10 Apple products that have not been upgraded despite being released many years ago

In just the first three months of 2025, Apple has refreshed many of its product lines with a series of hardware upgrades. The Cupertino giant has launched the new Mac Studio, MacBook Air M4, iPad 11th generation, iPad Air M3 and the "unique" iPhone SE.

On the software side, the company has introduced Apple Invites, Apple TV for Android, Apple Intelligence for Vision Pro, and a huge food content section in News+. Notably, it has invested a whopping $500 billion and launched a long-term study in Apple Health to understand how iPhones and other devices impact users’ health.

Still, many Apple products are waiting for an update. Some haven’t been touched in years. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

Apple AirTag

Launched/Last Updated: April 2021

Apple entered a new segment in 2021 with AirTag - a coin-shaped device that helps track belongings such as keys, wallets, handbags or attaches to pet collars. iPhones can use Bluetooth, UWB and Find My networks to precisely locate AirTag. The most "un-Apple" point of AirTag is the removable CR2032 3V battery, which can be used for up to 1 year.

However, after 3 years, Apple has yet to launch an upgraded version. The next generation of AirTag is rumored to launch this year with an advanced UWB chip.

AirPods Pro

Launched/Last Updated: September 2023

The AirPods Pro were released in 2019 with the H1 chip, replaceable silicone tips, and active noise cancellation. An Apple employee revealed that the headphones were almost called AirPods Extreme. They became Apple's second-highest-end headphones after the AirPods Max, and were upgraded to a second generation in 2022.

Apple hasn't upgraded the AirPods Pro 2's audio hardware since launch, but added a USB-C port in 2023. The company also improved the AirPods Pro 2 through software, including hearing aids and head gesture controls.

2025 marks the third year without an upgrade, and Apple is expected to launch AirPods Pro 3. Previous rumors have suggested that Apple could turn AirPods Pro into a health device with a temperature sensor.

Apple Watch Ultra

Launched/Last Updated: September 2023

The Apple Watch Ultra is the company's most premium smartwatch, designed to withstand harsh conditions and have good battery life. Apple launched the first generation Ultra in 2022 and the Ultra 2 in 2023. In 2024, the company did not update the Ultra line but only added a new color option, leading to a decline in sales.

The third generation is expected to launch in 2025 alongside the Apple Watch Series 11. Previous rumors have suggested that Apple is working on integrating satellite connectivity and cameras into future Apple Watch models.

Apple Watch SE

Launched/Last Updated: September 2022

The Apple Watch SE 2 generation was launched more than 2 years ago, and Apple "killed" the SE line on the iPhone. With the iPhone 16e priced at $ 599 just sold, Apple's definition of "cheap" seems to have changed.

This raises questions about the future of the SE line and whether Apple will release an Apple Watch SE 3 for budget users. There are reports that Apple is considering using plastic instead of aluminum to reduce the price, but the design team is having trouble finding the right balance.

Apple TV 4K

Launched/Last Updated: October 2022

The latest version of the Apple TV is the 3rd generation (2022) with an A15 Bionic chip, 5-core GPU, HDMI 2.1, HDR10+ and a lighter case. This is the worst time to buy an Apple TV because there has been no hardware upgrade in 3 years. Apple is expected to release a 4th generation Apple TV 4K this year.

According to Bloomberg writer Mark Gurman, the new generation could integrate a camera after Apple adds FaceTime support to tvOS 17.

HomePod and HomePod Mini

Launched/Last Updated: February 2023 (HomePod), November 2020 (Mini)

Compared to the iPhone, Watch or MacBook, Apple's speaker segment is quite "weak". The first HomePod was launched in 2017, and was refreshed in 2023. The HomePod Mini was launched in 2020 and only got new colors.

A new HomePod Mini is expected this year, the first in five years, with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth and a new S-series chip. Apple is also working on two smart displays running HomeOS, one with a FaceTime-capable robotic arm and the other with a low-cost 7-inch OLED display. However, delays in upgrading Siri have delayed the smart home devices.

Mac Pro

Launched/Last Updated: June 2023

The Mac Pro is Apple's top-of-the-line desktop computer, but it's out of reach for many people because of its hefty price tag. Even simple accessories like the Mac Pro's wheels cost $699.

The 2023 version of the Mac Pro uses the M2 Ultra chip, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and many expansion slots. However, after this year's Mac Studio upgrade, the Mac Pro is no longer the most powerful Mac. Hopefully the next generation will use the yet-to-be-released M4 Ultra chip.

Magic Mouse

Launched/Last Updated: October 2015

Magic Mouse was launched in 2009 with multi-touch feature, generation 2 (2015) added rechargeable battery and Lightning port. However, the charging port position at the bottom of the mouse made it impossible for users to charge and use at the same time, becoming a laughing stock in the community.

Even though Apple replaces Lightning with USB-C in 2024, the port location remains unchanged. The Magic Mouse hasn't been updated in 9 years. Users are waiting for a more ergonomic design.

Studio Display

Launched/Last Updated: March 2022

The Studio Display is the successor to the Thunderbolt Display line, which was discontinued in 2016. It features an A13 Bionic chip, a 27-inch 5K Retina display, a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, and a six-way speaker system. Last year, it was reported that Apple would upgrade the display refresh rate from 60Hz to 90Hz in the next upgrade.

Here are some Apple products that haven’t been updated in a while. With Apple’s habit of “slow and steady wins the race,” some upgrades will take longer than expected. Which upgrade are you most looking forward to? Share in the comments!