Apple's annual iPhone release is right around the corner, making this a good time to consider if it's time to upgrade your iPhone. The new iPhone 16 is slated for some shiny new bells and whistles, including the new Apple Intelligence AI—but are these features really worth the price tag?
If you want the latest features, your old phone isn't working properly, and you can afford it, it could be time to upgrade to the newest iPhone. Otherwise, with upgrades tending to be incremental and nothing quite earth-shattering these days, it's probably best to just keep your current phone and save the money. In fact, the iPhone 17 isn't worth the upgrade. Here's a closer look at when it might be a good time to upgrade iPhones.
When does the iPhone 16 come out?
The iPhone 16 is predicted to drop September 10, 2024. iPhone releases happen each September, typically within the first two weeks. We'll be updating our guide to iPhone release dates throughout the lead-up to Apple's keynote—check there for the latest on the iPhone 16 launch.When to upgrade to a new iPhone
See the best deals on new iPhone models across all carriers. Get huge discounts on the iPhone just by switching to a new carrier.
Current iPhone DealsiPhone or not, whenever you are thinking about getting a new phone, you should step back and figure out if you really need a new phone. You'll know it's time for an upgrade when your current phone:
- Is physically damaged
- Can't keep a charge
- Isn't supported by current operating system updates
If your phone is working fine, runs on the most updated software, and supports features like screen recording, you should probably keep it. But all of this advice goes right out the window if you just want a new toy or want the newest features. For example, comparing the iPhone 16 and 15, the newer device has features the old one will not get. This includes a new button to help control the camera and Apple Intelligence, which is Apple's AI software. If you want those features, you'll have to upgrade to the newest iPhone.
iPhone upgrades: What to expect
With new iPhones coming out every year, how different and better can they actually be? Really, it depends. The iPhone 15, for example, wasn't a game-changing upgrade over the previous iPhone 14. On the other hand, the iPhone X was a massive upgrade over the previous year's iPhone 7.
Typically, iPhone upgrades come with:
- Better cameras
- Faster and more powerful processors
- Longer battery life
- Different sizes
- Design changes
Aside from these typical upgrades, many iPhones come with new features that are entirely unprecedented for Apple mobile devices. For example, the iPhone 5s was the first iPhone to have Touch ID (fingerprint sensor), and the iPhone X was the first iPhone with Face ID.
Is my iPhone 5G compatible?
The iPhone 12 was the first Apple 5G smartphone, and each release since, including the iPhone 14 and 15, features 5G connectivity. However, this alone shouldn't be the sole reason you decide to upgrade your iPhone. The new network technology's potential sounds impressive, but the truth is that some carriers don't offer much of it. For instance, T-Mobile's 5G network spans over 50% of the country, AT&T covers about 29% of the United States, and Verizon a paltry 12%. As you can see, while 5G is significantly faster than 4G LTE, some carriers lack wide 5G footprints.
Upgrading to the iPhone 15
Currently, Apple's latest smartphone line is the iPhone 15. If you have any of the iPhone 14 devices and are on the fence about upgrading, you should probably stick with your current phone. The iPhone 14 is still one of the better phones available, and you likely won't miss the new features enough to make the upgrade worth it.
If, however, you have an older iPhone, like the iPhone 12 or earlier, and you're debating on upgrading, it might be time to move on to a newer device. You'll get to experience some significantly improved features with your new device. Of course, if you're perfectly happy with your current phone, there's no real need for an upgrade.
iPhone 15 128GB
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.1" |
| Available On | 195 Plans from 19 carriers |
| Available From |
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| Priced From | $629.99 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Apple's 2023 model featuring their best camera system yet, new A16 Bionic chip, all-day battery life, Dynamic Island, and a sleek design using recycled materials
Compare iPhone models
When upgrading from an older iPhone model, comparing your device to a newer version can be helpful. Our comparison guide between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 is a great place to start. We also have older comparisons where we pit the iPhone 14 against the iPhone 13 or the iPhone 13 against the iPhone 12. You can also check out our guide of the best iPhones to figure out which devices are the best for your next upgrade.
Should I upgrade to the iPhone 16?
Our main suggestion is to upgrade your iPhone when you actually need to upgrade your phone—i.e., it's broken or unable to support new iOS updates. That said, we are getting close to September, when we expect to see the release of the new iPhone 16 series. If you absolutely need to upgrade, you might want to wait for the iPhone 16 release. Or, better yet, take advantage of the price drop on the iPhone 15 when the iPhone 16 comes out.
iPhone upgrade programs
If you want to keep up with the latest iPhones, you might consider signing up for an iPhone upgrade program. Apple and the major cell phone carriers each have their own upgrade programs that allow you to trade in your iPhone early for a newer one.
Apple iPhone upgrade program
With Apple's iPhone upgrade program, you can get a new iPhone every year by trading in your current iPhone. The iPhone upgrade program includes AppleCare+ and works with all of the major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon). Even better, the financing for your iPhone is not tied directly to your carrier, meaning you can switch at any time without having to pay off your iPhone completely.
The disadvantage to Apple's iPhone upgrade program is that you cannot take advantage of some of the big deals the carriers often offer for new iPhones, which can often get you an upgraded iPhone for free.
AT&T iPhone upgrade: Next Up
AT&T doesn't have a specific iPhone upgrade program. Instead, they offer a general upgrade program called AT&T Next Up. With Next Up, you can upgrade after paying off 50% of your phone. AT&T charges an extra $5/month on top of your device monthly payments for the Next Up program. Being on the AT&T Next Up program also ties you to AT&T. If you want to switch, you'll have to pay off your iPhone completely. Check out our list of the best AT&T iPhone deals for the latest savings.
|
AT&T
Value 2.0℠
$50.00/mo
+ $35 Upfront
|
T-Mobile iPhone upgrade: JUMP!
T-Mobile also does not have a specific iPhone upgrade program. However, you can sign up for the T-Mobile JUMP! upgrade program. With JUMP!, you can upgrade your iPhone after 12 monthly payments or once you've paid off half of your phone. To get on the JUMP! program, you'll have to pay an upfront cost based on the phone you buy, or you can sign up for the $18/month Protection<360> phone insurance plan from T-Mobile, which includes their upgrade program.
|
T-Mobile
Essentials Saver
$50.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
|
Verizon iPhone upgrade
Verizon does have an early iPhone upgrade program, and you don't have to pay extra or do anything except buy the most current iPhone on monthly payments. After 12 payments or after paying 50% of the phone, you'll be able to trade in your phone for your next iPhone.
|
Verizon
Unlimited Plus
$70.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
|
Are iPhone upgrade programs really worth it?
Signing up for an iPhone upgrade program may sound like an enticing way to always keep current with the latest Apple has to offer in mobile devices, but financially speaking, they do not make much sense.
By continually upgrading your iPhone with an upgrade program, you're always going to be making monthly payments towards phones you'll never own. Keep in mind that each annual upgrade of iPhones isn't always very substantial. It's probably much better to pay off your iPhone and upgrade every two years. This is especially true when you consider that carriers usually offer excellent deals for iPhone trade-ins. Your two-year-old iPhone could possibly get you the latest model for free. You can also save money by purchasing used a used iPhone instead of the newest series.
Understand that when you join an upgrade program with one of the major carriers, you're technically signing onto a finance plan for the phones and somewhat locking yourself into that carrier. If you want the freedom to move around, buying your new iPhone outright is best.
If you have an iPhone to trade-in, check out all the latest iPhone deals.
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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