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As Apple fans eagerly await the release of four models of the iPhone 13, which is expected to take place on September 24, you may be staring longingly at photos of the new device, reading about its upgrades, and wondering whether the practical move is to ditch your current phone and replace it with a newer model. Though some tech devotees may spring for the latest and greatest, even when their own phones are still working perfectly well, if you prefer to take a more practical approach to phone upgrades, it helps to know when, exactly, you should be thinking about replacing your device. Here’s how often you should actually be replacing your iPhone, according to tech experts.
Every Three Years — But Sometimes Sooner Or Later
When it comes to replacing your iPhone, there’s an average length of time that many people wait until taking the plunge — but also, there is no one right way to approach it, says Alexander Reeves, site manager at DiceCove.com.
“Apple’s iPhones are some of the most high-end devices available on the market today,” Reeves says. “Their premium price is a testament to the premium hardware and software that they deliver to their customers. Typically, iPhones have a lifespan of three years before you will notice a decline in their performance. I’ve known people who can live on the same iPhone for five years with some extra care.”
One reason why you might find yourself running to the Apple store is because improvements and innovations won’t be new any longer after just one year or product cycle. “Apple also continuously updates iOS, which becomes incompatible with older models, pushing you to buy a new one,” Reeves says. “A phone that cannot take on these new updates will likely no longer be supported. This kind of downgrade may be even worse than physical damage to your phone, so perhaps you could consider upgrading to the new product once you notice your device is lagging behind on the updates.”
Apple guarantees up to five years lifespan, the same period they are willing to support them, says Harriet Chan, co-founder, and marketing director at CocoFinder. “Watch out for signs that might be suggesting it is time to get a new iPhone,” Chan says. “In addition to the battery not holding power and draining too fast, it can’t download the latest iOS software, insufficient storage, and persistent performance issues there are little signs that can pass your eyes. New versions come with upgrades on their mobile network infrastructure. If your older device no longer records a sufficient network coverage level, it might be a sign to acquire the latest version. One day when playing a game on my iPhone, I decided to try newly released games and my phone struggled to handle it. It’s probably time for an upgrade.”
If you are intent on extending your phone for as long as possible, iPhones on average can last for five to six years and still perform their functions correctly, according to Chan. “But design is robust enough to last for decades or more with proper care,” Chan says. “However, after four years, the iPhone battery takes a toll, which will require a replacement and it might be a good time to upgrade to a new version.”
