By Laura Moynihan
Generally speaking, the best time of year to buy a new iPhone is a few months after the newest model launches – which Apple has been consistently doing in mid-September for many years now.
And the worst time? Right before or right after the launch of the newest model. This is because after the launch, you’ll have many more options to choose either the newest model, or to get the previous model at a discounted price.
But when is the best time for YOU to buy a new iPhone? The answer depends on your budget, your lifestyle, and the way you use your phone.
Here’s a quick quiz you can take that will help you make the decision.
iPhone Upgrade Quiz
Make a tally of your “yes” answers to the following:
1.) Is your iPhone more than two generations old? (You can tell by checking Settings > General > About.) The current model as of Sept. 2024 is the iPhone 16.
2.) Do you want to use the new Apple Intelligence (A.I.) features? (If you currently have an iPhone 15 or newer, you can skip this question.
3.) Is your iPhone’s battery dead or “in the red” before you go to bed?
4.) Do you have a phone with Touch ID, and your fingerprint doesn’t seem to work to unlock it?
5.) Is camera quality very important to you, and your current iPhone’s photos are less than stellar?
6.) Do you find that the screen is far too small to be practical (when reading emails or websites, for instance)?
7.) Does the iPhone you currently own have a high trade-in value to offset your purchase?
8.) Does your phone have a cracked screen, or other hardware problems (such as broken speakers, dents, overheating, etc)?
9.) Is your phone stuck at a previous operating system and unable to upgrade due to the age of the device? (As of Sept 2024, this list includes the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE 2016, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus.)
10.) Is your phone so slow that checking email, restarting, or opening an app takes forever (or just crashes the phone)?
Count your “yes” answers, and score below:
0-1: You’re probably fine sticking with the model iPhone you have now. Unless having the latest devices is important to you, stick with this one a little bit longer to maximize your investment.
2-3: You’d be reasonable to consider a new iPhone at this point, depending on your budget, but you could probably get away with holding off a year or two more if you really had to. On the other hand, your phone might still hold a good trade-in value, so it would be wise to check that before making your final decision.
4-5: Bravo for hanging on to your device! But seriously now, it’s time for a new phone. No one is going to fault you for this, and it’s a matter of safety in today’s world. Your phone might still have a little trade in value to make the new purchase a bit more affordable.
6-10: You have the patience of a saint (and probably a phone that’s as old as one). Time to upgrade already! (You’re probably not going to get anything out of that phone though, time to eCycle it.)
In conclusion:In addition to this quiz, a Digital Helpmates Tech Tutor can also help you determine if it’s the right time for you to purchase a phone. Also — we don’t get paid by any companies for our recommendations, we won’t have any reason to pressure you to buy. Literally, our only concern is your happiness.
Article Written By:
Laura Moynihan
Tech Tutor & Founder
Digital Helpmates
360-712-0445
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