Skip to main content
Emma Stone at the Annual Actor Awards event.
Salma Hayek in a lavender gown at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Collagen-boosting superfoods for glowing summer skin.

Lifestyle

How Often Do You Really Need To Buy A New Phone? We Asked Experts

August 18, 2025 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Lifestyle
Featured image

With every flashy iPhone launch comes the temptation: should you upgrade or is your older phone just fine? The lure of better cameras, faster processors, and sleek new designs can make it feel like your current phone is suddenly outdated. Not to mention: it’s fun to have the newest tech device in your hand. But constantly upgrading every year or two isn’t just unnecessary for most people, but can be a serious drain on your finances.

So how often should you really replace your iPhone?

Tech experts say the answer depends less on hype and more on practical factors like performance, software support, and how you use your phone day-to-day. Here’s what some pros say about how often to replace your iPhone.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
man-opening-new-iphone

Replacing Your Battery May Help 

 

If your iPhone’s battery isn’t holding a charge like it used to, it doesn’t automatically mean you need a brand-new phone. In many cases, a simple battery replacement can breathe new life into your device, restoring its performance and making it feel almost like new. Apple offers battery replacements through its stores and authorized service providers. If your phone is still running smoothly otherwise—no major performance lags, display issues, or hardware failures—a new battery can be a cost-saving solution.

technician-fixing-smartphone

Signs to Replace Your Phone

 

There are some signs that suggest it might be smarter to invest in a new iPhone rather than just replacing the battery. If your device no longer receives iOS updates, struggles with speed and responsiveness, or has ongoing hardware issues like a cracked screen, faulty camera, or ports that won't charge, a replacement might not be worth the repair costs. If your phone is more than five or six years old, newer apps and features may no longer be compatible or run properly.

 

Tags:

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

Woman applying concealer for a flawless makeup finish.
Common beauty habits causing skin inflammation revealed.
Image from SHEfinds
Older woman performing a skincare routine for healthy skin.
Enjoying spearmint tea for potential skin benefits.
Hair mistakes that could be aging you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare tips from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Youn.
Image from SHEfinds
Foundations for mature skin to minimize fine lines.
Trendy butterfly haircut showcased on Instagram.
Image from SHEfinds
Pouring shampoo into hand for application.
Image from SHEfinds
Everyday habits speeding up collagen breakdown explained.
Shutterstock image showcasing beauty and skincare trends.
Image from SHEfinds
Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson for a polished look.
Image from SHEfinds
Image from SHEfinds
Common skincare mistakes for women over 40.
Woman applying concealer for a flawless makeup finish.
Common beauty habits causing skin inflammation revealed.
Image from SHEfinds

Lifestyle

Prime Day is basically my personal Christmas. Except instead of ...

Older woman performing a skincare routine for healthy skin.
Enjoying spearmint tea for potential skin benefits.
Hair mistakes that could be aging you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare tips from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Youn.
Image from SHEfinds
Foundations for mature skin to minimize fine lines.
Trendy butterfly haircut showcased on Instagram.
Image from SHEfinds
Pouring shampoo into hand for application.
Image from SHEfinds
Everyday habits speeding up collagen breakdown explained.
Shutterstock image showcasing beauty and skincare trends.
Image from SHEfinds
Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson for a polished look.
Image from SHEfinds
Image from SHEfinds
Common skincare mistakes for women over 40.