Other What’s the real reason for upgrading?

[WarmWinterHat]

I need to join YOUR cell carrier!

Mine (T-Mobile) only offers free to new customers or requires old customers to move off their current plan. I stick with my current plan (2015 vintage) because I'm not interested in paying more for my service just to get a free device.

I don't use the major carriers and pre-paid doesn't offer such deals. I absolutely LOATHE cell carriers, so I give them as little as humanly possible per-month and still have usable service. Back in the 3g and 4/4s days, I was paying AT&T well over $100/month for just my line... now I'm paying $17.50 for my line, and my wife is on a free year promo from Spectrum.

When it's time for a phone, we just buy them outright.

Edit: I also have a work-issued iPhone, so I guess I could just use it full-time and pay zero..but then MDM. 🤔

 

[eyoungren]

I don't use the major carriers and pre-paid doesn't offer such deals. I absolutely LOATHE cell carriers, so I give them as little as humanly possible per-month and still have usable service. Back in the 3g and 4/4s days, I was paying AT&T well over $100/month for just my line... now I'm paying $17.50 for my line, and my wife is on a free year promo from Spectrum.

When it's time for a phone, we just buy them outright.

Edit: I also have a work-issued iPhone, so I guess I could just use it full-time and pay zero..but then MDM. 🤔

Totally get that. My main problem, and it's mine alone, is that I always want what I want. And to have that you usually got to pay for it. There are things I got in 2015 that aren't offered by prepaid or MVNO or third party carriers. I've done the math and each time what I want works out the same or more to what I am currently paying.

Between my wife and I and our two kids there are 8 lines in total. Three of those are data only. Technically, our iPads don't need cellular - but it's what I want. And the third data line is free so I don't worry about that.

I pay more, but I'm comfortable with that. I'm not paying Verizon or AT&T's rates and I am certainly not paying the rates that people on current T-Mobile plans are.

 

[Klae17]

Question…do you stick your iPhone in a case?

I ask, because it's more of a status symbol if people can actually SEE what you're carrying.

Just sayin'.

Yes, but I get the exclusive color and a case that show cases whats new. For example, when MagSafe came out it was important for a lot of us to have that visible. Apple is masterful at their marketing.

 

[eyoungren]

Yes, but I get the exclusive color and a case that show cases whats new. For example, when MagSafe came out it was important for a lot of us to have that visible. Apple is masterful at their marketing.

My son is 20 now, but back when he was in HS I asked him if there was anyone in his friends group chat that used an Android. The whole blue bubble/green bubble thing.

My son's phone is an SE2, but back then he was using an SE1. He said there were a few Android users in the group chat but that no one held that against them, LOL.

 

[Wizec]

I see this opinion bandied about and I often wonder how much of an issue it really is.

What sort of security concern do you mean?

Something on the web and an issue with Safari?

Surely not the Apps, as those are vetted the same no matter what the target iOS version

Also, even my SE1s (still on iOS 15) have continued getting occasional security update pushes from Apple. Last one was just back in March 2024

It’s a huge concern. There have been exploits where your phone can be hacked just by receiving a malicious file in a text message:

Hackers Can Break Into an iPhone Just by Sending a Text

You don't even have to click anything.

www.wired.com

This is just one example. Other exploits affected Bluetooth, wifi, etc. I’m in the security industry so I keep tabs on this stuff. I won’t have a phone that doesn’t get security patches, given the type of transactions I do on it.

 

[Sunset Cassette]

Just wanted to chip in a little piece of international perspective since it seems a good chunk of members here are either American or reside in The U.K. / Europe.

Here in Canada, people almost always cyclically upgrade every two years. The phone carriers here have conditioned people to do so as a means to keep them constantly locked into two-year contracts. Prior to ~2019, carriers offered "free" phones (in reality they were subsidized into the costs of your rates) and since they were so petrified that you might change service providers, they just kept this going and eventually people accepted that getting a new phone was a bi-annual tradition.

As the OP seems to believe, most people here really don't need to upgrade all that often, but it's what they've come to know and expect. As mentioned above, since ~2019 our Telecommuncations regulations board forced Canadian carriers to change their policy from subsidized devices to financed devices. Despite that, the two year tradition has remained strong here.

I used to upgrade yearly since I work in the industry, but am now reaching a point where I think I'll only upgrade once the hardware fails me, or once software updates stop being supported for my particular device. Unfortunately, my current 14 Pro was very heavily used and the battery is absolutely thrashed, so I will be upgrading to something in the 16 lineup despite my great lack of interest with all of these upcoming AI features.

 

[Lakris]

Different things almost each time. With my iPhone 11 it was because my iPhone 7 was two or three years old and I wanted face-id. With the 14 it was because I wanted something new, and my iPhone 15 pro was because I wanted a pro for the first time and I wanted the best phone but I think the 15pro max is way too big. And because I can afford it. Some of the purchases has been spontaneously and some not. I agree with those who say that there is not much that's new with phones these days. When you buy a new phone you get almost exactly what you got already in user experience. That's both good and bad, because you don't have to learn many new things but you also don't get that brand new thing-feeling.
some of the reason I upgraded as often as I did was because of little things like DI, AOD ++ and I'm very happy about that, but it didn't make such a big deal in the long run anyways. But I really like my iPhone 15pro and I hope I won't be persuaded by apple to buy the next new phone, because I really don't need to.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Here in Canada, people almost always cyclically upgrade every two years. The phone carriers here have conditioned people to do so as a means to keep them constantly locked into two-year contracts. Prior to ~2019, carriers offered "free" phones (in reality they were subsidized into the costs of your rates) and since they were so petrified that you might change service providers, they just kept this going and eventually people accepted that getting a new phone was a bi-annual tradition.

That was the case for years here, too (US). Carriers charged the same whether or not you bought a subsidized phone, so it made sense to get a new one every couple years since you were paying the same price for service either way. That changed sometime around '15-'17, if I remember correctly. These days they offer a promo or tack the price onto your bill spread out over 24-36 months, or just buy your phone outright and use whatever cheap MVNO you like, as I do.

My sister lives in Canada; cell service cost there is pretty outrageous compared to here.

 

[Lakris]

Just wanted to chip in a little piece of international perspective since it seems a good chunk of members here are either American or reside in The U.K. / Europe.

Here in Canada, people almost always cyclically upgrade every two years. The phone carriers here have conditioned people to do so as a means to keep them constantly locked into two-year contracts. Prior to ~2019, carriers offered "free" phones (in reality they were subsidized into the costs of your rates) and since they were so petrified that you might change service providers, they just kept this going and eventually people accepted that getting a new phone was a bi-annual tradition.

As the OP seems to believe, most people here really don't need to upgrade all that often, but it's what they've come to know and expect. As mentioned above, since ~2019 our Telecommuncations regulations board forced Canadian carriers to change their policy from subsidized devices to financed devices. Despite that, the two year tradition has remained strong here.

I used to upgrade yearly since I work in the industry, but am now reaching a point where I think I'll only upgrade once the hardware fails me, or once software updates stop being supported for my particular device. Unfortunately, my current 14 Pro was very heavily used and the battery is absolutely thrashed, so I will be upgrading to something in the 16 lineup despite my great lack of interest with all of these upcoming AI features.

Where I live you can buy a phone and swap it after one year if you want to, so you can have a new phone every year. Ofcourse its more expensive than just buying a new phone because you have to have a downpayment on your subscription every month, but it includes insurance so if you break the phone/the screen you can fix it for free. I wonder what the do with all the old (only 1 year old) phones, it seems like a waste but. It makes a false need for replacing your phone with the newest model every year, and making it normal.

 

[Sami13496]

The same reason that people buy all the other crap they don’t really need. Lost meaning of life. Google Dr Gabor Maté.

 

[eyoungren]

It’s a huge concern. There have been exploits where your phone can be hacked just by receiving a malicious file in a text message:

Hackers Can Break Into an iPhone Just by Sending a Text

You don't even have to click anything.

www.wired.com

This is just one example. Other exploits affected Bluetooth, wifi, etc. I’m in the security industry so I keep tabs on this stuff. I won’t have a phone that doesn’t get security patches, given the type of transactions I do on it.

I don't reply to unsolicited text messages and if you aren't in my contacts or something I am expecting I don't typically open a text message. I usually just delete it. Granted, there have been times where I tapped on a number to read a message so that is still a vulnerability. However, on my secondary phones I'm not using those for SMS, except for one phone which does have a SIM card. Last time I used it was a few days ago and only because Google and Yahoo were tripping about making me make new passwords (I use 2FA with those accounts and actually have to open the apps).

If you aren't in my contacts and/or I don't know you/don't want to deal with you I am not answering your call. Leave a VM. I probably won't answer it, but go ahead anyway.

BT is used at home. We have one car and it doesn't have BT. All the BT devices are at home. If I am connecting to a BT device outside of home it's a device I brought myself. That's a security risk as you've noted.

I pay for cellular service and not for my cell carrier to use my own WiFi or other people's WiFi so my phone is always on cellular (even at home). There are a couple of exceptions to that, Walmart and Home Depot, but I'm not using the phone much if at all in those places. I'm shopping.

Anything that requires me to go above and beyond simple tapping means my computers get involved. Generally I am sitting in front of giant monitors the entirety of the day so I'm much more inclined to use my computers. Taking my hands off keyboard and mouse to use my phone is a hassle.

My point in all this is not that you're wrong (you aren't), just that I do not use my phones/devices in many of the ways that other people who get hacked use theirs. I have computers and those are far more useful to me than a jack of all trades phone.

 

[turbineseaplane]

It’s a huge concern. There have been exploits where your phone can be hacked just by receiving a malicious file in a text message:

Hackers Can Break Into an iPhone Just by Sending a Text

You don't even have to click anything.

www.wired.com

This is just one example. Other exploits affected Bluetooth, wifi, etc. I’m in the security industry so I keep tabs on this stuff. I won’t have a phone that doesn’t get security patches, given the type of transactions I do on it.

Ok - but we are still getting security patches on iOS 15 SE1s

 

[Wizec]

I don't reply to unsolicited text messages and if you aren't in my contacts or something I am expecting I don't typically open a text message. I usually just delete it. Granted, there have been times where I tapped on a number to read a message so that is still a vulnerability. However, on my secondary phones I'm not using those for SMS, except for one phone which does have a SIM card. Last time I used it was a few days ago and only because Google and Yahoo were tripping about making me make new passwords (I use 2FA with those accounts and actually have to open the apps).

If you aren't in my contacts and/or I don't know you/don't want to deal with you I am not answering your call. Leave a VM. I probably won't answer it, but go ahead anyway.

BT is used at home. We have one car and it doesn't have BT. All the BT devices are at home. If I am connecting to a BT device outside of home it's a device I brought myself. That's a security risk as you've noted.

I pay for cellular service and not for my cell carrier to use my own WiFi or other people's WiFi so my phone is always on cellular (even at home). There are a couple of exceptions to that, Walmart and Home Depot, but I'm not using the phone much if at all in those places. I'm shopping.

Anything that requires me to go above and beyond simple tapping means my computers get involved. Generally I am sitting in front of giant monitors the entirety of the day so I'm much more inclined to use my computers. Taking my hands off keyboard and mouse to use my phone is a hassle.

My point in all this is not that you're wrong (you aren't), just that I do not use my phones/devices in many of the ways that other people who get hacked use theirs. I have computers and those are far more useful to me than a jack of all trades phone.

It’s good that you are careful and safety conscious. Just be aware that a few exploits required 0 user interaction. Just receiving the text with the malicious attachment took over the phone.

 

[Wizec]

Ok - but we are still getting security patches on iOS 15 SE1s

So you’re saying that you’re getting security patches? Exactly my point then when I wrote “I won’t have a phone that doesn’t get security patches…”

 

[eyoungren]

Here in Canada, people almost always cyclically upgrade every two years. The phone carriers here have conditioned people to do so as a means to keep them constantly locked into two-year contracts. Prior to ~2019, carriers offered "free" phones (in reality they were subsidized into the costs of your rates) and since they were so petrified that you might change service providers, they just kept this going and eventually people accepted that getting a new phone was a bi-annual tradition.

As the OP seems to believe, most people here really don't need to upgrade all that often, but it's what they've come to know and expect. As mentioned above, since ~2019 our Telecommuncations regulations board forced Canadian carriers to change their policy from subsidized devices to financed devices. Despite that, the two year tradition has remained strong here.

I used to upgrade yearly since I work in the industry, but am now reaching a point where I think I'll only upgrade once the hardware fails me, or once software updates stop being supported for my particular device. Unfortunately, my current 14 Pro was very heavily used and the battery is absolutely thrashed, so I will be upgrading to something in the 16 lineup despite my great lack of interest with all of these upcoming AI features.

This is a particular reason that I do not upgrade my cellphone plan for promos. Now that I am simply paying for service, rather than having a phone subsidized into the cost of my plan, I refuse to move from my lower cost plan to newer, more expensive plans just to get a promo/deal. If I'm going to be paying more, I'll just pay for the phone on payments or outright knowing that the additional cost is not for my service but the device itself. My carrier can eat it.

 

[scorpio vega]

The MacRumors iPhone forum used to be full of this attitude. I found that those with this attitude often just bought the base model storage.

So sure, go on being superior. And if you buy the max storage offered then you're really showing all of us. But if you're like the others, don't lord your base model iPhone over me - because I'm one of those that gets the max when I upgrade.

You must be in your feelings today.

I never said I feel inferior or superior to you or any one on this forum lmao. I couldn’t care less what anyone on this forum uses lol.

I meant inferior as in the tech. I always want the latest and greatest. How you got “i feel superior” upgrading from that is a definite reach.

 

[eyoungren]

It’s good that you are careful and safety conscious. Just be aware that a few exploits required 0 user interaction. Just receiving the text with the malicious attachment took over the phone.

Generally, those would be a targeted sort of thing would it not? Someone who has value as a target. Which is not me. If I'm wrong on that and it's more of a shotgun, see whose out there type of thing, then yeah. I'm at risk like everyone else. But that's also why I don't use my secondary phones for messaging.

 

[eyoungren]

You must be in your feelings today.

I never said I feel inferior or superior to you or any one on this forum lmao. I couldn’t care less what anyone on this forum uses lol.

I meant inferior as in the tech. I always want the latest and greatest. How you got “i feel superior” upgrading from that is a definite reach.

In that case, then I will go right on using my inferior tech and you can go right on using superior (to you I guess) tech. When it comes down to it, does it matter that the latest and greatest does the same thing better?

I use my phone for calls, texts, emails, light web browsing and taking pictures of stuff on Walmart's shelves. I live in a major metro city as well. That's relevant because the latest and greatest isn't going to improve my coverage or phone calls. It's not going to make my text messages and iMessages send faster and it's not going to speed up my email. A better camera isn't going to change the fact that my wife needs to decide which brand of olive oil she wants me to bring home. It will give me better quality photos in capturing that great photo or life's precious moments, sure.

But I don't care about that last bit. I hate being photographed and so does my wife and kids.

So latest and greatest is all well and good for stuff you might use or do, but I never will.

 

[subjonas]

It’s bad if they are doing it without thinking. I have several friends who are not tech enthusiasts who replaced their iPhone 13/14s for no specific reason other than it has become an ingrained habit to replace their phones after a certain number of years.

Yeah the unconscious following of set patterns (many times set by others with their own agendas) is a big reason resources, time, and lives are wasted. Every action (or inaction) should start with asking the simple question—“why?” The answers may vary wildly, but if one wants to have a meaningful life, the important thing is to always have an answer.
But the sad truth is many would rather not think because thinking is uncomfortable. And this goes much further than upgrading phones, but includes it.

 

[fatTribble]

I am not telling anyone how to spend their own money because it’s theirs to do with as they wish

You end your post with this which sounds innocuous enough, yet the rest of your post really does sound like you’re telling us how to spend our money.


Given all of the following statements you made, you want us to now tell you why we upgrade when we do? I’m completely fine discussing pros and cons of upgrading but your post sounds like we need to justify our reasons to you.

The reality is that people are replacing their phones purely because they want something new and for no other legitimate reason.

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

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.

just don’t upgrade because you’re going through the motions and you feel like “it’s time” to upgrade.

Learn to use what you have rather than purchasing something that’s better. If your photographs are not good, you are the problem.

 

[scorpio vega]

In that case, then I will go right on using my inferior tech and you can go right on using superior (to you I guess) tech. When it comes down to it, does it matter that the latest and greatest does the same thing better?

I use my phone for calls, texts, emails, light web browsing and taking pictures of stuff on Walmart's shelves. I live in a major metro city as well. That's relevant because the latest and greatest isn't going to improve my coverage or phone calls. It's not going to make my text messages and iMessages send faster and it's not going to speed up my email. A better camera isn't going to change the fact that my wife needs to decide which brand of olive oil she wants me to bring home. It will give me better quality photos in capturing that great photo or life's precious moments, sure.

But I don't care about that last bit. I hate being photographed and so does my wife and kids.

So latest and greatest is all well and good for stuff you might use or do, but I never will.

Okay? Why are you literally justifying your purchase.

I have no interest in marriage and I find children annoying so that’s not my life. Nor will it ever be.

I travel the world. I do photography. I dance and I make videos. My phone is extension of myself and my interest.

I’m constantly upgrading and bettering myself in all aspects of my life daily. So I prefer to make sure I have the best access to tech to help me
Do that.

 

[Wizec]

Generally, those would be a targeted sort of thing would it not? Someone who has value as a target. Which is not me. If I'm wrong on that and it's more of a shotgun, see who’s out there type of thing, then yeah. I'm at risk like everyone else. But that's also why I don't use my secondary phones for messaging.

It’s extremely hard to know. I do know that some campaigns are targeted, but I have heard of some that are randomized as well. Since I’m in the security industry, I make sure I cover every base humanly possible. I didn’t mean to scare anyone unnecessarily by any means.

One thing that can add a layer of security is text filtering. Some providers offer apps that will block texts from known spammers, and also let you block texts from suspicious numbers as well.

Defense in depth, i.e. multiple layers is always a good idea. Another strategy would be to not save any account passwords on-device so that financial, medical, shopping, or any other kind of critical apps must use authentication when opened. Also, enable two factor authentication for any important apps. You can also lock your SIM in iOS settings by adding a SIM PIN.

This is far from a comprehensive list, just a few fairly easy to implement steps that might help people. I contributed to this thread mainly to point out that not everyone who upgrades frequently is doing so for unimportant or selfish reasons. Some of us make our living by staying abreast of technology and ahead of hackers.

I hope you (all) stay safe out there! 😊

 

[mansplains]

If you aren't in my contacts and/or I don't know you/don't want to deal with you I am not answering your call. Leave a VM. I probably won't answer it, but go ahead anyway.

For real, Silence Unknown Callers isn't enough. We need to be able to whitelist our contacts and reject all other incoming transmissions. Add a quick toggle if we're expecting something like an SMS code (for the companies that still use this horrible form of verification) or a call from a customer support line you don't have the number to, etc. I made a shortcut for silence unknown callers and put it in control center (iOS 18), it can't be too difficult to add a full block of unsolicited communications. It makes me think of Kramer trying to put an end to junk mail, like Apple wants spam to continue for whatever reason. Who pays for phone service so they can talk to unknown people? With a US election year, sms spam goes up, and this year's been worse with recent events.

 

[subjonas]

Honestly, Apple is the one keeping me from upgrading more often than I do, as they refuse to make any iPhones that aren't big, bigger and huge

I'm almost a reluctant phone user at this point
It's a communication and "get things done" tool for me ... no games, no casino Apps, no social media ... no BS

One thing I do a ton is long walks every day with music and/or podcasts, for which I use an SE1 (not my 13 Mini) as it's lightweight and thin and small (vs my 13 Mini, which is relatively a brick in comparison)

It's why I'm so frustrated that Apple won't make a smaller more stripped down device for those of us who need the most minimal iOS experience that is simply "up to date" for App support, etc

I could probably get by with a "phone" based off WatchOS at this point (it would need a bit more than WatchOS currently offers)

I also find all phones larger than SE1 too big. I'll take what functionality I can get in as close to that size as possible, but of course more functionality packed in the better!

 

[eyoungren]

Okay? Why are you literally justifying your purchase.

I have no interest in marriage and I find children annoying so that’s not my life. Nor will it ever be.

I travel the world. I do photography. I dance and I make videos. My phone is extension of myself and my interest.

I’m constantly upgrading and bettering myself in all aspects of my life daily. So I prefer to make sure I have the best access to tech to help me
Do that.

I'm not justifying it, I am explaining why the 'latest and greatest' is not an applicable thing to me.

As far as the rest - more power to you. You've figured out that kids are not for you and what kind of lifestyle works for you. Not everyone has figured that out and a lot of kids get screwed over because of it.

My lifestyle is very different. I'm a homebody, a recluse and a loner. I'm not interested in travel and there are days where stepping outside the front door is a task in itself for me. Being able to work from home was a massive boon to me. But I don't like being alone and I'm fortunate that I found someone that is the same as me in this regard. 27 years later we're still together. And I still want to be with her.

But my phone is not an extension of my self. For me that's computers and has been since 1985 when I was 14. I love tech and what it can do for me, but I also learned that in the profession I chose to be in, being on the bleeding edge is not conducive to getting work out on a deadline.

Superior technology holds no interest to me unless it can make the same stuff I do right now (and continue to do) better. Everyone is different.