It can be difficult to know the right time to buy new tech. Some purchases you should hold off on either because the technology is not ready yet, or because prices are likely to move lower soon. Other purchases are somewhat future-proof because they include a new technology or platform that is likely to be supported for years to come. Let’s look at two such products you can safely buy now, and three that you should hold off on purchasing.
Buy now: any recent Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy S
Enjoy software support until 2032
If you’re going to buy a new phone, getting a new Pixel 10 or any Samsung Galaxy S25 (including the S25 Edge that we tested against the iPhone Air) model ensures you’ll have software updates for at least seven years, as promised by both Google and Samsung. That theoretically means seven years of security patches and new versions of Android, up to Android 23. Not only does that mean you’ll get new features and software experiences, but going with a new Pixel or Galaxy S also helps resale value.
Buy now: any Apple computer with Apple Silicon
Performance + energy efficiency + strong resale
When Apple unveiled the first M-series processor in 2020, the response was very positive. Since Apple now controls the hardware, software, and silicon in its PCs, it can optimize in ways no other manufacturer can. The efficiency and performance of the M-series chips were and continue to be off the charts. Best of all, going with a computer powered by Apple silicon means at least seven years of software updates, plus the added benefit of very strong resale value (like the latest Pixels and Galaxy S phones, as mentioned above).
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Wait: AI gadgets
It’s too early to pick winners; don’t be left with a paperweight
While AI is all the rage, don’t be tempted to buy AI gadgets just yet, like the Humane AI Pin (which no longer works) or the Rabbit R1, both of which were majorly flawed and were supposed to usher in our screenless future with omnipresent AI.
These early AI devices were just worse ways to access AI than just using your phone. They had awful battery life, would often hallucinate, and they’re tied to large language models (LLMs) that may or may not exist once the AI space gets more mature — meaning, you are likely to be left with a brick if and when there’s a pivot in LLM technology. Not only that, but these first-generation devices are expensive ($700 for the Humane AI Pin and $200 for the R1) and require a monthly subscription or a dedicated SIM card and plan to access data.
However, that tide is turning. Devices like the Plaud Note and Soundcore Work we saw at IFA 2025 give a better indication of what’s to come for AI gadgets.
Wait: 8K TVs
The content is not there and won’t be for years
Streaming 8K, which is an insane resolution of 7680×4320 pixels, translates to 33 million pixels of data. That’s four times more resolution than 4K, and it requires an internet connection of at least 100mbps to work because you’re going to be streaming 20-30GB of data per hour. Because of that, with the exception of YouTube (which has a relatively small library of 8K, mostly of birds and rivers), we are years away from 8K content being available on Netflix or any other streaming platform, for that matter. While you can buy 8K TVs today, you’ll pay a nearly 50% premium to do so, and you’ll be left with a very high-quality panel for which there’s almost no content. So do yourself a favor and don’t buy an 8K TV right now unless you want to rely on YouTube bird videos.
Wait: folding phones
Prices are going to come down a lot once Apple enters the arena in late 2026
If you already own a folding phone, you’re probably pretty happy with it. Folding phones offer tremendous versatility and are finally thin and light enough to feel like regular phones when closed, and expansive tablets when open.
But if you’re in the market to buy a new folding phone, you’d be better off waiting. Towards the end of 2026, Apple is expected to announce its first folding phone. And we know that when Apple does something (despite Samsung making amazing folding phones for now seven years), the competition heats up and prices come down. Prices for folding phones are still very high (not to mention the laptop-priced Samsung Trifold unveiled fully at CES 2026), and while we’re still years away from foldable prices coming down to a level comparable to a regular flagship, you’re going to see prices come down on folding phones from late 2026 into 2027 as demand and competition surges for this new form factor as Apple enters the arena. So wait on buying a folding phone, for now.
Other considerations when timing a tech purchase
It’s not easy to know the right time to buy a piece of tech. One major consideration is how many years the manufacturer is expected to offer support. This support means you’ll continue to get new features and security updates, plus it means you’ll have a much stronger resale value. Also, it’s important not to make tech purchases based on new technology like 8K or AI wearables until the technology is more established.
