One of the best things about iPhones is their durability. We are not just talking about the hardware, because the OS lifespan on the iPhone is also famously long, with the latest iOS 14 supporting devices as far back as the iPhone 7. Now, the obvious question here is that, if my older iPhone can support the latest OS upgrade, why then should I buy the new generation of iPhones?
Another question here is – “What is the best time to upgrade your iPhone?”
We are going to be answering this question and hopefully, by the end, you will have a clear decision in your mind.
Upgrading an iPhone can happen over two levels –
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Number 1 – If you are subscribed to the Apple Upgrade program
You are subscribed to the Apple upgrade program, in which case, you can always trade-in your older iPhone, get the newer model, and simply pay the difference. This turns out to be very economic, and people who are loyal to the iPhone product generally tend to subscribe to this program. In such cases, upgrading the iPhone to a newer generation is a given.
Number 2 – If you are not subscribed to the Apple upgrade program
If you have bought an iPhone, but are not subscribed to the upgrade program, then things get a bit tricky. iPhones on their own, cost a lot, especially if you are going for the top-end model, and in such cases, brute-forcing the purchase is difficult. If you are an enthusiast, then you may still end up buying the new iPhones, because obviously, you want to try out the new features and upgrades. But, if you are the average consumer, who just wants a workhorse of a device for day-to-day activities, then the best thing to do is to pull the existing device as long as possible.
The golden number for upgrading the iPhone, for an average customer, should be 3 years. This is because, Apple’s hardware stays relevant with its features for at least 3 years before it becomes slightly obsolete, and three years gives you enough time to save up for the new model when it comes.
The components that Apple uses on their iPhones, are absolutely high quality, and you will find absolutely no problems using the device for as long as you find it relevant, but what we found is that post the three year period, the battery life starts waning, the camera may start looking a bit out of date, and the software will start getting slightly heavy for the device. You won’t find a lag, but you will notice that some processes will take a bit longer than usual, and it is to be expected.
Therefore, our answer can be summarised as follows –
- Subscribe to the iPhone upgrade program and easily upgrade the iPhone every year (Recommended).
- Spend the money on the new generation of iPhones to experience everything new (Enthusiasts).
- Use the current iPhone for at least three years before upgrading to the newer generation (Normal Customers).
