In our review of the iPhone 13 you could already read that, despite it being a very good smartphone, we found the improvements only limited compared to last year. We've been seeing this trend for some time now. The improvements were also smaller with the iPhone XS and iPhone 11 than with the predecessors. Moreover, we are gradually reaching the point that smartphones don't really get much faster anymore, which also leads to the need to buy a new model every two years (let alone every year). We are therefore also curious how long you can use an iPhone these days.
How long do you last with your iPhone?
For years, the trend has been that we use do an iPhone. In 2019, a study already showed that we spend an average of 33 months with an iPhone. We also held a poll on iCulture at the time, but more than two years later we are curious how that is with you now. How long do you spend with your iPhone?
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In recent years we have seen that the cycle of iPhones is getting longer and longer. Although Apple releases a new model every year, the improvements are smaller than in the early days of the iPhone. Where you may have been used to buying a new device every two years with a new subscription, this is less and less the case now.
The fact that you last longer with an iPhone has all kinds of advantages. If you switch to a new iPhone after four years, you pick up many more innovations than if you buy a new device every year. That also gives you more fun with a new iPhone.
What also plays a role is that iPhones are increasingly supported with updates. More models get updates with new features. In 2021, the iPhone 6s from 2015 and the first generation iPhone SE from 2016 can still be updated to iOS 15. That is a support of six years, while previously iPhones could be updated for a lot less time. Add to that the fact that older models also occasionally get security updates, such as the iPhone 5s from 2013 (!). That is also better for your wallet.
Repairs easier and cheaper
Another factor is that repairs are becoming cheaper and easier. With a new battery, an iPhone can last a lot longer. It is much cheaper than buying a whole new iPhone. You can go to more and more places for an iPhone repair (also with official parts), because you really no longer have to go to the Apple Store. Soon you will even be able to repair your own iPhone with official parts via Self Service repairs.
In the latest edition of The Smart Ones podcast, a collaboration between BNR, Androidworld and iCulture, the longevity of smartphones is discussed in general. For more info, listen to the full episode.