How Often Should You Upgrade Your iPhone?

Apple typically releases a new iPhone model every year. It can be all too easy to give in to societal pressure and buy a new iPhone each time Apple releases its latest and greatest phone.

The latest iPhone is always tempting, as Apple heavily advertises exciting new features and faster processors that make older devices look like Stone Age relics. But how often do you really need to upgrade your iPhone?

The answer — as you might expect — can vary considerably based on your needs and budget. That said, there are some universal truths about the advantages of a new phone. After all, nobody dislikes having a longer battery life and all the latest features.

Let’s examine some crucial details that should help iPhone owners decide whether they should stick with their current phones or upgrade to one of Apple’s new models.

When to Buy a New iPhone: All the Factors to Consider

The average iPhone owner upgrades their current iPhone every few years. The typical upgrade cycle has several factors, some of which are driven by wireless carriers and Apple itself.

The first factor is Apple’s official iPhone release schedule. While we already mentioned that the company releases a new iPhone model annually, the significant changes only pop up every 2-4 years. If you have an iPhone from the last few generations, review the new features carefully to see if it’s actually a significant upgrade over your current phone.

Another important factor is wireless carrier trade-in programs. The upgrade periods can vary based on which mobile carrier you use and what type of wireless plan you have. That said, two years is a pretty typical carrier upgrade duration, meaning that once you’ve had your phone for 24 months, you may be eligible for discounts and other trade-in offers.

In addition, you should always consider operating system support. Apple generally provides updates to the iOS operating system for several years after the release of a new iPhone, but eventually, it will stop providing software support. At this point, it’s probably time to upgrade your old phone.

It’s also worth thinking about the condition of your current device. Is your used iPhone still in perfect working order with no cosmetic or performance issues? Or does it have a cracked screen and other imperfections? This can help you decide whether it’s time to upgrade to the latest device Apple unveiled or if you can stick with your old phone for a bit longer.

The final factor we’ll discuss is whether you own your phone outright or pay monthly payments. If your old iPhone is still on a payment plan, you’ll likely need to finish paying it off before you upgrade to a new phone. Otherwise, you could find yourself paying two device installments on every monthly bill.

The Best Reasons to Upgrade Your Old iPhone

There are a few key indicators that can tell you it’s time for a new phone. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you might want to consider an upgrade.

Poor Battery Life

Subpar battery health is one of the top reasons people get new phones. Over the years, the lithium-ion batteries used in iPhones and the vast majority of other electronic devices can deteriorate, losing their ability to hold a charge. If your iPhone struggles to make it from the start of your day to the end, it might be time to bid it farewell and upgrade your iPhone.

That said, you can replace an iPhone battery — just take it to an Apple Store or another authorized repair shop. However, this isn’t always cheap, and if your device is already showing its age, an upgrade could be the better option.

Sluggish Performance and Lacking Storage

Does your iPhone feel slow and laggy compared to its former self? If so, it might be getting worn out, or you might simply not have enough storage for your needs. You can make things slightly easier by offloading some apps or moving data-hungry files to the cloud, but eventually, an aging processor will become a big deal.

One of the biggest advantages of new phones is that they have much higher storage capacities than older models. For example, the iPhone 16 starts at 128 GB of storage, while some older models maxed out below that level!

This can be especially noticeable after iOS updates. Apple designs its operating system updates for its latest devices — if your phone runs slowly after an update, it might simply not have the punch to keep up with the demands of modern software.

Inaccessible Security Updates

Speaking of iOS updates, here’s another common indicator that your old phone is wearing out. After roughly five to seven years, Apple stops providing software updates for its older-model iPhones. At the point where your phone no longer receives important security patches, it’s probably time to let it go.

Maintaining the latest version of iOS is crucial for security purposes, as keeping your phone on an outdated operating system opens the door for all sorts of security problems. If your phone is stuck with an old iOS version, it’s time to make the move to a newer model.

Subpar Camera Performance

iPhones have always struggled to keep up with Androids when it comes to cameras, although Apple has done a great job of catching up in recent years. That said, older-model iPhones have some awfully basic camera setups. For example, the iPhone X didn’t even have Night Mode, and its camera systems maxed out at 12 megapixels.

By contrast, the iPhone 16 cameras go up to 48MP and have all sorts of AI-assisted features to make your smartphone photos look even brighter and better than ever. If getting full value from your phone’s cameras is important to you, holding onto an old iPhone might not be the best idea.

The Best Way to Upgrade Your iPhone: Get the Latest Features for Less!

In general, many people find the sweet spot for upgrading an iPhone to be somewhere in the 3-4 year range. This helps ensure that your phone is always fully functional and efficient in its operations without any significant factors holding it back. If you feel ready to upgrade but want to keep costs in check, there are some ways to strike a balance.

Trade-In Programs

Most popular wireless carriers provide trade-in deals that allow you to upgrade your iPhone without breaking the bank. Apple also offers its own in-house trade-in program that can make new phones much more affordable.

ecoATM

Here at ecoATM, we can help make upgrading a relatively painless experience by paying you top dollar for your used phone. Simply visit our website or your nearest ecoATM kiosk to get a quote. You might be surprised by how much you can get for your used electronics with ecoATM!

In addition to selling your phone to us, you can also save a ton of money by buying a refurbished phone from our sister company, Gazelle. Why pay full price when you can get deep discounts on like-new smartphones?

Final Thoughts for iPhone Owners

At the end of the day, your individual needs drive how often you should upgrade your iPhone. Some people need the advanced features and faster performance of a brand-new phone, while others can make do with a functional used phone for years to come.

Whether you keep your iPhone for 5+ years or swap to the latest model every time Apple releases one, you should always recycle your old devices with ecoATM. We have 6,500+ kiosks located in convenient retail centers, and the process takes just a few minutes. Walk away with cash in hand and the peace of mind that you responsibly recycled your old electronics, keeping functional devices from unnecessarily ending up in landfills.

We’ve already helped recycle over 50 million smartphones and tablets. Why not let us recycle your used iPhone and pay you a great rate for it? Now that’s a win-win proposition!