Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Other Does anyone else feel pressure to buy either the latest iPhone, or at least a 'Pro' model?
- Thread starter NewBench
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Nope, I just replace my phone ever year because of my current situation it does affect if I have the new phone or not. I get a new phone for my wife every other year.
Not anymore. All of mine are needs based now.
Back in the days, temptation was there for sure (but never acted on it). But that was when each generation brought at least double the performance and sometimes 9x in graphics performance. And multiple gens ago meant performance like ipad 2/4S on ios9, iphone 4 on ios7 and iphone 3g on ios4 type of deals. These days, the hardware greatly exceeds software.
Camera is the only pull but then again, if i really cared about it, i rather just get a dedicated camera.
Back in the days, temptation was there for sure (but never acted on it). But that was when each generation brought at least double the performance and sometimes 9x in graphics performance. And multiple gens ago meant performance like ipad 2/4S on ios9, iphone 4 on ios7 and iphone 3g on ios4 type of deals. These days, the hardware greatly exceeds software.
Camera is the only pull but then again, if i really cared about it, i rather just get a dedicated camera.
I think this is basically how rolexes used to be perceived - just a nice watch that tells time well (at a high-but-not-too-unreasonable price).
I think the crazy jump in status and hype associated with the brand is a relatively new thing? Spurred, I suspect, by their relatively new status as objects of financial speculation, which brings intense cultural dynamics to the table.
Would depend on the Rolex as well. Consider the Submariner is a divers watch and has real military applications. Even a Jager Reverso was originally intended to be a sports watch.
Of course there’s a difference between, say a Datejust and a gilded, diamond-encrusted Cellini. Each have their place...
I like Apple devices because of how long they last and their balance between design and function. Expensive, yes, but tools which make a huge difference in my life.
In any event, if one wants a status-symbol phone, there’s always the Vertu...
I was holding out with my trusted 6s with a headphone jack until now that it became unbearable to use (battery, no upgrades of iOS). And since no 14 mini was expected I felt that 13mini was a nice choice even though the new model is upon us. I look forward to getting a decent camera, I feel sad about loosing my war against the modern phone (but I can't get an android - where are you Windows phone? Or Linux or anything?).
I am a simple man. I like headphone jacks, and I like being able to put my phone in my pocket.
I am a simple man. I like headphone jacks, and I like being able to put my phone in my pocket.
Family member was visiting and went to a major attraction in the city. There were so many iPhone Pro Maxes in use I personally felt triggered to get a Pro Max myself, which I eventually will next year when I upgrade. But my X serves me very well right now. It’s just for some scenarios like wide angle and telephoto, it’s much better on the newer iPhotos. We struggled a bit when capturing some selfies.
We are all moronic. I'm not like this with phones but with other things. I like status items nobody cares about, which totally defeats the purpose. I bought a Sound Devices Mixpre 10ii instead of a Zoom F8n; in a blind test I would not be able to pick them apart. In Sweden the cost difference is like 800 dollars. My SD has worked flawlessly for several years now, but so would probably the Zoom. It has analog limiters, but it was more desire that persuaded me.
I remember when AirPods came out: people who would never ever buy a nice pair of Sennheisers for sound quality bought them without hesitation. And that factor is still strong. AirPods are by far the most expensive earphones for the majority of buyers. And that is not because people care about sound quality.
It's the same with clothes. Why would someone buy a 70 dollar t-shirt? There is no reason for it that is reasonable.
I used to have an iPhone 7, but recently got the 12mini. I think a mini iPhone is not a bad choice and having the 13 mini isn't bad at all. All my friends have a mini phone.
same problem for me. I will be going back to a pro because I want zoom and better battery life...other then that mini was everything I wanted.
I use a 12 mini. I'm the type of person (an iOS developer, in fact) that can afford whatever phone I want and "should" have the best one. The reason I love my mini is that the size and weight work for me. I don't want a bigger or heavier phone. I'd love to have the telephoto camera and the faster refresh rate, but they're not worth the additional weight and size to me. The upgrade to a 13 mini just didn't feel substantial enough to bother with at the time.
Counter to your argument, a lot of times people see or hold my phone and react with surprise, "WHAT phone is this? It's so light!" They think it's cool. I've never felt an ounce of judgement around having a "lesser" phone.
I think you've pinpointed in your initial post that it's really your own personality that's causing this feeling of inferiority. That's something you should definitely introspect more... you might be surprised to figure out how much those type of feelings are intertwined with our childhood and family upbringing. It sounds like you could benefit from seeing a good therapist (like most people).
If you still have some pangs of inferiority, you may be surprised at how much a new case, accessory, graphic skin, or a couple of cool stickers can help express yourself and increase the amount of pride you have in your device. I have a skateboarding unicorn sticker on mine. My 4 year old daughter gave it to me. It hides under my MagSafe wallet when I want it to. Maybe some people think it looks silly, but it makes me happy. And I freaking love my non-Pro phone.
Counter to your argument, a lot of times people see or hold my phone and react with surprise, "WHAT phone is this? It's so light!" They think it's cool. I've never felt an ounce of judgement around having a "lesser" phone.
I think you've pinpointed in your initial post that it's really your own personality that's causing this feeling of inferiority. That's something you should definitely introspect more... you might be surprised to figure out how much those type of feelings are intertwined with our childhood and family upbringing. It sounds like you could benefit from seeing a good therapist (like most people).
If you still have some pangs of inferiority, you may be surprised at how much a new case, accessory, graphic skin, or a couple of cool stickers can help express yourself and increase the amount of pride you have in your device. I have a skateboarding unicorn sticker on mine. My 4 year old daughter gave it to me. It hides under my MagSafe wallet when I want it to. Maybe some people think it looks silly, but it makes me happy. And I freaking love my non-Pro phone.
The effect that OP describes is exactly what marketing departments aim to achieve, and Apple's is particular adept at this. I would also venture to say that most of us have been bitten by this to at least some extent, even if we tend to think of ourselves as primarily rationale.
To the OP, one thing that can help is to recognize the game for what it is. Apple does all sorts of things to make us want the newest and best products, and our sometimes irrational desire for those things is the effect.
To the OP, one thing that can help is to recognize the game for what it is. Apple does all sorts of things to make us want the newest and best products, and our sometimes irrational desire for those things is the effect.
Not this time around with how much prices for needs have shot up. Although, at least this time you don't have to go Pro to get the largest screen.
I always feel that twinge when the new models come out to buy. I think the only models that I did not get were the 5s, 6s, and 8. I have always went for the larger screen size and I like the cameras of the Pro and Pro Max. With the way my Verizon account is set up I will probably forego the iPhone 14 and wait until iphone 15 comes out
I didn't catch that at first. I think that is a good idea to have the lower cost for a 6.7" model
Latest and the greatest. Yearly upgrade as the older phone still keeps a great value.
Figured the old sell will help offset the buy new. You are using it for a year at least.
Figured the old sell will help offset the buy new. You are using it for a year at least.
Opposite. I know a lot of people can still afford such expensive phones, but in my situation it would be obscene shelling out that many £££ on a phone. There are so many other, more useful, things I can buy with that money.
Really depends on someone’s priorities.
Really depends on someone’s priorities.
I thought for sure I was going to upgrade to the 13 Pro Max this year from my X but I decided to replace the worn battery at Apple to use it as a backup device. After getting it back, the performance issue disappeared and gave it new life.. Here I am a year later and it still performs very well for a 5 year old device. I plan on upgrading around December but if the 14 Pro Max doesn't interest me I know I can always go until the phone breaks, isn't supported anymore or when the 15 Pro Max arrives.
Not gonna happen, wouldn't be prudent. Tend to keep my phones for a fair amount of time, and my pcs/macs even longer: pager -> newer pager -> flip phone -> newer flip phone -> iPhone 4s -> iPhone 6s -> iPhone SE 2nd Gen (all except the SE purchased/leased by my pre-retirement employer). Dell DX/1 (late 1990s?) -> rMBP 13" late 2013 (likely to be replaced within 6-12 months, likely by a 14" M2 Pro, when those come out).
I get the Pro models for the camera only. If there was a "mini pro" I'd get that in a heart beat as I prefer smaller phones.
The iPhone 13 mini is the god tier iPhone (especially the green one) and will not be surpassed for years, I promise. It's absolutely perfect, and Apple isn't going to keep making them at this size. I got the 512GB version just to make sure I wouldn't need to buy another one until they release anything nearly as good.
I will be very smug and superior about having this phone long after it is discontinued!
I will be very smug and superior about having this phone long after it is discontinued!