Other What’s the real reason for upgrading?

[aneftp]

Everyone has their own preferences in life. I don’t drink alcohol. I consider that a cost savings. But I see people blow $20-100 a weekend going out and spending it on 1-5 drinks (most drinks these days cost a min $10, some as much as $20).

So I buy a phone every year.

 

[4sallypat]

Everyone has their own preferences in life. I don’t drink alcohol. I consider that a cost savings. But I see people blow $20-100 a weekend going out and spending it on 1-5 drinks (most drinks these days cost a min $10, some as much as $20).

So I buy a phone every year.

I must love alcohol because I spend over $100/week on good bourbon, scotch, Japanese whisky, etc.....

And I must not need the tech every year.
New iPhone - every other year (Apple Card 24 month financing at 0%).....

 

[ShadowGuardian87]

Everyone has their hobbies and things they like to treat themselves with their hard-earned money. There is nothing wrong with that. It all comes down to personal choice. But again, maybe I have just gotten older ( 36) and more mindful of spending loads of money on things I really don’t need. As big as an Apple and tech fan that I am, I just reached the point that spending 1K or a couple hundred bucks ( after trade-in of the previous phone) each year for phones with minimal changes just doesn’t make sense. That could be saved or spent on vacation or other hobbies.

As I type this I can’t believe how much I sound like my dad lol. I remember how he thought it was ridiculous that I stood in line for 13 hours to get the iPhone 4 in 2010. Of course I was still in my early 20’s then and was a diehard Apple fan who had to have the latest and greatest 😂.

 

[Treborray]

I am upgrading from the 13 Pro this year only for my YouTube videos. I use the iPhone and iPad camera for my videos. If I upgrade I will have two phone cameras for my videos and I can remove my iPad from the secondary

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Everyone has their hobbies and things they like to treat themselves with their hard-earned money. There is nothing wrong with that. It all comes down to personal choice. But again, maybe I have just gotten older ( 36) and more mindful of spending loads of money on things I really don’t need. As big as an Apple and tech fan that I am, I just reached the point that spending 1K or a couple hundred bucks ( after trade-in of the previous phone) each year for phones with minimal changes just doesn’t make sense. That could be saved or spent on vacation or other hobbies.

As I type this I can’t believe how much I sound like my dad lol. I remember how he thought it was ridiculous that I stood in line for 13 hours to get the iPhone 4 in 2010. Of course I was still in my early 20’s then and was a diehard Apple fan who had to have the latest and greatest .

I’m 42 and realised a few years ago having the latest and greatest just doesn’t excite me as much as it did during the smartphone race when phones really did come with big upgrades every year. I’ve also got kids now so feel a bit more guilty spending a lot of money on phones and tech when I could be spending the additional money on them too. It also helps that these days I work with people who aren’t at all interested in phones and most of my friends have stopped being excited by getting shiny new devices. We grow up I suppose, smartphones have matured and they’ve also gotten so expensive where people are less inclined to upgrade as often.

 

[SoYoung]

I’m 42 and realised a few years ago having the latest and greatest just doesn’t excite me as much as it did during the smartphone race when phones really did come with big upgrades every year. I’ve also got kids now so feel a bit more guilty spending a lot of money on phones and tech when I could be spending the additional money on them too. It also helps that these days I work with people who aren’t at all interested in phones and most of my friends have stopped being excited by getting shiny new devices. We grow up I suppose, smartphones have matured and they’ve also gotten so expensive where people are less inclined to upgrade as often.

Exactly this. I begun to upgrade on a 3 years cycle with the 6s to XS Max and now the 13 pro max. But this time, even a 3 years gap don't seems enough to justify an update in my situation. My phone still do everything I want without any issues. Any additions from the 14 and 15 series are easily forgettable for me and don't really add any excitements or benefits. This year, according to rumours and leaks, don't seems very different too so for the first time I'll probably pass and I'll be sticking with the same phone for 4 years.

I think the only thing they add that would be beneficial for me is the faster USB-C connector to make faster back ups or transferring files but I do this so rarely that is still not enough for me to spend the money to upgrade.

 

[4sallypat]

Everyone has their hobbies and things they like to treat themselves with their hard-earned money. There is nothing wrong with that. It all comes down to personal choice. But again, maybe I have just gotten older ( 36) and more mindful of spending loads of money on things I really don’t need. As big as an Apple and tech fan that I am, I just reached the point that spending 1K or a couple hundred bucks ( after trade-in of the previous phone) each year for phones with minimal changes just doesn’t make sense. That could be saved or spent on vacation or other hobbies.

As I type this I can’t believe how much I sound like my dad lol. I remember how he thought it was ridiculous that I stood in line for 13 hours to get the iPhone 4 in 2010. Of course I was still in my early 20’s then and was a diehard Apple fan who had to have the latest and greatest 😂.

Agree - as I am aging, nearing retirement, I too have changed my ways.

Mine is based on Apple Card's financing (24 months 0%).

Now if Apple Card offered an option for 12 months 0% then I'd be upgrading every year.

Sort of glad changes have been minimal each year.

This year I am looking forward to the 16 (upgrading from 14+).

 

[rui no onna]

Also in the USA many people pay their phones off in 24-36 monthly payments so once it’s paid off they’re eligible to upgrade

It’s just 36 months now. I don’t think the major carriers offer 24 months anymore.

Mind, the latest iPhones are often free with trade-in. If one doesn’t switch carriers, “free” is a good incentive to upgrade.

 

[VineRider]

It’s just 36 months now. I don’t think the major carriers offer 24 months anymore.

Mind, the latest iPhones are often free with trade-in. If one doesn’t switch carriers, “free” is a good incentive to upgrade.

T-Mobile offers 24 months still. They even have a plan (more expensive) that allows for yearly upgrades.

 

[Nozuka]

Since i joined the current company off-cycle and they want to renew everyone at the same time, i'll have to return my 15 Pro and will get a 16 Pro and i just know that the upgrade will barely be worth the trouble to set up all the authenticator/banking apps again 😅

Afterwards it will be every 2 years though. But even then it's mostly only worth it for the new battery, which could just be replaced.

But obviously i'm not going to complain. Saves me some money that i would spend every 3-4 years.

 

[1rottenapple]

The reality is that people are replacing their phones purely because they want something new and for no other legitimate reason. Much of the time they’re forced to replace the battery or replace their phone and they use the cost of the battery replacement as an excuse to replace their entire device. I have been guilty of this many times in the past because of my love of new technology.

I regularly use an SE1 and 6S (with fresh OEM batteries) and they perform well in 2024.

My iPhone 8, which received an Apple battery replacement last week, is very slick on iOS 16 and can do pretty much anything an iPhone 15 can do without much of a noticeable difference in performance.

An iPhone 12 is as good as anything that’s available today and will be until around 2026.

The consumer based society in which we live is a throwaway and shallow world view which results in so much needless waste.

I shake my head every time I see someone claim that they need a slightly better camera module as the camera in an 11/12 is as good as a regular person will ever require. If you’re not a professional photographer then you should learn how to use a camera properly before using it as a throwaway excuse to spend $1200+ on a marginally better phone. Some of the best photos I’ve ever seen were taken on an iPhone 12 or prior. This includes 4K video footage as proven by top YouTubers such as Marques Brownlee.

The user is almost always the limitation, not the technology. Learn to use what you have rather than purchasing something that’s better. If your photographs are not good, you are the problem.

I used to get excited when purchasing a new phone but when I got my iPhone 13, in Jan 2023, it was a shallow and mundane experience as it replaced an iPhone 12 Mini which was identical in every way other than in size. I just popped on the new case, spent 10 minutes setting it up, and got on with my day. The same would be true if I were to replace my iPhone 13 with an iPhone 15 or upcoming iPhone 16.

We’ve reached peak smartphone now so just learn to use what you’ve got and don’t replace anything unless it’s a necessity to do so.

If you genuinely love new tech and get a buzz every time you unbox a new device, keep on doing what you’re doing… just don’t upgrade because you’re going through the motions and you feel like “it’s time” to upgrade.

So why do you guys upgrade? Is there a legitimate reason for it given that there are so many great SIM only contracts available? Do you actually still get a kick when unboxing and handling the newest tech? I am only having a rant because I don’t think there is much to add to current smartphones. The AI gimmick people are using as an excuse to upgrade to the iPhone 16 is laughable also. I also saw someone using a “better camera module” as an excuse to upgrade to an iPhone 16 Pro which made me giggle.

I am not telling anyone how to spend their own money because it’s theirs to do with as they wish, I am just genuinely interested in what motivates individuals to purchase the same tech every 1-3 years with no rational motivation for doing so.

It’s just people on this enthusiast site. It’s no reality. My family and friend have 3-5 yr old phones. Don’t make this site a reality when majority of people are happy with their phones me included (13 mini). And it’s not dude to financial constraints they have great jobs. Hell I used to be a yearly upgraded but not anymore. I just spend money on my jeep now!

 

[AVBeatMan]

I totally agree with the OP. I have absolutely no interest in any camera improvements.

I do upgrade every year and fully admit that I am sucked into the whole Apple "thing". Nuts I know, but there you go.

At my time of life (I am 60 years old) I am fortunate enough to be able to upgrade every year. And, I do say every year that I won't! My 15 Pro Max was (just sold it) the best iPhone I've ever had and I did intend to keep it for at least 2 years.

But, sometimes things and decisions in life just don't make sense. I am always grateful that I'm into tech and not say cars. Now that would be expensive!!.

 

[AVBeatMan]

1000% this.

I enjoy it and I can afford it. The end. Why on Earth would anyone else care what other people are doing?

I think it's pointless spending money/time watching sports. More power to the people that enjoy it.

I have friends here in the UK who pay £1,200 a year to go and watch their football team play. For that they get 19 home games, and that's the cheapest seats. That. plus travel, parking and expenses, all adds up to a lot more that what we pay for our iPhone's, that are used every singe day. I know which I'd choose.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I'm also considering the iPhone Upgrade Program. I've started a thread and would appreciate any thoughts here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/is-iphone-upgrade-programme-worth-it.2435332/?post=33366510#post-33366510

 

[AVBeatMan]

I'm also considering the iPhone Upgrade Program. I've started a thread and would appreciate any thoughts here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/is-iphone-upgrade-programme-worth-it.2435332/?post=33366510#post-33366510

Hope this is OK?

 

[a-m-k]

I can’t drive because I’m an epileptic and it’s not fair to ask someone to rearrange their life to accommodate to mine. I’m just going to get up early on the start of presale week. There are also private issues that I don’t want to discuss.

 

[MisterSavage]

I have friends here in the UK who pay £1,200 a year to go and watch their football team play. For that they get 19 home games, and that's the cheapest seats. That. plus travel, parking and expenses, all adds up to a lot more that what we pay for our iPhone's, that are used every singe day. I know which I'd choose.

Exactly. That's madness to me but more power to them if they enjoy it and can afford it.

 

[OJK]

I upgrade when the phone gets too slow. I had an iPhone 8 2years ago and replaced it with an iPhone 13 mini. I am very happy with the camera improvement that came along with the massive increase in speed.

That being said, I don’t know what the issue of the iPhone 8 was - i.e. why it was so slow to operate… As my father in law has a 6s that was running the same iOS 16 smoothly at that time. Maybe I had too many apps? Who knows… after a few resets and reinstalls, I gave up and got the iPhone 13 mini.

 

[ozapple]

My reason for upgrading yearly is quite simple actually:

- I’m a greedy, materialistic, shallow, self-centred, entitled, boorish, overbearing capitalist pig 🤷‍♂️

 

[Barbareren]

The reality is that people are replacing their phones purely because they want something new and for no other legitimate reason. Much of the time they’re forced to replace the battery or replace their phone and they use the cost of the battery replacement as an excuse to replace their entire device. I have been guilty of this many times in the past because of my love of new technology.

I regularly use an SE1 and 6S (with fresh OEM batteries) and they perform well in 2024.

My iPhone 8, which received an Apple battery replacement last week, is very slick on iOS 16 and can do pretty much anything an iPhone 15 can do without much of a noticeable difference in performance.

An iPhone 12 is as good as anything that’s available today and will be until around 2026.

The consumer based society in which we live is a throwaway and shallow world view which results in so much needless waste.

I shake my head every time I see someone claim that they need a slightly better camera module as the camera in an 11/12 is as good as a regular person will ever require. If you’re not a professional photographer then you should learn how to use a camera properly before using it as a throwaway excuse to spend $1200+ on a marginally better phone. Some of the best photos I’ve ever seen were taken on an iPhone 12 or prior. This includes 4K video footage as proven by top YouTubers such as Marques Brownlee.

The user is almost always the limitation, not the technology. Learn to use what you have rather than purchasing something that’s better. If your photographs are not good, you are the problem.

I used to get excited when purchasing a new phone but when I got my iPhone 13, in Jan 2023, it was a shallow and mundane experience as it replaced an iPhone 12 Mini which was identical in every way other than in size. I just popped on the new case, spent 10 minutes setting it up, and got on with my day. The same would be true if I were to replace my iPhone 13 with an iPhone 15 or upcoming iPhone 16.

We’ve reached peak smartphone now so just learn to use what you’ve got and don’t replace anything unless it’s a necessity to do so.

If you genuinely love new tech and get a buzz every time you unbox a new device, keep on doing what you’re doing… just don’t upgrade because you’re going through the motions and you feel like “it’s time” to upgrade.

So why do you guys upgrade? Is there a legitimate reason for it given that there are so many great SIM only contracts available? Do you actually still get a kick when unboxing and handling the newest tech? I am only having a rant because I don’t think there is much to add to current smartphones. The AI gimmick people are using as an excuse to upgrade to the iPhone 16 is laughable also. I also saw someone using a “better camera module” as an excuse to upgrade to an iPhone 16 Pro which made me giggle.

I am not telling anyone how to spend their own money because it’s theirs to do with as they wish, I am just genuinely interested in what motivates individuals to purchase the same tech every 1-3 years with no rational motivation for doing so.

I agree with a lot of what you’re saying (writing), also it’s quite the hassle changing phones, even if you can easily afford it, because many apps will require you to reactivate them with a bunch of passwords and codes which you might not have at hand. Banking apps and even Gmail can be a hassle when changing phones and reactivating apps. Even though it’s easy to transfer everything from one iPhone to another, apps can be a nuisance because of the aforementioned issues.

When it comes to AI, the Bing app is sufficient for me, for the time being.

 

[Andeddu]

I upgrade when the phone gets too slow. I had an iPhone 8 2years ago and replaced it with an iPhone 13 mini. I am very happy with the camera improvement that came along with the massive increase in speed.

That being said, I don’t know what the issue of the iPhone 8 was - i.e. why it was so slow to operate… As my father in law has a 6s that was running the same iOS 16 smoothly at that time. Maybe I had too many apps? Who knows… after a few resets and reinstalls, I gave up and got the iPhone 13 mini.

There might’ve been an issue with your 8 because I am using an 8 as a secondary phone right now while typing this message and it’s pretty smooth on iOS 16. Not as snappy as my 13 by any means but I could definitely use this phone as my daily driver. Also, your father in law’s 6S would’ve maxed out at iOS 15 which it’ll handle impressively well. I have a 6S and OGSE and both are on iOS 15 and both are great phones in 2024.

 

[TgeekB]

Everyone has their own preferences in life. I don’t drink alcohol. I consider that a cost savings. But I see people blow $20-100 a weekend going out and spending it on 1-5 drinks (most drinks these days cost a min $10, some as much as $20).

So I buy a phone every year.

Good point but….at least going out you get something. You get extremely little by purchasing a new phone every year. As you said though, everyone has their preferences.

 

[cibonak]

15--->16promax
battery and screen size

 

[JoeHyche]

I think my 13 pro max is too big and bulky. I want to get the 16 pro for the size, AI and camera upgrades. Then I can give my mom this 13.

 

[AppleFanatic10]

Right now I feel like there is no real reason to upgrade. I didn't watch the keynote, but from what I read this years phone feels pretty underwhelming. Will not be upgrading this year.