Best Apple Gadgets to Own

While Apple fans catch a lot of flack for being too dedicated to the brand, the fact of the matter is that we probably all have our own reasons for getting a specific Apple gadget. For example, I got my first MacBook Pro for the integrated music software. Once you get your first Mac product, its a slippery slope to getting more, because they all integrate so well! Regardless of your motives, don't let the haters get to you, and instead enjoy this collection of the best Apple gadgets to pick up right now.

When I think about what Apple devices feature most often in my life, the Apple TV is right up there next to my iPhone as one of the most useful and overall best Apple gadgets I own. The Apple TV is the ideal tool for cable cutters like myself, or anyone else who uses streaming services like Netflix and Hulu regardless of whether they also have cable TV. You can also set up your Apple TV to watch YouTube, stream music, or to display anything from your iPhone or Macbook. More recently, Apple has introduced a 4K model, offering supremely high quality visuals for your viewing pleasure.

If you haven't already purchased Apple AirPods to go with your iPhone, then it should be at the top of your list. You have a lot of wireless earbuds to choose from in 2018, but honestly AirPods function extremely well for their price range. AirPods come standard with efficient portable chargers that offer 24 total hours of use, perfect for those long train rides or late nights out. Surprisingly ergonomic and functional without sacrificing the iconic Apple aesthetic, AirPods should be the earbuds of choice for all Apple fans.

There are a number of laptop options available for Mac users, each with their own distinct advantages. Honestly, the only one I wouldn't recommend is the regular MacBook, which today occupies the dead space between the two superior devices: the MacBook Air (which I'll get to in a moment) and the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro is slightly larger (in both screen size and thickness) and heavier than the standard model, but with this larger size comes processing power and other features that are superior in every way. If you're only computer is going to be a laptop, you need something that can do just about everything. That's exactly what the MacBook Pro is for.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the Pro is the MacBook Air. While it is not nearly as strong as the MacBook Pro, the Air offers all the basic functionality of a laptop computer with a paper-thin and feather-light construction. While the standard MacBook has certainly thinned out in recent years, the Air remains the cheapest MacBook on the market, making it perfect for students or anyone looking for simple computer functions like internet browsing and word processing.

Depending on your lifestyle, you may or may not feel you have a need for an iPad in your life. If you find yourself wanting to watch Netflix in bed or play some games on a screen bigger than your phone, the iPad can help you out. Personally, for such uses, I definitely prefer the iPad Mini over other options. In addition to being the cheapest iPad you can get, the smaller size is much more convenient for such purposes. The iPad Mini can also be used for more practical applications, but if practicality is your goal, you may be more interested in the iPad Pro, which also features on this list.

Just like how different MacBooks suit different needs, you may want to consider a different iPad depending on your situation. At 12.9 inches and packed with some considerable (and expensive) processing power, the iPad Pro isn't for everyone. At this level of functionality, my recommendation would be to compare the iPad Pro to the MacBook Air. If you are only using the MacBook for internet browsing and not typing as much, you may find more versatility with the similarly-priced iPad Pro and a clip-on keyboard. The other type of person who should get the iPad Pro is a professional with a stationary home computer (like an iMac) who needs a powerful mobile device, but doesn't need a whole laptop.

Just like with many other devices on this list, I have two different Apple iPhones. Like any tech company worth its salt, Apple offers varying styles of products to suit different needs. The best Apple gadgets for you will depend on your needs and preferences. The iPhone X was released in November 2017, and marked a new departure from the iPhone's traditional design. The home button is no more, and with it has gone Apple's Touch ID unlocking technology, to be replaced with facial recognition software. This new design optimizes screen size relative to the size of the phone itself, and has largely been a success. If you're looking for an iPhone upgrade, the X (pronounced "ten," by the way) is tough to beat, especially when you consider some of the best iPhone X accessories to go along with it.

The iPhone 8 Plus is a strategic buy for those looking to upgrade their iPhone. It is not officially the most advanced model on the market, but it is the largest, making it potentially a better choice for those uninterested in owning both a phone and an iPad. Additionally, most of the new internal tech introduced in the X is also available on the 8 Plus, meaning you won't be too far behind the curve. The cherry on top is that the 8 Plus actually has slightly longer battery life as well. For those of us who have yet to move on from the iPhone 6S (guilty), the 8 Plus is likely to be a less jarring upgrade than the X, not to mention the reduced price tag.

Smart watches aren't for everybody. After all, part of the benefit of smartphones like the iPhone (or really, all phones!) was that we no longer needed to wear a watch to access the time on the go. Some of the augmentative features of the latest Apple Watch integrate extremely well with your other Apple gadgets however, meaning it may be time to consider getting one of these bad boys if you have been hesitant thus far. In addition to allowing you to access messages and notifications without taking your phone out of your pocket, the Apple Watch Series 3 is water resistant and includes a boundary breaking built-in fitness tracker.

Unlike with the MacBooks and iPads, I'm not including the standard desktop iMac on this list. The iMac Pro is a hefty investment, but if you're going to get a desktop computer, I wholly recommend you get one of the best apple gadgets on the market. Right now, that spot belongs to the 27" iMac Pro, which features a Retina 5K display, 32GB of memory, and a 1TB solid state drive. If you don't need the full functionality of these impressive system, I would really recommend you pick out a MacBook instead of a weaker iMac.