iPhone 16/Plus is it just me or as a apple fan boy its getting harder and harder to justify paying 1k for a phone with no changes in my use case?

[QCassidy352]

I agree that it's hard to justify the upgrades these days, if you're paying full price out of pocket. But if you're on a carrier that offers upgrades, it's hard to justifying NOT upgrading.

For example, I'm on a T-Mobile family plan and will probably stay on it for years to come. They have upgrade deals that make a new phone close to free every 2 years (I could've gotten a 16 for the amount of the trade in but paid a little more to get the Pro). I don't get a discount on my bill by sticking with an older phone. So, why wouldn't I upgrade? Yes, I lock myself in for another two years, but I was almost certainly going to stick with them for those two years anyway, so why not take the free (or greatly reduced cost) phone?

 

[PsykX]

It is always hard to justify buying an upgrade when the product itself is already extremely mature.
Your phone is already over 3 years old - in terms of tech, yes, it's very old.

But I used an iPhone 13 mini for a few days in between my 14 Pro and my 16 Pro (because I needed to give my 14 Pro back...), and I've gotta say, the 13 mini is a very solid phone. I can only encourage you to keep it, unless you're a hardcore tech person, or you have some extra money to spend.

 

[eyoungren]

From my armchair, it seems like "should I or shouldn't I" is one of the essential ingredients in everything about this site.

There is a difference though. When that question is asked out of a desire to find or confirm facts that help make a choice that is one thing. When it's asked where replies can only be a matter of personal opinion, it's different.

Some of those asking for the opinion of others have already made their choice. They are merely hoping for the kinds of answers that confirm and validate their choice and ignore the answers that don't.

 

[cateye]

Some of those asking for the opinion of others have already made their choice. They are merely hoping for the kinds of answers that confirm and validate their choice and ignore the answers that don't.

Brilliant. But I'd go a step farther.

Of the thousands of "should I or shouldn't I / Do I buy A or B" threads, the small percentage that are actual practical conundrums could probably be answered in seconds with a Google search—find the nexus of specs, needs, and budget through whatever quantitative methodology you prefer.

The rest are personal emotional justification paraded as practical conundrum.

 

[ZiBart]

Typically, a "fan boy" doesn't justify based on value. I think you are a pragmatic Apple user. No shame in that.

As a former "fan boy" turned "old pragmatic grumpy man", even I can see the difference between a 13 mini and a 16. If I were you, I would try to find a great deal on a 15 Pro. It was a noticeable difference in screen alone from the 13 when I upgraded. And the screen is the most used part of the iPhone day to day to remind you the "value" . And you don't miss out on the AI stuff (turning all my contacts into Pixar characters has been an obsession of mine for the past couple days).

 

[Cobold]

Samsung doesn’t include a charger in the box of their 1000+ € phones either, at least here in Europe…

 

[Contact_Feanor]

I've owed 14 iPhones lol. I currently have 4 in the house right now.

you're not a fanboy until you have at least 15 in the house right now. (and damn, that white 4S fell down )

 

[macfacts]

Satellite texting isn't going to provide matter transportation, emergency crew still have to travel to your location

 

[TechnoMonk]

Satellite texting isn't going to provide matter transportation, emergency crew still have to travel to your location

Better late than left dead.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

Then... don't read or comment on them?

From my armchair, it seems like "should I or shouldn't I" is one of the essential ingredients in everything about this site.

I'd agree with your second line, if only it was a post that was asking specifics like (for example) what would be the best device to buy if I always work on the road, do mostly spreadsheets and word processing, never edit music, photos or video, and had a budget of $1,200?

This was nothing like that.

OP said they were "just posting random thoughts," and trying to "justify" paying for a new phone. That's asking random people on the internet for emotional support for their personal financial decision. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to offer advice for how something is going to make a stranger feel.

 

[TechnoMonk]

I'd agree with your second line, if only it was a post that was asking specifics like (for example) what would be the best device to buy if I always work on the road, do mostly spreadsheets and word processing, never edit music, photos or video, and had a budget of $1,200?

This was nothing like that.

OP said they were "just posting random thoughts," and trying to "justify" paying for a new phone. That's asking random people on the internet for emotional support for their personal financial decision. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to offer advice for how something is going to make a stranger feel.

It’s pretty much most of these posts fall under two categories.
1) I want to upgrade or have the newer gadget mostly for FOMo. Let me put something out there to get validation.
2) I really want to get new device out of FOMO but can’t afford it. Let me trash the product and Apple, get validation to feel better.

 

[techyOS]

Does your post help? No, but let’s recap since you asked lol. You saw the keynote and the specs and the photos on the website and thought, “wow this phone looks tres bien and dramatically different than my 15pro, let me order it”. It arrives and you scream as if an oiled up Francis Ngannou were waiting for you in a bathroom stall because the phone looks exactly as advertised and has the same slab shape with 3 camera bump design. But you were fully titillated and struck in awe when upgrading from the unchanged design language of the 13 to the 14 and then the 15. Did I miss anything..

Yes, it’s that we upgrade every year because of carrier deals with trade-ins, which in our niche case, is more value effective than dropping $1000 on a phone every 4 years.

Additionally, phones like the 14 Pro and the 15 Pro at least had genuinely useful things to look forward to, like the Dynamic Island, Log recording, 48MP camera, and the Action Button, and I use all of these very often.

With the 16 Pro, the one thing of note is the Camera Control button (and the mediocre 48MP ultrawide), and if you’re not going to use the Camera Control button, it’s flush on the side of the phone, going basically unnoticed in day to day use.

Also worth noting that I’m not a stone, I have emotions, and I have the right to get excited when a new Apple product shows up at the door. It’s a fun experience in an otherwise mundane world. Like, if Christmas one year is less fun than the last year, we don’t stoically sit around and sulk the whole time, we still enjoy ourselves.

Sorry I didn’t help, have a good day though

 

[Abazigal]

It's not an inherently bad thing that Apple products are good to use for many years to come. That said, you are comparing the non-pro models, which tend to see less significant improvements year on year. One of the pro model phones would give you more features, including the always on display, better cameras and better refresh rate?

 

[1rottenapple]

wow just got back from the desert. Holy cow the satellite function is amazing! I was in an area where people would die in the middle of the summer if stranded (it’s cold and middle of winter right now). It was 20 mile approximate trail ride moderate difficulty near Joshua tree national park. But amazing amazing amazing iPhone Apple you guys did an awesome job coming out with this feature first with google following only this year.

TLDR, need a new iPhone it’s definitely a BUY decision for the iPhone 16. Satellite feature is amazing. I’m planning a trip to Alaska and this satellite function will be essential kit. I would not leave without this iPhone 16.

I was texting 3 friends asking if they got my text and they did! And you can connect to satellite form time to time to check for updated responses so the phone doesn’t burn through it’s battery checking for satellite signal. There were parts where I was in a deep canyon and it was telling me to point this way or “turn around” to keep my signal.

I’m truly blown away by this feature. And it’s a killer feature for those who love the outdoors and love exploring.

 

[lordthistle]

If you live in the EU, there is no point in buying any of the latest apple products, if not for staying up-to-date software-wise and get fast machines (that's the reason I still have Macs).

There are basically no new software features and the ones distributed here do not work as they are supposed to. I have just received Image Playground and I can only read "Unable to use that description". However, the update took away some GB from my large 256GB ssd Apple included in this laptop.

 

[wib]

My 13P got stolen and I had to get a new phone. Looked at the 16P, but the price was just ridiculous up here, I found a 15P for $450 less. It was nothing that pushed me towards the 16P. It´s the first time I'm buying an iPhone and I'm not excited. The most exciting thing was the usb-c port and that it feels better in the hand. I would have kept my 13P for at least another year if it wasn't stolen. My 15P feels pretty much exactly like my 13P after 2 days

I actually felt quite like that with the 15 ProMax after coming from the 7+. I thought it was just me...

 

[navaira]

Hell, I only upgraded because getting back glass and battery for my 12PM would have required a 7-10 day wait, and my ADHD ass would have lost my damn fool mind waiting.

Hahaha, my ADHD ass is waiting for a BTO Macbook Pro and I know exactly what you mean!

I only switched to iPhone 15 Pro because my carrier had a pretty incredible deal a week after the 16 models came out and the 15 series immediately became obsolete and ancient. I switched from iPhone 14.

15 Pro has the always-on display, battery life that’s already so good I keep forgetting to charge it in the evening, USB-C, and it’s stupidly fast. That gorgeous screen repels fingerprints so well I don’t know how it’s even possible. I got AppleCare+ for it, so the battery is not a concern. I would like it to provide real pro-level night photography, but even that wouldn’t be worth €1000. I can’t come up with more wishes, much less needs. Unless they come up with something more compelling than Visual Intelligence my only reason to switch would be another super sweet deal for 17 Pro a week after 18 is announced.

 

[avkills]

I usually run phones until they simply are not supported or operate like crap. My 13 mini has been awesome. I do not see a replacement for it anytime soon.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I usually run phones until they simply are not supported or operate like crap. My 13 mini has been awesome. I do not see a replacement for it anytime soon.

That's my plan going forward, hoping to offset wasted money from unnecessary iPhone upgrades.

Being one of the stubborn 13 mini hunger strikers might help me achieve the goal, assuming Apple doesn't mess things up by designing a desirable replacement.

 

[1rottenapple]

That's my plan going forward, hoping to offset wasted money from unnecessary iPhone upgrades.

Being one of the stubborn 13 mini hunger strikers might help me achieve the goal, assuming Apple doesn't mess things up by designing a desirable replacement.

I did a fresh install on the software hopefully it speeds things up. The ai stuff is still early. I can get enough of the satellite functionality since I’m off the grid often.

 

[digitalcuriosity]

Until i stop reading about all the apple 16 problems i am sticking with my working great 15 Pro.
I keep reading about battery draining problems and screen glass being scratched by just normal handling and how the updates to 18.1 and on have effected the 16s just something i do not wish to deal with are the 16 buyers being used as beta testers?

 

[GusBougadis]

I’ll pay $1000 for a phone. I use apple fitness + and Apple Music. To me, it’s worth every penny. I can’t start a workout before confirming on my iPhone. There’s other things that’s are a bigger waste of money than an iPhone.

 

[Shanghaichica]

It’s ok but not every year. Back in the day the latest iPhone not only cost less but it had significant changes year over year. However, this isn’t a criticism of Apple as the smartphone market has peaked and upgrades across the board are incremental year over year. So I can justify buying a new iPhone for £1,000+ but not every year.

 

[PAPO]

I was using an XR until the 15 Pro. There were times I felt overdue for an upgrade, but was holding out for USB-C, unfortunately only the Pros have USB 3.0 speeds. Aside from battery life maybe getting on my nerves, I don't expect to be upgrading until my phone is at LEAST 5 years old.
So unless you really want some type-C goodness (it's so nice only needing one type of cable for almost everything around the house now) there should be no rush to upgrade from a 13, or even a 12 if it's still doing what you need it to, and I'd have said 11 if the 12's weren't the first to have Mag Safe

 

[green_diyos]

Been testing this iPhone 16 for satellite SOS and to replace my 13 mini that's having issues with 5g uw and overheating. And while I like the 16 without a case, and its comfortable to hold unlike the 14 pro I briefly owned, I'm having a hard time justifying paying 1k for the 16 with 512gb (my mini has 512gb and prefer more storage over paying apple $3 a month for icloud). And it's not about my finances to afford the phone, but its hard to justify when the use case is the same as my 13 mini (aside from satellite SOS for off road adventures).

Maybe if I can say satellite SOS may potentially save my life if I have a breakdown in my jeep with no help for 10 miles out? There's Garmin satellite phone for $400 but there's monthly fee, which I believe is $20 which this iPhone can replace.

Thus far the AI features reminds me of Animoji when that came out. Fun to make my niece laugh a few times but it's very underwhelming. Picture editing, and generative images, for my use case when the heck am I going to use this? AI Summaries? Auto responses to friends? Why have friends if you'll just have Siri respond lol

I was actually looking at swappa and eBay and an unlocked 15 might be great actually buy... but then I somewhat prefer big jumps in generation before I upgrade. Anyway just posting random thoughts about this as I try to justify leaving the mini behind.

I think this apple fan boy has finally gotten over it.

There are other use case for other people

- tax deductible business expense
- broken beyond economical repair
- apps slowing down
- need more RAM/storage
- iOS is out of date
- color change preferences
- replacement for a hand me down to loved ones

Since the late 90s I've been replacing my phones every 24 month.

It was only this cycle when I extended by a year because I missed the Q4 2023 replacement.

Was iOS 18.1.1 noticeably faster on a 16 Pro Max over a 13 Pro Max?

Not at all but I appreciate the newer cameras, USB-C, slightly larger display, louder internal speaker, Dynamic Island, Action Button, Camera Control, etc

These are my previous & current Apple devices

- 2011 Macbook Pro 13" > 2019 MacBook Pro 16"
- 2012 iMac 27" 2.5K > 2024 Mac mini M4 + 2022 Apple Studio Display 27" 5K
- 2013 iPad Air Lightning > 2018 iPad Pro 11" USB-C
- 2018 Watch Series 4 44mm > 2024 Watch Series 10 46mm
- 2019 AirPods 2 Lightning > 2023 AirPods Pro 2 USB-C
- 2021 iPhone 13 Pro Max Lightning > 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max USB-C

For my use case I noticed that if battery was not an issue waiting for the final OS Security Update is the optimal way to replace.

This is so long as use case does not change and you just want brand new hardware