Don’t you just hate it when you buy a new device and the next version comes out a month later? This article will help you learn the best time to buy Apple products.
Apple Release Schedule
Like any major corporation, Apple releases products on a schedule. Only a few senior Apple employees know the product roadmap. The rest of us make educated guesses based on history and rumors. For example, you probably don’t want to buy a new iPhone in August, as Apple has an established pattern of releasing new models in September and October. This wasn’t always the case. Prior to the iPhone 4S, iPhones were released in the summer.
Buying an Apple product at the wrong time is a frustrating experience. Not only are you buying the old model, but you’re paying a premium price. Apple often sells older models at a discount as new ones are released. You can usually get the new device for the same price as the previous model. Before you buy anything, make sure to do your homework.
The Right Time to Buy Apple Products
The Mac Rumors Buyer’s Guide is the best resource for timing Apple Product purchases. The top of the page features a list of Apple products. The green, yellow, or red “lights” next to each product provide purchasing recommendations. The green icon means it’s a good idea to buy the product now. Yellow means you should buy it only if you really need it. A red icon indicates that the product is overdue for a refresh — don’t buy it.
Clicking on one of the products (or scrolling down the page) reveals more details. One can see how many days it has been since the current model was released. There’s also a list of rumor articles next to each model. These may provide information about the future model’s features. If the features aren’t compelling, you might choose to go ahead and buy something now.
Of course, many rumors are hyped exaggerations aimed at increasing website traffic. We’ve all heard about the larger iPhone and iTV (all-in-one Apple TV set) for years. Many of these articles have absolutely no basis in reality. It’s someone’s wish list that they have perverted into a prophecy. Look for the evidence. A good rumor article will have leaked photos or information from suppliers, indicating Apple’s direction.
Apple is very tight-lipped about the future of their products. Sometimes they will even lead the media in the wrong direction with vague indications, like Tim Cook mentioning he’s interested in wearable computing. That’s not to say that the iWatch or other wearable products won’t be released. However, this statement provided no insight as to what Apple would release next.
Apple is one of the most secretive corporations on the planet. They wouldn’t announce a product like Google Glass, where the device has been out in the open for years before final release. Both strategies generate hype. Apple keeps quiet and lets the blogosphere generate hype. Google announces products, such as Glass, Loon, and self-driving cars, years before they are released. The only thing predictable about Apple is that there will be something new and exciting. If you follow the Mac Rumors Buyer’s Guide, you’ll be less likely to buy an Apple product right before the next version is released.