Is Upgrading to the iPhone 15 Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide
September brings the excitement of new iPhones, and if you’re not an annual iPhone upgrader, it’s time to ponder the question: Should I upgrade? The decision to purchase one of the highly-anticipated iPhone 15 models, expected to be unveiled at Apple’s September 12 event, hinges on several crucial factors: the current state of your phone, compatibility with the imminent iOS 17 update, and the enticing features of the upcoming model. If your iPhone is two or three years old and still performing well, you may be able to squeeze another year or two out of it.
Reasons Not to Upgrade
1. Battery Woes If you find that your iPhone’s battery is losing its spark after about two years or 500 complete charge cycles, it’s natural to contemplate an upgrade. However, before rushing into a new purchase, consider a more cost-effective solution—a battery replacement. Apple offers certified battery replacements for as low as $89, and if you have AppleCare+ coverage, it’s often included. To assess your battery health, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
2. Screen Repairs A cracked screen can be a major eyesore, but if your iPhone is otherwise in perfect working condition, it might be more economical to replace the display rather than the entire phone. This approach can also enhance your device’s trade-in value. For instance, an iPhone XR with a cracked screen could fetch $150, whereas one in good condition is valued higher. Without AppleCare+ coverage, an iPhone XR screen replacement costs $199, with newer models incurring higher fees.
3. Low Storage Space Is your iPhone sluggish due to insufficient internal storage? Before leaping to a new model, navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to review and delete unnecessary data. Identify space-hogging apps and clear downloaded content to free up valuable storage. Often, this simple cleanup can breathe new life into your device.
4. Recent Upgrade If you recently invested in a new iPhone, it’s advisable to hold off on another upgrade. The forthcoming iPhone 15 models are anticipated to offer incremental improvements, such as a processor upgrade and enhanced camera features. The most significant change may be the adoption of a universal USB-C charging port in compliance with European Union regulations.
When to Consider Upgrading
1. Incompatible with iOS 17 iOS 17 brings exciting new features, important security updates, and bug fixes. However, not all iPhone models will support it. If your current iPhone is not on the list of supported models for iOS 17, you should consider upgrading to enjoy the latest software benefits. For a comprehensive list of compatible models, refer to Apple’s iOS 17 preview page.
2. Major Repairs Needed If your iPhone is experiencing major issues like camera malfunctions, unresponsive buttons, or microphone problems, it may be more practical to invest in a new model rather than paying for extensive repairs.
3. Desire for New Software Features Apple’s software updates often introduce innovative features. If you crave the latest tricks like the sentence-completing keyboard or hand-triggered FaceTime reactions, you may need to upgrade to an iPhone 12 or newer model. Certain features, like Point and Speak for low-vision users, are exclusive to specific models equipped with 3-D lidar scanners (iPhone 12 Pro and newer).
Timing Matters
Before making any decisions, it’s wise to wait until after Apple’s September 12 event. Apple typically unveils discounts and discontinuations at this time, which can influence your choice. Retailers often reduce prices on older devices to make room for new models. Additionally, wireless carriers frequently offer enticing trade-in deals when new models launch.
Remember to back up your old iPhone before parting with it. It’s best to bid farewell to your old device only once you’re certain that everything is up and running smoothly on your new phone.
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