What Apple Devices Should You Buy in July 2025? Complete Buyer’s Guide

What to Buy, What to Wait For, and What to Avoid

With Apple’s September 2025 event just weeks away, it’s a critical time to decide whether to buy now or hold off. The latest M4 Macs and refreshed AirPods 4 are excellent buys—but for iPhones and Apple Watch, it’s better to wait. This guide helps you shop smart across Apple’s ecosystem.

🎉 Welcome, Apple Lovers and Design Enthusiasts! 🍎✨

Everything you're about to read comes straight from my personal experience as a professional UI designer and a dedicated Apple fanboy. I live and breathe Apple products—not just because I love their ecosystem, but because I use these devices daily in my design workflow.

This guide is based on real-world usage, expert reviews, and carefully curated online recommendations—all to help you make smarter Apple buying decisions in 2025.

💻 Mac & MacBook Buyer’s Guide

If you're buying a Mac in 2025, the MacBook Air (M4) models are the best overall choice — efficient, modern, and future-proof. The iMac 24" (M4) and Mac Mini (M4) are also excellent picks for desktop users. If you're looking for power, the MacBook Pro (2023, M3 Pro/Max) remains a top-tier option even after newer releases. For budget-conscious shoppers, older models like the MacBook Air (M2/M3) or Mac Mini (M2/Pro) offer good value if discounted. However, you may want to wait on the MacBook Pro (2024, M4 Pro/Max) and Mac Studio (2024), as M5 upgrades are expected in late 2025. Avoid Intel-based Macs, older M1 models, and Touch Bar MacBook Pros due to aging hardware and limited support. The Mac Pro (2023) and Pro Display XDR are also not recommended, as major redesigns or updates are likely on the horizon.

📱 iPhone Buyer’s Guide (iPhone 12 – iPhone 16 Series)

For most buyers in 2025, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series are the best picks — they offer the latest features, long-term support, and excellent performance. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 models still hold up well if found at a discount. However, the iPhone 12 series is now dated, with aging internals and nearing end of software support — best avoided unless on a very tight budget.

⌚ Apple Watch Buyer’s Guide

The current Apple Watch lineup is led by the Series 10 and Ultra 2, both featuring the latest chips and solid performance, but a refresh is expected in September 2025—making it worth waiting if you can. The Series 9 and Ultra (1st gen) remain capable and are good choices if found at a discount. The SE (2nd gen) is still a strong budget pick, while the SE (1st gen), Series 8, and older models like the Series 7 are outdated and should generally be avoided due to aging hardware and limited future support.

🎧 AirPods Buyer’s Guide

The current AirPods lineup is led by the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) with the H2 chip, offering the best overall experience. The Lightning version is still great but has been replaced. The regular AirPods (3rd Gen) are decent if found at a discount, though a 4th-gen refresh is expected in late 2025. Older models like the AirPods Pro (1st Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen) are now outdated and best avoided. AirPods Max remain capable, but a new version is anticipated around 2026–2027.

📱 iPad Buyer’s Guide

Apple's current iPad lineup is stronger than ever, with the iPad Pro (2024) featuring the powerful M4 chip, though it's best to wait if not urgent, as updates are expected in late 2025. The M3 iPad Air (2025) in both 11" and 13" sizes is a top-tier buy, while the M2 iPad Air (2024) remains a good option if discounted. The iPad (11th Gen) with the A16 chip is a solid base model, replacing the now outdated 10th and 9th Gen models. Meanwhile, the iPad mini (2024) with A17 Pro is highly recommended, though a redesigned OLED model is due in 2026. Older models, especially those with A14 or earlier chips, are generally not recommended due to aging hardware and limited long-term support.

🏠 Home & Entertainment

Apple’s home and accessories lineup is mostly stable, with the HomePod (2nd Gen) and AirTag (1st Gen) still good purchases, though both are due for updates by late 2025. The Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) with the A15 chip is solid but approaching the end of its cycle, so it’s best to wait if possible. The HomePod mini, powered by the older S5 chip, is still functional but expected to receive a refresh soon.

🥽 Apple Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro (1st Gen), powered by the M2 and R1 chips, is a cutting-edge mixed-reality headset aimed at developers and early adopters. While it's a technological showcase, most users should wait, as a second-generation model is expected around 2026–2027 with improved hardware and a likely price drop.

🔧 OS - Software Status – July 2025

Apple is expected to release its next major software updates — iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 ("Tahoe"), watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 2 — in September 2025. These updates will build on the current iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and others, bringing new features and improvements across all Apple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔹 What is the best MacBook to buy in July 2025?

The best MacBooks to buy right now are the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air (M4). They offer excellent performance, battery life, and portability at a reasonable price. The MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/Max) is powerful but should be avoided until the M5 refresh expected later this year.

🔹 Should I buy an iPhone in July 2025?

No, it’s best to wait. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, which will offer new features and performance improvements over the current iPhone 16 models.

🔹 Is it a good time to upgrade to Apple Watch?

Only if you absolutely need one. The Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are expected in September 2025, so it’s better to wait just a few more weeks.

🔹 Are the M4 Macs worth buying?

Yes, the M4-based Macs—especially the MacBook Air, Mac Mini, and 24-inch iMac—are among the best Apple devices you can buy today. They're efficient, powerful, and built for the future macOS updates.

🔹 What is the latest version of iOS in July 2025?

As of July 2025, the current version is iOS 18, and the iOS 26 update is scheduled for September 2025, bringing new features across Apple devices.

🔹 When will Apple release the next AirPods Pro?

Apple is expected to release updated AirPods Pro later in 2025 with improved audio, design, and possibly health-related features. If you can wait, it’s worth holding off.

🔹 What iPad should I buy right now?

The best iPads to buy are the iPad Air (M3) and the 11-inch iPad (A16). They offer great value and performance. Avoid the older 9th and 10th-gen iPads.

🔹 Should I upgrade to Apple Vision Pro now?

Only if you're an early adopter or developer. For general consumers, it's better to wait until the second-generation model arrives in 2026–2027, as the ecosystem is still maturing.

💡 Tip: The September 2025 event will likely introduce iPhone 17 Series, Apple Watch Series 11, and updated AirPods Pro—wait if you want the latest tech!

If you're passionate about Apple gear, tech aesthetics, and design-focused workflows, I’ve got you covered beyond this guide.

👉 Follow me on Instagram @muzamildzn for more Apple updates, product reviews, and design inspiration—all from a designer’s point of view. Let’s geek out over great tech, together. 💻📱✨