Apple continues to be one of the leading brands for tech users going hand-in-hand with Samsung as being one of the most frequently bought products. Along with its latest iPhone 14, Apple Watch Ultra and MacBook Air M2, we've rounded up the best products to buy in 2023.
Choosing what Apple product to buy in 2023 can be tricky as the Californian firm is partial to multiple product launches and updates each year, including last year's Far Out Event to launch the latest iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro and the recent 2023 WWDC event.
As many Apple customers will know, its continuous software updates can make gadgets feel as good as new and allow users to upgrade settings and tech features on older models. This can be a free way of upgrading an older iPhone 12 for example, but this is only available to do on selected models.
At the 2023 WWDC launch event, Apple unveiled a host of new products that will be available to buy later this year (expected around September 2023) including a new 15-inch MacBook Air and a virtual reality headset, the first of its kind from the company.
The Apple Vision Pro is the first spatial computer fitted with an all-new Vision OS software. This will allow users to feel as though they are physically interacting with their digital content through its 3D camera displays. It's the next best product to hit Apple this 2023 and is expected to be a big hit with the gaming world.
Whether you're looking to save money and buy an older iPhone or MacBook or waiting to get your hands on the newest Apple product, we've rounded up the best products to buy so far in 2023 in terms of design, spec and those all-important features.
Apple MacBook Air M2 - new 15-inch model
When it comes to buying a MacBook in 2023 we'd recommend either the 2022 MacBook Air M2 model or the brand-new 15-inch MacBook Air model which was unveiled at the WWDC event.
The 2023 15-inch MacBook Air is available to preorder now for £1,399 and sits at £200 more expensive than the standard 13-inch screen size. Both devices are fitted with its M2 processing chip. Before this the latest upgrade to MacBook Air was in 2020 with the release of the smaller M1 model.
As with any tech launch, the newer model launch brings down the price of the now 'old' MacBook Air (2022's version) which can be bought for a lot less as providers start to implement price drops. As the only big change is the screen size we'd recommend shoppers to go for this product too, if the newer 2023 version is out of budget.
Best iPhones to buy in 2023
As it stands, the iPhone 14 Series is the most recent model shoppers can buy, and includes the standard iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and the biggest iPhone 14 Pro Max. Looking at the usual Apple calendar there is expected to be another model introduced to the line-up this year, the iPhone 15 Series, but its details, price and date are yet to be confirmed.
Once the annual new series is announced for 2023 the iPhone 14 Series will stay as a top contender to buy this year, just like the iPhone 13 Pro did during the release of the iPhone 14 Series. Prices are expected to drop too to make way for the iPhone 15 Series, despite the iPhone 14 being fully compatible with the new iOS 17 software.
Prices range from £849 for the standard iPhone 14 model and rise up to starting prices of £1,199 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Despite being launched last year Apple continues to feature upgrades, including the 2023 launch of the handset in Yellow.
This is why our own tech reviewer at The Mirror refers to it as Apple's 'best model yet' mainly down to its major rehaul on the selfie and back cameras.
In his review, Stefan Mieszek said: "Everyday tasks like scrolling the web, messaging, emails, and notetaking are flawless on the iPhone 14. The phone is able to handle most things you might choose to throw at it without breaking a sweat.
"Where it really shines though is the camera, which has seen a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The camera module on the iPhone 14 is slightly bigger, which is necessary to accommodate the wide-angle camera sensor and optics.
"If you're in the market for a new phone but don't want to blow your budget on a high-end Pro model, you'll be hard-pushed to beat the iPhone 14."
Best performing Apple Watch to buy this 2023
Similar to the release of the iPhone 14 range, Apple unveiled two flagship Apple watches in the autumn of 2022, topping our list as the top recommendations to buy so far this year.
Of course, in line with Apple's launch calendar, we could expect to see more models added in time for Christmas, but for now the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra are the best up-to-date models to buy in 2023. Both are compatible with Apple's latest WatchOS10 software too, which was unveiled at the WWDC launch event in California.
Now let's get onto the differences between the two to help you decide which is best to buy. Of course the biggest differentiating factor between the two models is price, with the Apple Watch Ultra costing £849 compared to the £419 price tag on the Series 8 Apple Watch.
The Ultra is designed to be more durable, aimed towards avid sport goers, water resistant upto 100 metres, with a built-in siren and made out of a titanium structure. In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 8 is arguably designed for those who're looking for a tech accessory to pair with their iPhone but aren't likely to be climbing mountains or deep sea diving with it.
Best iPad choice for 2023 - The iPad Pro 6th Generation
Apple released a handful of iPads last year so there is quite a selection of new models to choose from including the iPad Air 5th Generation, the iPad 10th Generation and the iPad Pro 6th Generation.
Despite Apple customers having three new iPad models to choose from, one stands out from the rest with its M2 processor, the same tech that's featured in the most up-to-date MacBook Air M2 model as well as being in the brand new 15-inch MacBook Air.
If you're looking to buy an iPad in 2023 we'd recommend the current iPad Pro 6th Generation with its 12.9-inch screen and 120Hz screen refresh rate, often dubbed 'the ultimate iPad' by tech experts including those at Wired.
Best 2023 Apple product for your home - HomePod 2 Generation
The HomePod is Apple's own version of a smart speaker, often dubbed as a higher-end alternative compared to Amazon's Echo Dot devices, currently £299 at Apple, John Lewis and Currys. Fitted with Siri voice activation its a smart speaker designed for both playing music around the house and connecting to home devices.
The HomePod also lets users request weather updates, check the news and search the internet all by using the 'Hey Siri' commands. It's arguably the biggest feature which gets many users batting it against the more affordable Alexa product from Amazon, altough more expensive at £299 the HomePod 2 Generation is designed to sync with fellow Apple products; iPhone, iPad, MacBook and even a smart Apple TV.
The newest HomePod 2nd Generation was released in 2022, two years after its first release of the HomePod back in 2020. As it stands its remains the most up-to-date model to buy in 2023, and there's not another release to hit the market anytime soon.
