Choosing the Right Apple Product as a Gift (or for Yourself!)

With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s a good chance you can think of someone who would love an Apple product as a gift. We’re here to break it all down for you, so come December, your gifts will already be wrapped and ready to go under the tree. Just bookmark this article, and you’ll be ready to go.

iPad & iPad mini

What is it?

Now in its 5th generation, the iconic iPad retains the fan-favorite 9.7" screen size and form factor. It features the capable Apple A9 processor and is faster than older iPad models. It may be missing a few notable features found on the iPad Pro models, such as Apple Pencil support, but it makes up for it with an attractive price. If the 9.7" screen size is too big for you, Apple also offers the 7.9" iPad mini 4.

When was the last generation released?

March 2017

Who is it for?

The iPad is for people who want a large screen to stream videos and browse the Web on its Retina Display, but don’t want to lug a laptop around. The price is also budget friendly (at least by Apple standards).

Where can I get one?

For all available iPad 2017 models, please click here.

For all available iPad mini 4 models, please click here.

iPad Pro

What is it?

The iPad Pro blurs the lines between laptop and tablet. Currently in its 2nd generation, it features some performance upgrades as well as one significant change. The 9.7" model was replaced with a larger 10.5" version. Both models house A10X Fusion chips. The iPad Pro features ProMotion technology, which delivers refresh rates of up to 120 Hz. ProMotion can also improve display quality and reduce power consumption by automatically adjusting the display refresh rate to match the movement of the content.

When was the last generation released?

June 2017

Who is it for?

The artist or graphic designer who want to draw directly on the screen; it can also be useful to traveling business professionals who don’t mind using the iOS versions of their productivity apps (i.e., Office, Pages).

Where can I get one?

For the 10.5" iPad Pro models, please click here.

For the 12.9" iPad Pro models, please click here.

MacBook

What is it?

Updated with faster Kaby Lake processors, up to a 50 percent faster SSD, and support for up to twice the memory than previous models, the latest Apple 12" MacBook provides powerful performance. Weighing just two pounds and measuring a mere 13.1mm thin, the MacBook still maintains its thin and light design for all-day, on-the-go computing.

When was the last generation released?

June 2017

Who is it for?

Designed as a thin and light laptop for light computing tasks, such as streaming videos and browsing the Web, the MacBook is great for people who travel a lot. Unlike the iPad, the MacBook provides the full macOS experience, complete with a keyboard and Force Touch trackpad.

Where can I get one?

See all 12" MacBook models here.

MacBook Pro

What is it?

With an impressive 500-nit Retina Display, the addition of Thunderbolt 3, and updated Kaby Lake™ Intel® Core™ processors, the MacBook Pro packs a lot of power into a portable design. Apple replaced the function key row with a Touch Bar, a multi-touch Retina Display located at the top of the keyboard. The Touch Bar changes depending on what you’re doing in your app, so you can surface context-specific features and controls. The addition of Touch ID also allows you to make quick, secure purchases online, as well.

When was the last generation released?

June 2017

Who is it for?

Power users who are on the go, but can’t forfeit the power and performance of a desktop computer. The MacBook Pro provides the performance professionals need without being bulky and hard to carry. If you’re looking for a Mac laptop with the best performance, you’re looking at it.

Where can I get one?

For the 13.3" models without the Touch Bar, please click here.

For the 13.3" models with the Touch Bar, please click here.

For the 15.4" models with the Touch Bar, please click here.

iMac

What is it?

Available in 27" Retina 5K and 21.5" Retina 4K models, the Apple iMac features high-res, wide-color P3 displays with 500-nit brightness and support for up to 1 billion colors. Updated with Kaby Lake Intel Core processors and AMD Radeon Pro 500-series graphics cards, the 21.5" model delivers up to three times faster performance and the 27" model is up to 50 percent more than the previous generation.

When was the last generation released?

June 2017

Who is it for?

Designed to maximize the workspace environment, the iMac can handle everyday tasks, as well as more demanding projects. If you or someone else is looking for a complete computer setup, the iMac works right out of the box, thanks to the included Magic Mouse and Keyboard.

Where can I get one?

For the 21.5" iMac (1080p) models, please click here.

For the 21.5" iMac Retina 4K models, please click here.

For the 27" iMac Retina 5K models, please click here.

Mac Pro

What is it?

As Apple’s most powerful computer, the Mac Pro is a desktop workstation that is designed for graphics-intensive work. From professional photography to pro video editing, the Mac Pro delivers the performance needed, thanks to Intel Xeon™ processors (up to 12 cores), dual workstation-class GPUs, PCIe-based flash storage, and ECC memory. Its unique cylinder design features a glossy jet black finish.

When was the last generation released?

December 2013

Who is it for?

Creative professionals who require power and speed. From professional photographers to video editors, the Mac Pro has long been a staple in the creative field.

Where can I get one?

For all Mac Pro models, please click here.

Mac mini

What is it?

The Mac mini is Apple’s entry-level desktop computer. While its performance may not be as powerful as some of Apple’s other models, it’s more than capable for everyday tasks, such as checking emails and streaming videos. It also has a compact design, which saves you valuable desktop space.

When was the last generation released?

October 2014

Who is it for?

A great starting point for first-time Apple users. The Mac mini serves as an entry-level computer for beginners. The Mac mini can also work as a home streaming device. It can connect to your TV via HDMI and its compact form factor allows it to fit inside most TV stands.

Where can I get one?

For all available Mac mini models, please click here.

Apple TV

What is it?

Turn your TV into a home media center with the Apple TV. Access your favorite video-streaming services, such as iTunes Movies, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, and more. The Apple TV 4K model delivers a vivid 4K HDR experience, thanks to its support of Dolby Vision and HDR10. It can also up-scale HD content on a 4K TV. Siri and the Apple TV app make it easy to search for your favorite TV show or movie. The Apple TV isn’t limited to just streaming videos, you can also share recent photos from your iPhone or iPad, receive media files via AirPlay, and even serve as a home hub for all your HomeKit accessories, enabling remote access, as well as automated control.

When was the last generation released?

September 2017

Who is it for?

The aspiring film critic, the binge watcher, the wire cutter (someone who gave up cable TV), or someone who simply wants to take full advantage of their 4K HDR TV.

Where can I get one?

For all Apple TV 4K models, please click here.

For the 4th-gen Apple TV (1080p) model, please click here.

Apple Watch

What is it?

Now with built-in cellular, the Apple Watch allows users to stay connected even when they don’t have their iPhones. Make calls, receive texts, make purchases with Apple Pay, and more with just the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Series 3 features an intuitive health and fitness companion with intelligent coaching features, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a new barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation.

When was the last generation released?

September 2017

Who is it for?

Fitness fanatics and users who always want to be connected. Different sizes and bands are available for you to find the right size.

Where can I get one?

For all Apple Watch Series 3 models, please click here.

New and Upcoming Releases

Even though Apple has released many new and updated products this year, the company is not quite finished yet.

The iPhone X features an all-new design, complete with an all-glass design and a 5.8" Super Retina Display (also smaller bezels!). A notable change is the lack of a home button. That’s because the iPhone X doesn’t rely on Touch ID, but instead focuses on Face ID, thanks to its new True Depth camera. You can now unlock your iPhone X by just looking at it. Add an A11 Bionic chip, wireless charging, and an improved rear camera with dual optical image stabilization, and the iPhone X is Apple’s most ambitious iPhone yet. The iPhone X will be available starting November 3, 2017.

If you’re used to the current iPhone design, you can always opt for the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 8 features a new glass and aluminum design, A11 Bionic chip, and wireless charging. The iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus have been available since September 22.

Apple gave us a sneak peek at the iMac Pro, a new workstation-class product line, back in June 2017. The all new iMac Pro will feature a 27" Retina 5K display, up to an 18-core Intel Xeon processor, and up to 22 Teraflops of graphics computation. Designed for pro users with demanding workflows, the iMac Pro will be capable of handling advanced graphics editing, virtual reality content creation, and real-time 3D rendering. The iMac Pro will start at $4,999 and will be available in December 2017.

Speaking of December 2017, Apple will also be releasing a wireless speaker called HomePod. Designed to work with an Apple Music subscription, the HomePod provides deep knowledge of personal music preferences and tastes and helps you discover new music. The HomePod will feature an Apple-designed woofer for deep, clean bass and a custom array of seven beam-forming tweeters that provide high-frequency acoustics for directional control.

Which Apple products interest you this holiday season? Do you already own some of the Apple products listed above? Let us know in the Comments section, below.