iPhone XR Upgrading from iPhone XR or what?

[DianaofThemiscyra]

Hello everyone,

I have been rocking my iPhone XR since January 2019 and actually feel no need to buy another phone (I am one of those who buy a phone, or just anything, for the matter, and keep using (and repairing, if possible) it till as long as it's working well or it breaks) but I know that it might be risky using a few specific apps (bank and other similar apps) after Apple stops to send security updates, which could probably happen in the next year or two. So, eventually, I started to think about upgrading from my dear iPhone XR to a newer model sometime between this and the next year.

Last year, I had to change both, screen (black lines) and battery and I know I could still use the phone for at least a couple more of years. The battery is actually at 97% and the I'm still on iOS 17.7.2 and have no intention to install iOS 18 (I have seen different posts here and other forums where XR users claim their phone got a lot sluggish and their batteries drain faster after upgrading to iOS 18.)

What I would need from a new iPhone: I'm not interested in Apple (or any other) AI or all those fancy/trendy things. I just need a phone, that works like a phone, allows me some lite web surfing and messaging, listening to some music (Apple Music) and has a decent camera to use when I don't have my camera around. Also, I don't like big phones. I think XR's dimensions are perfect for me.

If any of you could give me some advice about my dilemma (upgrade or not to a newer iPhone in a short future or wait more) and eventually, if I should upgrade, what model(s) should I look for.

Thank you for your time and answer.

PS. I'm based in Europe (specifically, in one of the EU countries).

 

[PeteBurgh]

I love the XR - great phone!

I faced a comparable buying decision for my mum who wanted a new phone for Christmas and had similar requirements/preferences. I chose the iPhone 15 for 2 reasons:

1. USB-C. I've found the Lightning -> USB-C transition to be very helpful - it simplifies things greatly around the house and when travelling. 15 is the first USB-C generation, so I didn't want to go older than that.
2. Long term support. I respect people who keep phones a relatively long time! (6 years and counting for your XR, a similar time in my family). In this context, I think it makes sense to pay a bit more. The difference between, say, an iPhone 12 and 15 is about £/€200-250. Amortised over 5-7 years, that's a fairly small sum, and worth paying in my view for longer term support and other improvements.

Of course, everyone has their own budget and financial goals - your priorities may be different.

At the time I was buying, the 16E wasn't an option, but I would certainly consider it today. There a helpful 15 vs 16E comparison here to help you work out what matters for you - personally, I'd find MagSafe hard to give up, but that might not be important for you (or my mum!).

 

[Andeddu]

The spiritual successor to the XR is the 16e, so you should look into that.

 

[Mariogolf]

The spiritual successor to the XR is the 16e, so you should look into that.

It’s too early to say. There are no reviews of the 16e yet, and no one knows how good the C1 chip will be. Plus, the OP plans to switch in almost a year. It would be better to consider switching later this year, after the release of the 17.

 

[Andeddu]

It’s too early to say. There are no reviews of the 16e yet, and no one knows how good the C1 chip will be. Plus, the OP plans to switch in almost a year. It would be better to consider switching later this year, after the release of the 17.

Well all future iPhones are going to utilise Apple’s own modem so we are stuck with it for the foreseeable.

We all know what the 16e features. I can’t remember the last time there was a need to watch a review in regards to an Apple device. Everyone knows what they’re getting with that device if they look at the spec sheet.

 

[Mariogolf]

Well all future iPhones are going to utilise Apple’s own modem so we are stuck with it for the foreseeable.

We all know what the 16e features. I can’t remember the last time there was a need to watch a review in regards to an Apple device. Everyone knows what they’re getting with that device if they look at the spec sheet.

The iPhone 4 had reception issues. Since the C1 is Apple’s first chip, I would hold off and wait to see if any issues arise before deciding whether to buy 16e or not.

 

[Andeddu]

The iPhone 4 had reception issues. Since the C1 is Apple’s first chip, I would hold off and wait to see if any issues arise before deciding whether to buy 16e or not.

Yep. We have to go all the way back to the early 2010s for issues with Apple components. Things such antenna gate, bend gate, etc… have not been an issue for a decade now. I always buy my devices blind because I know iPhones are good quality and Apple have pretty much perfected the formula.

Of course, if a buyer wants to do their due diligence before making a purchase that’s completely understandable too.

 

[DianaofThemiscyra]

Thank you all for giving me your opinion @PeteBurgh, @Andeddu and @Mariogolf.

I have thought about the Apple 15 as well, I think it would be a good option to save some money while buying a recent, but not necessarily last tech.

About the 16e, I agree with Mariogolf, since the Apple modem chip is new, I would wait before buying the 16e. I always think it's better to wait a bit before buying something with a new hardware. For the price Apple is asking for the 16e, the modem better work well and have no problems. I am definitely not willing to be a "tester" (I'm joking, please nobody take offense!) .

I will keep my eyes open and certainly have a look in all 16e reviews I will find.

Again, thank you very much for your comments and answers. If anyone else has anything to add to the topic, feel free to add your 2 cents.

Edit: double "new" removed

 

[aihpcfl]

@DianaofThemiscyra I'm similar to you -- using devices as long as reasonably possible -- except I would not continue using a device that no longer received security updates. And when I do upgrade, I buy the latest and most capable.

I get you on size. I don't care for the huge phones, but upgrading doesn't mean you are stuck with a large phone. You have alternatives.

As far as features, my view is I may not think I need something, but I find once I have it I change my mind. As far as camera, the camera on the 16 Pro is very cool, in my opinion.

As far as AI, I have it enabled, not sure how much I use it. I'm also not a committed user of Siri.

FWIW I recently moved from an XS to 16 Pro. My issue was battery life was going into the pits.

 

[Devyn89]

The iPhone 15 is a fantastic phone, and like others have pointed out, with USB-C it’s “future proof” in the sense that lots of places will begin to phase out lightning like they did last decade with the 30 pin connector, and I predict they’ll do it more quickly since basically every other phone, computer, tablet and even portable gaming system uses USB-C. It’ll be supported for 5-6 more years software wise (minus AI) and probably 6-9 years of security updates. By that time maybe Apple Intelligence will actually be good.

 

[oldcomputr]

I have an XR too, and I've been thinking about updating since the unveiling of the iPhone 16 family.
If the budget for the 16e is not too high for you, the street price of the 16 (trusted sellers on eBay) is 715-760€... new of course... so the 16e is completely over priced in my opinion.

 

[EugW]

The direct upgrade path from the XR is the iPhone 16e, which I think is a nice deal at its price, given its screen size and battery life, and the fact it's a brand new phone of course, not some used phone with a dubious history. At least around here, the used/refurb iPhone 15 from third parties is the same price as the 16e. In that context, I think a new 16e is the better value. The drawback though is the 16e only has one camera lens.

If you want a better camera system, then I might recommend the iPhone 16, but it costs 25% more than the 16e. I personally wouldn't get a used iPhone 15 if it's priced the same as a new 16e. The 15 would have to be significant cheaper than the 16e for me to consider buying the 15 used.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

The spiritual successor to the XR is the 16e, so you should look into that.

It literally is, down to the battery being better than it’s more expensive brother.
That would personally be my upgrade path, a lot of people seem worried about the modem, but I feel like either way it’s still a seven years newer modem than the XR.
Also, no modem is going to be worse than the one found in the iPhone 12 series, that one just was awful and heated phones to insane levels the second 5G was activated.

 

[EugW]

Also, no modem is going to be worse than the one found in the iPhone 12 series, that one just was awful and heated phones to insane levels the second 5G was activated.

I have a 12 Pro Max. I don't have that heating problem with 5G.

 

[klasma]

Note that Apple won't provide access to security updates for iOS 17 for your device since it supports iOS 18. Only devices that are on their last-supported iOS version receive (some) security updates longer term. However, personally, I don't consider that critical. I routinely hold off major iOS upgrades for a year or two, due to performance/bugginess concerns and to reduce churn.

In your situation, I would wait until apps you use actuality stop working, and look at the available lineup then. I would also give preference to buying a device that's already been on the market for at least a couple of months (more reviews to look at, initial production and software kinks worked out, lower street price).

 

[Total Respray]

Note that Apple won't provide access to security updates for iOS 17 for your device since it supports iOS 18. Only devices that are on their last-supported iOS version receive (some) security updates longer term.

Not sure about this. Apple provided security updates before for older operating systems. Plus, devices with iOS 17 from 2023 onwards will be supported for 5 years, suggesting that support will continue for earlier devices running iOS 17.

Sources:
1. https://www.securityweek.com/apple-...nse, Apple has shared,a minimum of five years.
2. https://regulatoryinfo.apple.com/cw...cation/iPhone 15 Pro Max (Model A3106)_V0.pdf

 

[klasma]

Not sure about this. Apple provided security updates before for older operating systems. Plus, devices with iOS 17 from 2023 onwards will be supported for 5 years, suggesting that support will continue for earlier devices running iOS 17.

No, there is no question about that. I am on 17.7.1 and can't update to 17.7.2, because my device supports 18 and Apple's policy is that one should upgrade to 18 in that case. This has been Apple’s approach for many years. Apart from a short interim period in the fall where two iOS versions are supported in parallel, Apple only allows updating to the latest supported version. Note that the context of this thread is an iPhone XR which supports 18, but the OP wants to stay on 17.

 

[DianaofThemiscyra]

Thank you also to @aihpcfl, @Devyn89, @oldcomputr, @EugW, @Lounge vibes 05, @klasma and @Total Respray for adding your 2 cents.

If I would buy an iPhone 15, I'd buy it new (as I said I am not upgrading now, so prices tend to go down from now to next fall, when the new iPhone line will be launched, anyway).

Same for 16e, BUT as I've said before, I'd wait a few months to see how the new modem works and overall what the reviews will say about the 16e.

True, I have absolutely no intention so far of updating to iOS 18 (as well as to sequoia. I'm still very happy with Sonoma). If things change and the system has an overall improvement I might give it a thought (IF this improvement really happens, it would probably be around the end life of the system, not long before launching iOS19). Till then, I'll keep my 17.7.2.

and yes: I too think the 16e is over priced.

 

[aihpcfl]

@DianaofThemiscyra One other thing, and maybe someone already mentioned this, when a device stops receiving security updates, developers will terminate support for apps on those OS versions. It has been a long time since I was in that position and so my memory is vague, but it may come down to not being able to even use an app installed on your device. Anyway, it probably depends, and you may or may not care about this.

 

[DianaofThemiscyra]

@DianaofThemiscyra One other thing, and maybe someone already mentioned this, when a device stops receiving security updates, developers will terminate support for apps on those OS versions. It has been a long time since I was in that position and so my memory is vague, but it may come down to not being able to even use an app installed on your device. Anyway, it probably depends, and you may or may not care about this.

Yes, I know that. This is the only reason that makes me consider updating to iOS 18 in future. As said, let's hope for some (LOTS) of improvements of iOS 18 to be at least decent (usable) on iPhone XR. There is still a bit of time till next fall. Fingers crossed.

Edit: Typo

 

[Reverend Benny]

My 5 cents are that Apple would never release a new ch

Yes, I know that. This is the only reason that makes me consider updating to iOS 18 in future. As said, let's hope for some (LOT) of improvements of iOS 18 to be at least decent (usable) on iPhone XR. There is still a bit of time till next fall. Fingers crossed.

I haven't tried the XR on iOS 18 but the SE2 and XS and they work fine. The HW in the Xr is somewhere in between.
If you like the formfactor, are happy with the LCD screen and since the battery health is good i'd say give iOS 18 a try. Rumors are that all phones that can run iOS 18 will be getting iOS 19 as well so why not hang in to it a bit longer.

When it comes to MacOS I'm still on Sonoma on my M1 air, haven't seen a reason to update since it is still getting security updates.

 

[geta]

@DianaofThemiscyra One other thing, and maybe someone already mentioned this, when a device stops receiving security updates, developers will terminate support for apps on those OS versions. It has been a long time since I was in that position and so my memory is vague, but it may come down to not being able to even use an app installed on your device. Anyway, it probably depends, and you may or may not care about this.

To some extent you are right, but with some apps you can still use them even if you don't have their last version.

 

[Lioness~]

You don't have to buy any of the newer bigger iPhone's - cheaper refurbs are always a choice.
I'm keeping my mini (had a XR before it) until Apple release something in its size again.

Probably not a mini but the flip/fold phones might be more interesting than the bigger phones they only sell today.

 

[EugW]

I haven't tried the XR on iOS 18 but the SE2 and XS and they work fine. The HW in the Xr is somewhere in between.

iOS 18 runs great on iPhone XR.

 

[tbgb50]

Overwhelmingly, the reason I have an iPhone is because it syncs with my iPad, MacBook and Mac Mini. None of the other features are that important and the 16e would be a good upgrade from my 12. I'm going to wait and see what the real world experiences are with the 16e. By the time I'm sure there are no issues, the 17s will be ready to launch so I'll probably buy a regular 16 when the price goes down the typical $100.