How long do iPhones last? When should you upgrade your iPhone? (2024)

How long do iPhones last? There are many factors that go into deciding when it's time to buy a new phone. We'll look at how long an iPhone gets iOS updates before it's no longer supported, the typical lifespan of an iPhone, and other lifestyle factors that could impact your purchasing decision. We also look at the best time to buy a new mobile phone, so you can get the most out of your new purchase.

Jump to:

• How long do iPhones last?
• When should I buy a new iPhone?
• The best time to buy a new iPhone

How long do iPhones last?

Many people see a decline in performance around the age of two. A lot of this may depend on wear and tear and how many times you've dropped your iPhone, but since this seems to be a fairly consistent trend for most iPhone users, I think two and a half years is a more accurate target. . how long your iPhone will workGood.

Some people keep their iPhones for five years or more before squeezing the last drop of life out of them, and a lot depends on the number of trips toBrilliant baryou are willing to earn and how much you are willing to spend on new batteries, screens and other physical components. How long does an iPhone last? In general, you can expect a regular iPhone to last somewhere between two and three years. If your iPhone 14 still works fine, you probably don't need an iPhone 15 (but that doesn't mean you can't upgradeif you want). On the other hand, if you're rocking an iPhone 11 or 12, an upgrade might make more sense.

When should I buy a new iPhone?

So your iPhone doesn't workstore, but it is still usable. Maybe you're staring at that old thing on your desk and wondering, "how old is my iPhone?" Or maybe you noticed a new iPhone model, but as mom always said: you have a great one at home. Whatever the reason you're wondering, it can be hard to finally say to yourself, "I need a new phone." It is a big commitment and can also be difficult. That's why we've put together a list of signs that it really is time to buy a new iPhone.

Decline in performance

So your iPhone doesn't work. Or maybe it works, but doesn't work well. When you encounter consistent, noticeable performance issues, it's time to start looking at new phones. A few years ago I ignored the worsening problems with my iPhone until one night I got stuck in an endless loop of a restart screen and had to officially stop using it. Not only did I lose two years worth of photos (alwaysbackup your iPhone, guys), but I was also without a phone until I could get a new one. Since I hadn't budgeted for a brand new iPhone yet, the price of a new iPhone surprised me. If your iPhone breaks down regularly, prepare to purchase a new iPhone. Even if you can still enjoy it for a few months or even a year, you'll be glad you planned ahead.

Battery life decreases

This is one of the biggest motivators for users who decide it's time to buy a new iPhone. How long do iPhone batteries last? The answer can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as usage,leave it plugged in overnight, or if you've just had the phone for a long time. But once it's gone, there's really no way to recover the loss of your iPhonebattery life. You canreplace your iPhone battery, but often a dead battery goes hand in hand with other performance issues that can cause you to throw in the towel.

Lost iOS support

If the latest iOS update doesn't support your iPhone, it's time to get a new one. Sure, a missed upgrade may not seem like a big deal, but you'll quickly find yourself falling behind in performance, and apps updated to run on the new operating system may not work properly or at all. More importantly, iOS updates usually come with important security updates, making running outdated operating systems on your iPhone less secure. There is little or no point in keeping a device that is not supportedlatest iOS. However, remember that Apple will continue to support most iPhones for a long time to come. For example, the iPhone 8 (released in 2017) received new iOS updates for five years up to and including iOS 16.

Physical damage

Our iPhones can take a beating, but sometimes the damage is too great. If you want to look through a broken screen that you've decided isn't worth fixing, or if a button is permanently broken, your bezel is peeling off, or something is being held together with duct tape, now's the time om wants to make the new telephone investment. Remember when the first scratch on your body felt like a real heartbreak? Chase that feeling. You'll be glad you did.

But keep in mind that you don't have to wait for your iPhone to fall apart before getting a new one. If you take good care of your iPhone, you can make good money on an Apple trade-in when you finally spring for the latest model. Apple won't accept trade-ins with physical damage, including cracked screens, so keep that in mind when planning a new phone.

Your mobile company offers an offer

Ten years ago, I could set my watch for when my wireless carrier would offer me a free cell phone upgrade. I could walk into the Verizon store and say, "Upgrade my phone!" and receive some free mobile phones at a discounted price in exchange for another two years of loyalty. These types of offers are not that common, but most carriers offer a free iPhone at some point. Keep an eye out for BOGO deals and special offers around new iPhone launches (usually early fall each year) and you might get lucky. If a carrier's offer to include a free second iPhone with every iPhone purchase coincides with a friend or family member's decision that they need a new phone, then go for it. If you qualify for a free phone, that's always a good reason to upgrade.

A new phone model fills an unmet need

Maybe you don't need a new iPhone, but you do need a new feature on one of the latest iPhones. Whether it is a smaller size for easier one-handed navigation, a larger size for easier screen viewing,5G support, or an upgraded camera, if a new iPhone fills a need that your old one doesn't, go ahead and jump for it. Stay up to date on launches and new features so you can easily differentiate between wants and needs. Having said that...

You want one

It's okay to buy a new iPhone just because you want it. Real. If you can afford it, that's a good reason to buy the latest model. If you're feeling guilty about waste, you can always give your perfectly good old copy to a friend or even donate it!

The best time to buy a new iPhone

In general, the best time to buy an iPhone is during or after the launch of the new line, which usually happens in the fall, around September. If there is a price drop for the older models, it will happen after the launch of the new ones, and if the price doesn't drop, you might as well check out what the new ones are. Sometimes the new models are comparable in price to the old ones or are offered for free as part of special offers from carriers. It's a frustrating feeling to buy a new iPhone in July or August and find out a few months later that you could have gotten a new iPhone with much better features for the same or a lower price!

The bottom line is that the best time to buy a new iPhone is when you need one. Don't let seasonality stop you from investing in yourself in ways that really matter. While you are considering such things, take a lookwhat to do before selling your current iPhone? Have fun upgrading!