I’m to the point that I’ll upgrade when apps aren’t compatible anymore or the phone starts to act up. Until then I’ll just get the battery replaced.
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Other How many of you don't upgrade every year?
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Screen size boost & getting the most out of the solid spec’d iPhone has dictated my upgrade cycle.
3GS - 5 - 6S - X.
Planned to stick with the 3y upgrade cycle, but then the X rumours started & since it was such a gorgeous boost in every way over the 6S, that was only a 2y wait (although, I picked it up in March of 2018, so more like 2.5 years, which I didn’t mind as it meant I got to use the brilliant 6S for a little longer).
These phones are too good to replace every year imo.
3GS - 5 - 6S - X.
Planned to stick with the 3y upgrade cycle, but then the X rumours started & since it was such a gorgeous boost in every way over the 6S, that was only a 2y wait (although, I picked it up in March of 2018, so more like 2.5 years, which I didn’t mind as it meant I got to use the brilliant 6S for a little longer).
These phones are too good to replace every year imo.
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Seems the trade off with carriers now, is that they’re trying to use promotions/trade-in incentives to bring in the customer to want to upgrade. I’d say it’s working to an extent by using monthly payments, it creates the notion that these phones are more ‘affordable’, even though it’s actually the opposite, they’re more expensive.
My carrier has offered to pay off the remaining 9 months of my contract if I want to upgrade early. Shows how desperate they are.
I never upgrade directly through the carrier though as the best deals are through third parties.
I never upgrade directly through the carrier though as the best deals are through third parties.
Caveat there, phone needs to be free and clear for trade-in so realistically, it's still a 2+ year upgrade cycle if on monthly payments. Also, trade-in offers for 2+ year old phones suck.
Depending on which phones give up the ghost, I could be paying for 4 iPhones simultaneously so no way am I getting $1000+ iPhones.
For AT&T, they've started charging an extra $5 to be on the annual upgrade program. At least AIUP gives you AppleCare+ as part of the "financing fee" which many would probably pay for anyway.
I'm still on the iPhone 7. Battery's quite bad at this point but still tolerable for very, very light use so I'm waiting for SE2/9. Hoping that one has eSIM/dual-SIM while still retaining TouchID and iPhone 8 size/form factor. Bonus there, the SE2 is probably going to be cheaper than my typical $650-750 iPhone upgrade.
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Why would they be nuts?
Phones are not my thing so annual upgrades aren't for me. That said, I'm sure I've spent more than $1K every year on frivolous things (eating out, vacations, books and comics, other tech). Don't see anything wrong with others spending money on what they enjoy provided they can afford it.
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You could just reply : “it is new !” 😆
[automerge]1578317919[/automerge]
So people are “nuts” just because they can do something you don’t want/can do ?
"Don't see anything wrong with others spending money on what they enjoy provided they can afford it."
Ahhh, and there is the rub--what does it mean to "really afford it?" Some people really and truly can afford it after all of their obligations to themselves, their family, and their society have been met, and they have left over discretionary income to spend, but I think far more people cannot afford to upgrade every year (or even every 2-3 years) if they live on true budget for their lives.
I know people of all ages use mobiles and use iPhone in particular, but how many of them decide on another upgrade after they have scrutinised a budget and accounted for all major expenses and obligations including not just living expenses, but transportation, health insurance, educating their children, funding their own retirement, and paying for final expenses? I would wager the cost of a new 8 Plus from Apple right now that 99 out of 100 iPhone buyers never do this.
So, there really are a lot of questions about what it means to "really afford it." Apple is very good at making excellent computers, mobiles, etc., but they are also very good at convincing the average consumer that s/he should "upgrade" to a new iPhone, too, whether it is really "necessary" or not, and whether the consumer can really "afford it" or not. Loosely quoting one of Apple's executives, the cost of the newest iPhone is little more than "a cup of coffee at Starbuck's each day." Well, numerically, that may be completely true, but it begs the question of whether or not everyone can afford a fancy cup of latte or whatever at Starbuck's everyday, or whether everyone can afford to eat out for luncheon or supper everyday. The truth is the overwhelming majority of people cannot afford it if they are meeting all of their life obligations before they even consider spending as much as $650-$1K or more on a mobile.
For most of my life, a home phone was a luxury more than a necessity, but even those who had a home phone viewed it as a purely functional and eventually s quite utilitarian appliance. These days, mobiles such iPhone are virtually luxury toys.
I am still amazed that children walk around with mobiles. What does a grade schooler need with a mobile phone for heaven's sake? For that matter, what does a high schooler need with a mobile phone? They would function just fine (some would argue better) by relying solely on a home phone and if necessary, a pay phone to make an urgent call. The bottom line is I agree 100% that those who "can afford it" should spend their surplus income any way they wish, but I have to question who it is that truly can "afford it."
Ahhh, and there is the rub--what does it mean to "really afford it?" Some people really and truly can afford it after all of their obligations to themselves, their family, and their society have been met, and they have left over discretionary income to spend, but I think far more people cannot afford to upgrade every year (or even every 2-3 years) if they live on true budget for their lives.
I know people of all ages use mobiles and use iPhone in particular, but how many of them decide on another upgrade after they have scrutinised a budget and accounted for all major expenses and obligations including not just living expenses, but transportation, health insurance, educating their children, funding their own retirement, and paying for final expenses? I would wager the cost of a new 8 Plus from Apple right now that 99 out of 100 iPhone buyers never do this.
So, there really are a lot of questions about what it means to "really afford it." Apple is very good at making excellent computers, mobiles, etc., but they are also very good at convincing the average consumer that s/he should "upgrade" to a new iPhone, too, whether it is really "necessary" or not, and whether the consumer can really "afford it" or not. Loosely quoting one of Apple's executives, the cost of the newest iPhone is little more than "a cup of coffee at Starbuck's each day." Well, numerically, that may be completely true, but it begs the question of whether or not everyone can afford a fancy cup of latte or whatever at Starbuck's everyday, or whether everyone can afford to eat out for luncheon or supper everyday. The truth is the overwhelming majority of people cannot afford it if they are meeting all of their life obligations before they even consider spending as much as $650-$1K or more on a mobile.
For most of my life, a home phone was a luxury more than a necessity, but even those who had a home phone viewed it as a purely functional and eventually s quite utilitarian appliance. These days, mobiles such iPhone are virtually luxury toys.
I am still amazed that children walk around with mobiles. What does a grade schooler need with a mobile phone for heaven's sake? For that matter, what does a high schooler need with a mobile phone? They would function just fine (some would argue better) by relying solely on a home phone and if necessary, a pay phone to make an urgent call. The bottom line is I agree 100% that those who "can afford it" should spend their surplus income any way they wish, but I have to question who it is that truly can "afford it."
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My daughter has an Iphone 8 since her birthday in October, I bought my son a Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 for Xmas: 200 bucks, 4gb Ram, 64gb, Dual Sim+ Sd slot, Audio jack, 48mp camera with night mode. He was amazed!
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You will have to fill me in on what was said. I do not watch network telly as a rule.
I was just thinking....I managed to get through childhood, teenage years, and most of my adult life without a mobile, although I am sure that as an young adult I would have appreciated one. I recall being gifted a small (held in the palm of my hand) transistor AM only radio as a kid and was over the moon. Takes a lot more to please kids (and adults) these days.
I was just thinking....I managed to get through childhood, teenage years, and most of my adult life without a mobile, although I am sure that as an young adult I would have appreciated one. I recall being gifted a small (held in the palm of my hand) transistor AM only radio as a kid and was over the moon. Takes a lot more to please kids (and adults) these days.
Your recycle time depends on your budget. For me, 3 years is reasonable, but in 3 years, my Iphone 6 screen broke (+100€ for repair from local vendor), the camera lens was replaced (+50€) and the battery also during the discount replacement time (+30€). It was an Iphone 6 64gb, and it costed 699€ when I bought it in December 2015. I replaced it with the 8 plus (RIP) in May 2019.
I've never upgraded as my 6 is my very first iPhone. I'm not a power user, so no need for latest features. One of the best features of apple devices is that they are very durable, so I take advantage of that.
iPhone 2g
iPhone 3g
iPhone 4s
iPhone 6s+
iPhone 11 pro max
I had several androids in between, but always love iOS Because of the simplicity. Even now since I have iPads and couple MacBooks (and also an Apple Watch) which makes switching between devices smooth.
I am contemplating on upgrading next year.
iPhone 3g
iPhone 4s
iPhone 6s+
iPhone 11 pro max
I had several androids in between, but always love iOS Because of the simplicity. Even now since I have iPads and couple MacBooks (and also an Apple Watch) which makes switching between devices smooth.
I am contemplating on upgrading next year.
I upgrade only if there are new features that I believe are beneficial enough for me. It doesn’t happen often. The last single must-have feature for me was Apple Pay, as credit card security was important to me. That was why I upgraded from 5s to SE. I still have the SE which I am satisfied with overall. I would upgrade for a significantly better camera and significantly more storage, but not at the expense of having to carry a bigger phone.
Yes, I like the screen size of my 8 Plus, but I much prefer the convenient portability of my 5s. I miss my 5s! I am glad that the 8 kept the home button. I do not like the face recognition thing.
Good post, but surely it just comes down to personal responsibility, as with most discretionary spending. I agree that many people cannot truly afford it but that is no different to fast fashion, eating and drinking out, cars on HP/leases etc. etc. I personally am fairly financially savvy and spend about 2-2.5% of my annual take home pay on my iphone. Doesn't sound a lot in % terms but probably does in £ terms, but I personally find the value of it well worth it when I consider how much extra it costs compared to a bog standard smart phone. Let's face it, it is 2020 and whilst it is not do or die, I want a smartphone and often am found needing it. Let's say a bog standard one is 1% of annual take home, the differential is 1-1.5% which really is not a great deal. I do consider it a luxury and obviously it comes behind items like mortgage, bills, investments and saving, days out and holidays with my wife, my car and so on, but when you break it down it really isn't that big a cost, and I don't earn a great deal over UK average.
I appreciate your post was generalised and I have responded about my own situation but that is all we can do, isn't it? The people who overspend on iphones likely overspend on car finance, credit cards etc. (obviously not those of school age) so the problem isn't with Apple but with the financial education of society which, from my school experience, is sorely lacking. Hopefully schools are now prioritising personal finances on the curriculum as it is relevant to pretty much everyone in school.
Technically, you can get brand new bog standard smartphones for 10-20% the cost of the iPhone 11 Pro so 0.2-0.5% of your take-home. If you skip the upgrading for that year, then it's 0% for that year.
But yes, if you love iPhones, iPhone Pros are a relatively affordable luxury. Certainly more affordable than a Lexus or BMW.
I used to upgrade every year when most contracts were 12 months. When they moved towards 18/24 months I switched to sim only and started buying my phones direct from Apple every two years.
I kept the 5 for three years. Then went to the 6s. 6s to 8 and had no intention of upgrading but the blue Xr was, for me, a must buy. I intend to keep it until next October.
I kept the 5 for three years. Then went to the 6s. 6s to 8 and had no intention of upgrading but the blue Xr was, for me, a must buy. I intend to keep it until next October.
Indeed and if the day comes where the s hits the fan financially and I can't afford an iphone then I will do this. Until then, it's a luxury that I like and basically the only tech I indulge in.Technically, you can get brand new bog standard smartphones for 10-20% the cost of the iPhone 11 Pro so 0.2-0.5% of your take-home. If you skip the upgrading for that year, then it's 0% for that year.
But yes, if you love iPhones, iPhone Pros are a relatively affordable luxury. Certainly more affordable than a Lexus or BMW.
Exactly. My cost for the iPhone upgrade program after taxes each month is $60. I'm willing to pay ~$2 a day for the luxury of having a new phone each year. I know people that spend more than that a day on coffee.
The Apple upgrade program in the UK is more than that a month before you even add in a data plan which I think is rather extortionate. If a monthly cost is more than £35p/m when the phones does the same thing as an older model than I can’t be throwing money away on it. As I’ve gotten older I’ve lost the interest in having the latest and greatest just for the sake of it.
My carrier incidentally emailed me the other day offering to pay the last 9 months of my contract off if I wanted to upgrade early. My 8+ is still great though, but it goes to show how the industry is starting to struggle now less people are upgrading as often. I know a lot of people now who have received the same offers which would have been unheard of a few years ago.
My phone history is:
Microsoft
Android (HTC)
5s
6s+
I was trying to wait for the 12 for 5G (just for future proofing since service probably won't be available in my area for a while), but the rumors I read today make me think I will need to wait until 2021 for true 5G. I may consider an 8+ or Xs to hold me another almost 2 years (I would like a telephoto lens so not an Xr or 11). Or, I might just engage my engineering mentality and save the money and wait.
Microsoft
Android (HTC)
5s
6s+
I was trying to wait for the 12 for 5G (just for future proofing since service probably won't be available in my area for a while), but the rumors I read today make me think I will need to wait until 2021 for true 5G. I may consider an 8+ or Xs to hold me another almost 2 years (I would like a telephoto lens so not an Xr or 11). Or, I might just engage my engineering mentality and save the money and wait.
"I appreciate your post was generalised and I have responded about my own situation but that is all we can do, isn't it? The people who overspend on iphones likely overspend on car finance, credit cards etc. (obviously not those of school age) so the problem isn't with Apple but with the financial education of society which, from my school experience, is sorely lacking. Hopefully schools are now prioritising personal finances on the curriculum as it is relevant to pretty much everyone in school."
Mac2019, I agree with you. I think this issue is relevant to the entire society and indeed the entire planet.
You yourself may purchase an expensive mobile, but you have done so after you have met all of your obligations, and that was my point exactly. We could substitute "high fashion clothing" or "frequent, long holidays" or whatever else we want to do in the equation, but the sum is still the same.
If anyone has true discretionary income, s/he may choose to spend it any way s/he wishes. My point, as you recognised, was that many, many people do not have true discretionary income to spend on an expensive mobile or an expensive automobile, etc. I do not think most people even recognise all of their obligations, e.g. preparing to support themselves throughout their retirement and being able to cover all final expenses, just to name two. If you asked 500 people to list all of their financial obligations, I bet most of them would not list retirement, final expenses, or even education for their children. Then, there are the ones who have children without having first had the slightest plan and basic finances in place to fully feed, clothe, house, and educate the children, either. The rest of us end up paying for part or all of what they cannot cover.
In the end, if they are not meeting all of their obligations, including providing for their own retirement and final expenses, it is because they do not even stop to think what are those obligations, then who pays for all of those things? The rest of us pay for it, and that is my beef! I chose not to have children precisely because I did not want the long term commitments, including the long term financial commitments, yet I spent my entire life paying taxes that pay for other people's children. It is not on.
You are 100% correct that we are not educating children about money and spending. Teaching maths does not equal teaching financial responsibility--one is an abstraction and the other is quite concrete and practical. I suppose schools think it is important to teach them how to read, write, and do maths, and it is, but everything else is left to their parents--again, probably because the larger society does not want 100% of the responsibility of raising these children and supporting these families. Clearly, that strategy does not work in most cases because if the parents are not inculcating good financial habits in their children, it is probably because their own parents did not inculcate it in them either. The problem is generational as are so many other problems I see.
On the other hand, truly wealthy people who have real discretional income not only provide the best educations for their children, including teaching them about finances, but they also have a professional army of accountants, lawyers, investment advisers, and others to back them up on all that needs to be looked after. Most of us do not have that much wealth and privilege, but no matter what is one's income, one still has an obligation to oneself and to the greater society to meet all obligations before spending more than should be spent on any luxury, including automobiles, vacations, and mobiles.
Question is, how do we get to that point so that the greater society is not forever making up the difference in spending for those who are not spending responsibly? At the top end of society and government, the rich are passing laws to protect their interests (make no mistake about that!), but the responsible members of the so-called middle class and poor classes never shake off that financial burden of caring for their less financially responsible class members. Financial responsibility does come all the way down to everyday spending, and too many people are spending more each day (figure the percentage of income any way you wish) than they can truly afford, and that includes eating out, buying flash clothes, flash automobiles, and flash mobiles, but they just do not recognise the fact.
Mac2019, I agree with you. I think this issue is relevant to the entire society and indeed the entire planet.
You yourself may purchase an expensive mobile, but you have done so after you have met all of your obligations, and that was my point exactly. We could substitute "high fashion clothing" or "frequent, long holidays" or whatever else we want to do in the equation, but the sum is still the same.
If anyone has true discretionary income, s/he may choose to spend it any way s/he wishes. My point, as you recognised, was that many, many people do not have true discretionary income to spend on an expensive mobile or an expensive automobile, etc. I do not think most people even recognise all of their obligations, e.g. preparing to support themselves throughout their retirement and being able to cover all final expenses, just to name two. If you asked 500 people to list all of their financial obligations, I bet most of them would not list retirement, final expenses, or even education for their children. Then, there are the ones who have children without having first had the slightest plan and basic finances in place to fully feed, clothe, house, and educate the children, either. The rest of us end up paying for part or all of what they cannot cover.
In the end, if they are not meeting all of their obligations, including providing for their own retirement and final expenses, it is because they do not even stop to think what are those obligations, then who pays for all of those things? The rest of us pay for it, and that is my beef! I chose not to have children precisely because I did not want the long term commitments, including the long term financial commitments, yet I spent my entire life paying taxes that pay for other people's children. It is not on.
You are 100% correct that we are not educating children about money and spending. Teaching maths does not equal teaching financial responsibility--one is an abstraction and the other is quite concrete and practical. I suppose schools think it is important to teach them how to read, write, and do maths, and it is, but everything else is left to their parents--again, probably because the larger society does not want 100% of the responsibility of raising these children and supporting these families. Clearly, that strategy does not work in most cases because if the parents are not inculcating good financial habits in their children, it is probably because their own parents did not inculcate it in them either. The problem is generational as are so many other problems I see.
On the other hand, truly wealthy people who have real discretional income not only provide the best educations for their children, including teaching them about finances, but they also have a professional army of accountants, lawyers, investment advisers, and others to back them up on all that needs to be looked after. Most of us do not have that much wealth and privilege, but no matter what is one's income, one still has an obligation to oneself and to the greater society to meet all obligations before spending more than should be spent on any luxury, including automobiles, vacations, and mobiles.
Question is, how do we get to that point so that the greater society is not forever making up the difference in spending for those who are not spending responsibly? At the top end of society and government, the rich are passing laws to protect their interests (make no mistake about that!), but the responsible members of the so-called middle class and poor classes never shake off that financial burden of caring for their less financially responsible class members. Financial responsibility does come all the way down to everyday spending, and too many people are spending more each day (figure the percentage of income any way you wish) than they can truly afford, and that includes eating out, buying flash clothes, flash automobiles, and flash mobiles, but they just do not recognise the fact.