Other Does anyone else feel pressure to buy either the latest iPhone, or at least a 'Pro' model?

[1@@@]

The notch is gone. That says it all.

You straight up don't know that.

 

[NO1EYENO]

Probably the most materialistic post I've ever made. It's going to sound a little silly but it's been on my mind for a little while and thought I'd see if anyone else feels similarly. Hear me out.

Does anyone else feel the pressure to have either the latest device, or at the very least a 'Pro' phone?

I have a 13 mini and it ticks so many boxes - small, practical, can be used one handed, light, good battery etc. It really works for me in a lot of ways.

But I always feel I'm 'missing out' on not having a Pro phone, even though I wouldn't use any of the additional features. Sure, 120hz, a better battery and a bigger screen are all nice things, but I definitely don't need them.

It's more the status of having a 'Pro' phone.

Even though it would be so awkward for me - the weight, the bulk with a case, the need for two hands, and the price premium - for some reason I still feel I 'need' one.

Is it an image thing? Do I sub-consciously think that people will think less of me because I have a 13 mini instead of a Pro? Am I thinking they're wondering whether I can't afford a more expensive phone rather than it being a choice? To be blunt, are non-Pro phones viewed as less "cool"? (ugh I feel so old putting the word cool in quotations).

I know come September, even though the 13 mini is fine, I'll still be thinking I need to buy the 14 Pro because it's the latest phone.

I know none of this should matter, it's materialistic, and most people couldn't care less, but why do I still think that way?

If you like Low Light Photography or Like a Really wide angle lens then Up Grade otherwise be Happy with what you have. Real Status is not giving a S _ _ T. I drive a Tesla in California and I have a Hyundai in Thailand and I am Happy with Both. Coming from a Twin Turbo V8 550 CLS Mercedes to a Hyundai No Problem. Freedom from wanting things is the way to be. I Love my PRO for the Camera not Status my other Camera is a Nikon 36mp with a 15-30mm F2.8 lens. Do I need a 62mp Sony? It would be nice but only nice and I don't Need. Photography Teaches you too See........

 

[Reno Raines]

Probably the most materialistic post I've ever made. It's going to sound a little silly but it's been on my mind for a little while and thought I'd see if anyone else feels similarly. Hear me out.

Does anyone else feel the pressure to have either the latest device, or at the very least a 'Pro' phone?

I have a 13 mini and it ticks so many boxes - small, practical, can be used one handed, light, good battery etc. It really works for me in a lot of ways.

But I always feel I'm 'missing out' on not having a Pro phone, even though I wouldn't use any of the additional features. Sure, 120hz, a better battery and a bigger screen are all nice things, but I definitely don't need them.

It's more the status of having a 'Pro' phone.

Even though it would be so awkward for me - the weight, the bulk with a case, the need for two hands, and the price premium - for some reason I still feel I 'need' one.

Is it an image thing? Do I sub-consciously think that people will think less of me because I have a 13 mini instead of a Pro? Am I thinking they're wondering whether I can't afford a more expensive phone rather than it being a choice? To be blunt, are non-Pro phones viewed as less "cool"? (ugh I feel so old putting the word cool in quotations).

I know come September, even though the 13 mini is fine, I'll still be thinking I need to buy the 14 Pro because it's the latest phone.

I know none of this should matter, it's materialistic, and most people couldn't care less, but why do I still think that way?

I did for a few years and then stopped. I realized for me I was wasting money. I have bought the new SE but am still using an 8 plus daily.

 

[Htsi]

Whatever gives you that hit of dopamine

 

[arkitect]

When I had my first gen iPhone SE, I couldn’t care less about what people could think about my iPhone. Even more, I felt pretty proud of using such a small, compact and stylish smartphone (at that time). Despite being the most affordable from the lineup.

If I buy a smartphone it’s because of their features, not because of what people will think about me. Which I personally hate, but the way, the stereotypes society has.

Definitely.
I was the same when I bought the 2016 SE.
Just a great little phone and I always loved the design.

Sometimes I read comments on MacRumours and I can see how many people just miss the point completely.

Some of us like smaller sized phones. Nothing to do with being cash strapped or being inferior… it is an aesthetic choice.

 

[1@@@]

Definitely.
I was the same when I bought the 2016 SE.
Just a great little phone and I always loved the design.

Sometimes I read comments on MacRumours and I can see how many people just miss the point completely.

Some of us like smaller sized phones. Nothing to do with being cash strapped or being inferior… it is an aesthetic choice.

The '16 SE was a unit. One of apple's best older designs, hotrodded.

 

[NewBench]

Oh gawd... are we still in highschool, maybe you are, I dunno, but who is pressuring you? Doesn't matter...

It's not a direct pressure from individuals, more a societal one. The regular (non-Pro) phones meet the needs of most people I imagine, yet lots of people choose the Pro models for a few minor additional features.

I've seen comments on lots of social media platforms where people make subtle negative observations about someone using say a 13 instead of a 13 Pro. It's silly, but it's there.

I'm not saying I agree with it, the whole point of this thread is to discuss it. Lots of people saying they don't care or don't feel any pressure (maybe that's the wrong word?), but there are a replies agreeing to some extent too.

I don't know why it bothers me. I'm in my thirties, I shouldn't give a damn, but for some reason I do. I like my 13 mini a lot, but still feel I'm missing out or being judged for not having a 13 Pro, or the 14 Pro when that comes out instead of sticking with the mini (which all rational thought suggests I should).

Maybe it's spending too much time on here, or MacRumors and other interest websites, and folks like us putting far too much weight on tiny spec details, rumours, colours of phone, notch or no-notch. We've made iPhone too important to our lives.

 

[arkitect]

It's not a direct pressure from individuals, more a societal one. The regular (non-Pro) phones meet the needs of most people I imagine, yet lots of people choose the Pro models for a few minor additional features.

I've seen comments on lots of social media platforms where people make subtle negative observations about someone using say a 13 instead of a 13 Pro. It's silly, but it's there.

I'm not saying I agree with it, the whole point of this thread is to discuss it. Lots of people saying they don't care or don't feel any pressure (maybe that's the wrong word?), but there are a replies agreeing to some extent too.

I don't know why it bothers me. I'm in my thirties, I shouldn't give a damn, but for some reason I do. I like my 13 mini a lot, but still feel I'm missing out or being judged for not having a 13 Pro, or the 14 Pro when that comes out instead of sticking with the mini (which all rational thought suggests I should).

Maybe it's spending too much time on here, or MacRumors and other interest websites, and folks like us putting far too much weight on tiny spec details, rumours, colours of phone, notch or no-notch. We've made iPhone too important to our lives.

Hello again OP.
Society pressure can be hell.

Not one of us can claim (no matter how much we would like to) to be indifferent to it.

As I've grown older I have gotten better at dealing with it. But, hell, I still fail!
Driving down the M4 in our old car — many years old — and a super new, super fast Maserati comes roaring by us. Of course I feel it — I feel it right in my gut and 'nads! Bloody hell, we're only human.

But, I can also choose not to let these things rule me.

We can learn to get better to deal with it — yes, sometimes age and wisdom helps.
But often we may need someone else to help us.

I really would suggest you see if you can talk to a professional. Good luck!

 

[fran24]

Probably the most materialistic post I've ever made. It's going to sound a little silly but it's been on my mind for a little while and thought I'd see if anyone else feels similarly. Hear me out.

Does anyone else feel the pressure to have either the latest device, or at the very least a 'Pro' phone?

I have a 13 mini and it ticks so many boxes - small, practical, can be used one handed, light, good battery etc. It really works for me in a lot of ways.

But I always feel I'm 'missing out' on not having a Pro phone, even though I wouldn't use any of the additional features. Sure, 120hz, a better battery and a bigger screen are all nice things, but I definitely don't need them.

It's more the status of having a 'Pro' phone.

Even though it would be so awkward for me - the weight, the bulk with a case, the need for two hands, and the price premium - for some reason I still feel I 'need' one.

Is it an image thing? Do I sub-consciously think that people will think less of me because I have a 13 mini instead of a Pro? Am I thinking they're wondering whether I can't afford a more expensive phone rather than it being a choice? To be blunt, are non-Pro phones viewed as less "cool"? (ugh I feel so old putting the word cool in quotations).

I know come September, even though the 13 mini is fine, I'll still be thinking I need to buy the 14 Pro because it's the latest phone.

I know none of this should matter, it's materialistic, and most people couldn't care less, but why do I still think that way?

I don't feel any pressure, I have iPhone XS.
I think it also depends on where you live and who you hang out with

 

[Andeddu]

I don't feel any pressure, I have iPhone XS.
I think it also depends on where you live and who you hang out with

Your age as well. I think 12-13 year olds care about this kind of stuff.

 

[Nhwhazup]

Only if my current model isn’t working correctly.

 

[SalisburySam]

These three posts express my thoughts on the subject.

No.

Not at all.

Budget and my wants and needs dictate my purchases of phones and computers.

However, I also suspect (much as @arkitect observes) that this may be a matter of age, (or maturity), where, as you become older (more mature) you realise that it really is rather silly to pay too much heed to the opinions of one's peers in such matters, and you learn, instead, (growing self-confidence) to follow your own instincts and preferences.

And youngsters can be so judgmental about stuff that, with hindsight, you come to realise matters not at all.

To the OP: It is counter-productive to purchase a phone that is fashionable (and desirable) if it does not meet your needs (for example, if it is too large, or uncomfortable, or unwieldy).

When you buy a phone, the only things to take into consideration are what your wants and your needs are from this phone, (and possibly, your budget, what you can afford). Nothing else.

My own phone is an iPhone SE, which I shall keep until it no longer functions because I love the form factor. Actually, I'd prefer something even smaller - a lovely little stylish clam-phone, for example.

Personally, I would never purchase one of those modern monsters (irrespective of how "fashionable" they are) because they are too large, too unwieldly, and far too uncomfortable, - I cannot put them in a jacket (coat) or jeans/khakis pocket, I cannot hold them in one hand, I cannot put them away neatly.

In fact, from a design perspective - to be perfectly candid, I truly detest them.

Just say what you mean. No need to hold back. Be clear about your opinions and stop beating about the bush for goodness sake. Be blunt and avoid the innuendo.

Kidding of course, and I’m in complete agreement with your rant post.

 

[ricketysquire]

I have been an aspiring minimalist for several years, this definitely helps to think differently about things like FOMO and such.

Here are some inspirational links that might help you to start the process…

How Little Can You Get Away With?

This is one of the key questions we must ask ourselves when it comes to seeking a life of enough. The journey to finding what that word — that idea — means for us all is not about finding out how much...

minimalmac.com

The Best Upgrade Is You

I have come to believe that the best and most cost effective technology upgrade that one can make is to themselves. I'm not talking cyborg implants here. I'm speaking about knowledge. That is,...

minimalmac.com

I used to be a lot more minimalistic back in college. I had a MacBook Pro and an iPhone and that was pretty much it. Nowadays I feel like I have to have extra devices around just in case since nearly everything is done online these days.

 

[blw777]

Interesting comments about Rolex. As it happens, the only two watches I've owned as an adult (I'm in my mid-60s) are an AW6 and ... a Rolex. I'm fairly sure that people have evaluated me at least partially based on the fact that I've had a Rolex on my wrist. Or now, frankly, that I have an AW6 on my wrist. Usually with the Rolex those assumptions (there's that word) are in the general quadrant of elitism, class, wealth, etc. Why else would I have a Rolex?

As it happens, I won the Rolex in a contest, which I entered on a whim because it seemed like an interesting thing to do. I had no expectations of winning; in fact, I probably had clear expectations of NOT winning. And while I didn't buy it per se, I was pretty horrified by the increase in my tax bill the next April 15th, since it ended up counting as income.

To me, the watch has been a way to tell time. To many others, it's a marker of class, wealth, social standing, and probably half a dozen other things that I don't even perceive.

Frankly, tech stuff is like this too, although probably in different quarters and in different ways.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Interesting comments about Rolex. As it happens, the only two watches I've owned as an adult (I'm in my mid-60s) are an AW6 and ... a Rolex. I'm fairly sure that people have evaluated me at least partially based on the fact that I've had a Rolex on my wrist. Or now, frankly, that I have an AW6 on my wrist. Usually with the Rolex those assumptions (there's that word) are in the general quadrant of elitism, class, wealth, etc. Why else would I have a Rolex?

As it happens, I won the Rolex in a contest, which I entered on a whim because it seemed like an interesting thing to do. I had no expectations of winning; in fact, I probably had clear expectations of NOT winning. And while I didn't buy it per se, I was pretty horrified by the increase in my tax bill the next April 15th, since it ended up counting as income.

To me, the watch has been a way to tell time. To many others, it's a marker of class, wealth, social standing, and probably half a dozen other things that I don't even perceive.

Frankly, tech stuff is like this too, although probably in different quarters and in different ways.

I don’t think you could assume someone is wealthy from what iPhone they use though seeing as so many people from poorer demographics seem to own iPhones and even Pro iPhones. I also know so many people who are comfortably off and use 2 to 4 year old phones because they aren’t into phones as an interest. It would be a strange object to measure someone on I think.

 

[blw777]

Perhaps not in some parts of the US. Certainly in Silicon Valley an iPhone13 Pro isn't going to attract a lot of attention. But there are other areas of the US, and certainly others in the world where things like this are definitely status symbols. I will grant that an iPhone of any stripe ($1000 or so in the US) is not as much of a marker of wealth as a Rolex (typically $7k to much higher).

 

[orionquest]

It's not a direct pressure from individuals, more a societal one. The regular (non-Pro) phones meet the needs of most people I imagine, yet lots of people choose the Pro models for a few minor additional features.

I've seen comments on lots of social media platforms where people make subtle negative observations about someone using say a 13 instead of a 13 Pro. It's silly, but it's there.

I'm not saying I agree with it, the whole point of this thread is to discuss it. Lots of people saying they don't care or don't feel any pressure (maybe that's the wrong word?), but there are a replies agreeing to some extent too.

I don't know why it bothers me. I'm in my thirties, I shouldn't give a damn, but for some reason I do. I like my 13 mini a lot, but still feel I'm missing out or being judged for not having a 13 Pro, or the 14 Pro when that comes out instead of sticking with the mini (which all rational thought suggests I should).

Maybe it's spending too much time on here, or MacRumors and other interest websites, and folks like us putting far too much weight on tiny spec details, rumours, colours of phone, notch or no-notch. We've made iPhone too important to our lives.

Sounds like you need to grow up some more. That is not a swipe. Honestly anyone feeling they are pressured to buy the latest and greatest from society has insecurities. Harsh but true.

I'm sitting in front of a 11 year old computer, I also have 2 laptops from 2015, have a iphone SE. These things are tools not vanity devices. I can do all my work with them perfectly well. Replacing them just because, seems stupid to me.

And yeah spending time on forums, and social media is only to confirm what a cesspool of garbage it is, don't go there looking for some kind of validation, spend time with your friends in real life doing real things, not virtual things feeding yours or other's insecurities.

 

[NewBench]

These things are tools not vanity devices.

This is how it should be.

 

[alanvitek]

@DD88 your pfp is amazing

 

[DD88]

@DD88 your pfp is amazing

Thank you very much, I’m sort of a friend first and a boss second.

https://imgur.com/4ESxtTt

 

[zildMacjian]

not pressure - will defo by keeping my 13 pro till 15 is out

but watching the event will be thinking "oh may trade it in (or sell it) and pay the rest"

same as always ....

 

[Eso]

Many times I’m out at dinner with clients…

I tell them i am a much better photographer than they are and have impeccable editing skills which is why my SE photos always come out looking better.

Excellent customer service! 😂

 

[Zest28]

I feel the pressure to buy the iPhone 14 Pro, M2 MBA, 14” M2 Pro MBP, 16” M2 Max MBP and Mac Studio M2 Ultra.

 

[Brad7]

I feel the pressure to buy the iPhone 14 Pro, M2 MBA, 14” M2 Pro MBP, 16” M2 Max MBP and Mac Studio M2 Ultra.

Do it. Life is short. Also a dual Pro Display XDR setup will go nicely with that Mac Studio. 👍

 

[dazzysima]

There's not that significant an upgrade now year on year so my buys are restricted to significant design changes. I'm on the 12 now (was previously on the X) so I won't change until the next design change.