Are These 6 Apple Products With Cult Followings Worth the Hype (and Money)?
Apple has something incredibly rare and enviable in the consumer space. Their customers don’t just like Apple products -- Apple devotees build their lives around the brand.
It’s a loyalty that isn’t totally irrational, as so many Apple products are durable, have a high resell value and are part of a rather seamless and interconnected ecosystem – so much so that many premium Apple prices feel as if they eventually pay for themselves.
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That said, some Apple products can develop an almost cult-like following among fans. It begs the question: Are these Apple products worth the hype (not to mention the money)? MoneyLion turned to six major Apple devices to answer that question.
1. iPhone 17: Worth It If You’ll Keep It
The iPhone 17 starts at $799, and offers a ProMotion display, a 48MP dual-camera system, Apple Intelligence and up to 30 hours of video playback.
While that is serious money for a phone, that is some serious tech as well. If you use the iPhone 17 constantly, stay in Apple’s ecosystem and keep the device for several years, the cost becomes fairly easy to justify.
Is it worth it?: Worth it, especially if you’re replacing a genuinely outdated phone and not just upgrading for vibes.
2. MacBook Air: One of Apple’s Better Values
The MacBook Air might just be the easiest Apple recommendation to defend. The current M5 model starts at $1,099 for the 13-inch version, with 512GB of storage standard.
It’s an all-around strong machine, with a durability and longevity that helps to offset its initial expense. If you need a laptop for school, work or creative endeavors, with the MacBook Air you’re getting something considerably more capable than what the average user needs – in a good way.
Is it worth it?: Worth it, especially if you plan to use it for years.
3. AirPods Pro 3: Surprisingly Defensible
At $249, you can’t really call AirPods Pro 3 an easy impulse-buy product. However, they offer an awful lot to offset the cost: Active noise cancellation, heart-rate sensing during workouts and many, many other upgrades. They also come with incredible Apple device integration.
If you already own an iPhone and use earbuds daily, the convenience of the AirPods Pro 3 is very real. If you barely use headphones, though, that $249 may be a little too much money for something that will end up in a drawer.
Is it worth it?: Worth it for daily users; not worth it if you’re just buying them for the flex and only occasional use.
4. Apple Watch Series 11: Mostly Worth It (But Not the Ultra)
The Series 11 Apple Watch starts at $399 and includes health apps, fitness help, sleep-tracking, safety features, and up to 24 hours of battery life.
That’s much easier to justify to your wallet than the $799 Ultra 3 version, which is packed with a number of specialized features that the average person will likely never use.
Is it worth it?: The Series 11 is reasonably worth it for active wearers; the Ultra is simply overkill and not worth the price you pay for its niche capabilities.
5. iPad Air: The Sweet Spot
The current iPad Air with M4 starts at $599 for its 11-inch Wi-Fi model, and it supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, all of which gives it enough flexibility for schoolwork, creative projects and especially entertainment.
That all matters to day-to-day users, especially when the much pricier iPad Pro is something of a too-expensive luxury purchase by comparison.
Is it worth it?: Definitely worth it for those who need a tablet, but skippable if you already have a perfectly good laptop.
6. AirTag: This Is the Apple No-Brainer
At roughly $29, AirTag is the rare Apple product that doesn’t require its own financial TED Talk. It’s a remarkably convenient device for finding lost keys, missing wallets and other misplaced valuables.
Is it worth it?: So worth it. Anyone who has ever lost their keys even once can understand why this is a must-buy, especially at that price.
The Bottom Line
Sure, Apple can sometimes have a cultish following, but it also offers a number of excellent products that define our day-to-day lives, products you’ll use constantly for years. Many of those items, though, come with ultra-expensive premium variants that you can certainly skip. Always buy the version you actually need; otherwise, you’re just spending hundreds (or even thousands) on a very expensive logo.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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