How to Know It’s Time to Upgrade Your iPhone
One of the best parts about the iPhone is that you can buy one and keep it for a very long time. Usually, a brand new iPhone should last you at least five years, but if you don't mind being left out of the latest software updates, you can make it work for even longer.
Hoewver, that doesn't mean you should. As unfortunate as it is, your iPhone isn't meant to last forever, and you’ll start to get signs when it's time to consider moving on and upgrading to a new iPhone.
If you aren't sure if it's time to upgrade or not, read on for nine reasons to take into account.
Your iPhone Doesn't Get Updates Anymore
This is one of the first signs that it's time to upgrade your iPhone. If you go to your settings to update your iPhone and you don't see the latest iOS update from Apple, then it's time to considering getting a new iPhone.
Typically, Apple provides at least five years of software updates for every model. For example, you can still get iOS 17 for the 2018 iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, which were released with iOS 12.
This means that if you recencly picked up a new iPhone 15, you should be able to get software updates until iOS 23 comes along in 2029, which is plenty of time to save up some money to get the “iPhone 20.”
Your iPhone Doesn't Support New Apps
Besides not being able to update your iPhone, it's also possible that you won't be able to update your favorite apps anymore. Keep in mind that most developers keep supporting older devices for a longer time than five years — but sometimes they’re also limited by a need to drop support for older iOS releases.
So, if your favorite developer decides to stop supporting your iPhone — or the maximum version of iOS you can run on it, then you really need to consider an upgrade.
Moreover, older iPhones don't get to use newer apps. Sometimes, it's because they require a newer software update, and other times, it's because they need a hardware feature that your iPhone just doesn't have. If that's happening to you, a new device is the way to go.
Your iPhone Can't Use New Accessories
Granted, this is something that's going to happen to all of us old iPhone users. Thanks to the new EU regulations, Apple was forced to switch from Lightning to USB-C on the iPhone. That’s great, but that means you probably can't use many newer accessories — at least not without resorting to clunky adapters.
If your older iPhone can't make use of the latest iPhone accessories, then you should consider upgrading. Of course, if you have an iPhone 14, you can probably wait a few years before upgrading, as Lightning accessories will still be around for a while.
Still, for older iPhone users who just can't use MagSafe accessories or USB-C accessories, you might be better off upgrading your iPhone sometime soon.
Your iPhone Is Just Too Slow
Unfortunately, all iPhones tend to get slower over time. While there are some things you can do about it, sometimes your iPhone may just be too old.
Sure, you can try resetting your iPhone or disabling some features, but sometimes the software updates your iPhone uses are just too much for your iPhone to handle. Not only that, but the storage might not be enough, but more on that in a moment.
If you've tried everything to make your old iPhone run faster, and it still doesn't work, then you probably should just buy a new one.
Your iPhone's Battery Doesn't Last as Long Anymore
Unfortunately, the iPhone has never been the smartphone with the biggest battery, so a lot of people complain about battery issues in the long run.
The good news is that Apple's software updates make the iPhone still perform decently without damaging your battery life.
With that said, if your iPhone's battery is getting older, it won't hold as much charge anymore — and it could even be slowing down your iPhone.
The good news is you can easily see the current status of your battery by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. From here, you can check the Maximum Capacity of your iPhone's battery.
If the capacity is too low, you can either replace the battery or get a new iPhone altogether.
Your Storage Doesn't Cut It Anymore
Most of us choose to go for the lowest storage available because it's the cheaper option. Unfortunately, this means that, in the long run, your iPhone's storage probably won't be enough.
If you have a really old iPhone, you're probably still rocking 64GB of storage, which is nowhere near adequate for most things you’ll want to do these days. Unfortunately, since you can't increase your iPhone's storage, your only option is to get a new one.
For most casual users, 128GB should be more than enough — for now, at least — but if you're a power user or plan to keep your iPhone for a long time, you should consider going for the 256GB or the 512GB models.
Your iPhone Is Just Too Damaged
For the most part, your iPhone can take a few drops, but that doesn't mean it's invincible.
If you don't take good care of it, you might end up with a broken iPhone. If that happens, you should really consider upgrading it.
After all, sometimes upgrading to a new iPhone is actually cheaper than repairing a huge issue with your current device — especially if you don’t have AppleCare+, which is unlikely on an older iPhone.
Your Touch Screen Isn't As Responsive Anymore
You know it's time to update your iPhone if your touchscreen doesn't work as it used to. After all, that's the core part of your smartphone.
With a bad display, you won't be able to use your phone properly. Sure, you can try to repair it, but displays can be tricky and expensive. It might be a better solution to spend a bit more money and get a brand-new iPhone.
The Features You Have Aren't Enough for You
Do you still have an iPhone with 3D Touch? How about changing that feature to the more modern Dynamic Island or the Action button?
The iPhone has evolved so much over the years that older features might not be enough for you anymore. For some, USB-C is a must. For others, being able to launch shortcuts from the push of a button is enough.
Whatever the feature you need, you may want to consider upgrading to get everything Apple has to offer now.
You're Constantly Repairing your iPhone
If you find yourself constantly repairing your iPhone, then you're basically wasting money.
Sometimes, you just got a faulty iPhone. And while that sucks, it's better off to admit defeat and get a brand-new model. Sure, you might need to spend a lot of money upfront, but in the long run, it'll be cheaper than constantly repairing your iPhone.
Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to your old iPhone…
We get it; saying goodbye to your iPhone can be tough. After all, you've been through a lot together. Plus, the newer iPhones are really expensive.
However, if your current iPhone doesn't work as it used to, or what it offers just isn’t enough for you anymore, then you should consider buying a brand-new model.
You can always give your old iPhone one last job and use it to get store credit for your next purchase.