you’re a consumer ready to splurge on Apple’s fancy headset, we would suggest holding off and waiting for the next iteration, which is rumoured to be coming later next year or early 2026. While we can’t be sure about the launch timeline for Vision Pro 2, we do know that the second-generation headset is likely to address the issues that plagued the original Vision Pro. Improvements in comfort, an upgrade to the latest M series chip, and enhanced software (alongside Apple Intelligence) are likely to be the focal points, rather than the price.
Apple TV
The Apple TV was last updated in 2022. (Express Photo)
Although Apple has improved tvOS, the Apple TV itself (the box and hardware) feels underpowered. Even though the Apple TV (review) was last updated in 2022, the device is due for a refresh. The question remains: what is the future of Apple TV? There have been murmurs about Apple building a smart display, with a potential launch in 2025, but Apple still needs an Apple TV. While there is a lot to like about Apple TV, the concept of a streaming box paired with a TV needs a makeover.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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The iPhone SE 4 is said to ditch the physical home button in favour of FaceID. (Image Source: AppleTrack)
Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max processor (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The 
Apple says ‘spatial Persona’ is available on visionOS 1.1 or later. (Express Photo)
The Apple TV was last updated in 2022. (Express Photo)