Why old iPhones are still recommended to buy

Many people feel pressured to get their hands on a new iPhone on the first day or at least before the Lunar New Year. Some are even willing to wait until after the Lunar New Year when they have more money to spare. However, some 'smart' users may wait until the new iPhone launch event in September next year.

They believe that buying an iPhone before this is a waste of money, and as a result, buying an older iPhone is always encouraged. Let's find out the reason behind that.

iPhone has good sustained performance

Upgrading to an iPhone before can make a big difference in performance, but that's no longer the case. Popular apps like Google Maps and Words With Friends don't run noticeably faster on the iPhone 16 than they do on the iPhone 15 or even the iPhone 13. So there's no need to buy the latest version to get a phone that will last you years.

The performance of iPhone models after a year is still very strong.

There are some exceptions, however. If you love high-quality 3D games like Resident Evil 8 or Assassin's Creed Mirage, you may want a newer iPhone, as these titles push the iPhone 16 to its limits. Also, if you're interested in Apple Intelligence features, you may want to consider getting a modern iPhone, as these features can be very demanding on processing resources. That said, Apple is committed to supporting devices without Apple Intelligence for years to come.

Long term iOS support

Despite the complaints about Apple, there's no denying that the company is serious about maintaining software support for older devices. iOS 18, for example, still runs on devices like the iPhone Xs, which was released in 2018. While 2018 isn't that far off, Android phone makers have only recently started offering the same level of support.

Apple software support for the iPhone is quite long.

Even if official iOS updates end, that doesn't mean the device stops working. iPhones can still be used until Apple stops providing some important services, which is rare. So an iPhone that was released a year ago will still be supported for a long time by industry standards.

While users may not get all the latest iOS features and some apps may stop working with their devices, most of the functionality users care about will still be available until they are ready to upgrade. Even after official updates end, users can still get some minimal security updates to keep their devices stable and secure.

Mid-cycle upgrades are often easier

Buying an iPhone on launch day or a few weeks later can be stressful. Apple only produces a limited number of specific models, colors, and storage capacities, so there's a good chance the phone you want won't be available when you order it. Plus, accessory support is often slow. Quality cases and chargers can take months to become available, leaving early adopters with less-than-ideal accessories.

Buying an iPhone mid-cycle has more satisfying options.

On the other hand, if you visit an iPhone store between January and August of the following year, you can easily pick up any iPhone and take it home immediately. This time also brings a wider selection of accessories, even if you have to order online. So think carefully before deciding to buy a new iPhone on launch day.

iPhone is a tool, not a status symbol

If you're holding onto an iPhone that's still working fine in July or August, it might make sense to be patient. But if your current phone isn't meeting your performance, storage, or battery life needs, upgrading is a must, even if it's not the latest model.

If you buy a modern iPhone, it should only be seen as a tool to improve your quality of life.

Ultimately, the iPhone is designed to improve your quality of life, not to be a show-off. If your old device is broken, don't hesitate to buy a new iPhone. While you can use a PC or tablet for the time being, smartphones are a big part of modern society. So, choose the best product you can afford instead of letting the pressure of waiting for a new model make you suffer.