Should You Rush to Buy an iPhone Now?
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Consumers are already seeing prices rise in response to recently imposed tariffs. Car dealers are marketing vehicles as pre-tariff and post-tariff inventory. Prescription drug prices are expected to spike. General contractors are seeing projects fall out of contract due to the likely surge of lumber and other associated costs. The same is expected for consumer electronics.
Despite the iPhone’s near-term reprieve from some tariffs, Trump made it clear on his Truth Social platform that “NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook’ for the unfair Trade Balances…”
We’ve reported about Apple flying planeloads of iPhones to the US and consumers rushing to purchase iPhones amidst the potential price surge. Is panic-buying the correct response? I’ve struggled with the same question as I’ve been debating on parting with my perfectly functional iPhone 13 Pro since the iPhone 16’s release. What are the options?
If money isn’t a concern, go for it and pull the trigger on whatever new iPhone model you want. However, if you’ll be forced to finance it through Apple, pay with a credit card, or use one of the various buy-now-pay-later options, maybe you shouldn’t drop everything and run to the Apple Store. This is especially true if your current iPhone still works well and meets your daily needs. Remember, you’re likely buying a case, screen protector, and other accessories along with a new iPhone. This will drive the total cost up considerably.
If cost, whether now or in the future, is a significant concern, you still have two viable options.
The first is to maintain your current iPhone. With proper care and iOS updates, you should easily be able to get 5+ years out of your iPhone, assuming it remains free of any significant damage. Models like the iPhone XR, released in 2018, are still supported by iOS 18, and the 2019 iPhone 11 lineup will probably still be able to run iOS 19 when it’s released later this year.
If performance feels slower or iPhone’s battery life isn’t what it once was, battery replacements are a surprisingly cheap alternative to a new iPhone. Your iPhone could feel as good as new. You can check the cost to replace your battery at an Apple Store here. You can also check out your local phone repair shops. You should seriously consider replacing your battery if its Maximum Capacity has fallen below 80%. Even if it isn’t, a replacement still might liven up your iPhone. You can check this by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
While a new battery may solve sluggish performance, you won’t benefit from the latest features of newer iPhones. Remember, you can buy newer models used. You can find various used and refurbished iPhones online at Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and eBay. Plus, the iPhones that Apple sells from its Certified Refurbished Store are as good as new, as they’ve been fully tested and have the same warranty and eligibility for AppleCare+. Apple even replaces the battery and outer casing and provides a brand new USB-C cable in the box.
There are also many sites dedicated to the purchase and resale of iPhones and other electronics, like Swappa, Gazelle, and Back Market. Many come certified with warranties and return periods. So, if you need a newer iPhone, you still (and will) have options.
While prices will surely rise on consumer goods across the board, panic-buying might cost you just as much, if not more, in the long run. Another consideration, if prices on iPhones and other Apple devices do increase, the value of your trade is likely to increase as well. It’s a tricky financial time for everyone. We don’t know how things will shake out. We’re just encouraging you to consider all of your options before moving out of fear of the potential $2,000 iPhone.
