Should I get a new iPhone?
A good way to think about if you should get a new phone or not is: How likely is my current device going to be problematic in the coming year?
As a software developer, I can tell you the easiest way to avoid problems is don't be an edge case. Systems are designed, tested, and optimized most completely along their "happy paths" rather than roads less traveled. Apple and app developers will be focusing their efforts where they can have the greatest impact and affect the most users. As often as you can regarding technology, be the rule, not the exception. This minimizes your likelihood you'll encounter trouble.
What phone does the average iPhone user have?
In his post iOS Version Stats⌛, David Smith, a prolific iOS app developer, uses the statistics from his free Audiobooks app to show the average iPhone's age is about 3.5 years old from time of release† . This places the average device between the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 generation. If you you have an iPhone 6S/SE generation or older, you are, by definition, having a below average experience.
However, just because your phone is below average doesn't mean that it is time to upgrade.
Can you run the latest version of iOS?
The most important way to be like most users is to be running the same version of iOS that the majority of users are on. This chart from Apple⌛ makes it pretty darn clear that you want a phone capable of running the latest version of iOS:
iOS adoption across all devices in use as of August 6, 2019. (before iOS 13's release)
Last Thursday, Apple released iOS 13. I can't say I recommend updating yet as my experience with it has been pretty buggy. That said, in a month or two, it's likely that most users will be running it on their phones, and you'll want to update to it also. Your device is capable of running iOS 13 if it's on the list of supported devices at the bottom of Apple's iOS page⌛.
According to my estimates††⌛, Apple supports devices for 5 years after they are released and 2 years 8 months once they are discontinued. If it's nearing 5 years since your device was released by Apple (iPhone 6 generation), you should consider upgrading. You can find when your device was released on this Wikipedia article⌛.
Would I benefit from a better camera...
Some⌛ reviewers⌛ are saying Apple could have renamed the iPhone 11 generation to iCamera. Any picture of the back of an iPhone 11 Pro and its three prominent cameras clearly demonstrates Apple's focus on this generation's camera improvements. All of the cameras, both front and back have been significantly upgraded. Great looking photos can now be taken in situation with much lower light and the front camera can now shoot 4K and slow motion. Some people upgrade every year so they can have the best camera (that's also a phone) in their pocket. The iPhone might not be able to compete with a thousands-of-dollars camera and video setup, it can meet or exceed the capabilities many modest dedicated photo and video cameras.
...or better battery life?
After about 3 years, it is likely an iPhone's battery performance will be noticeably diminished. Battery replacements typically cost $50-$80, but many people would rather put this money towards a new phone rather than nursing their aging device a few more years.
So... should I get a new phone or not?!
If your device isn't able to run the latest version of iOS (iPhone 6 generation or older at the time of writing), you should probably upgrade. iPhone 6 users can likely make it for another 6-9 months before start noticing app developer support leaving their devices but should plan on upgrading this year. As more users adopt iOS 13, using an iPhone 6 or older device will become more and more problematic.
iPhone 6S and 7 generation users would likely see substantial benefits from an upgrade, but these devices have 1-3 years of useful life remaining.
iPhone 8 users will see substantially less value from upgrading than 6S or 7 users; however, upgrading to the new home button free design does have significant benefits. That said, the iPhone 8 has 3-4 years of useful service left in it.
iPhone X, XR, or XS owners probably shouldn't upgrade unless they strongly value having the latest and greatest.
Okay, I want a new iPhone, which one should I get?
Sorry to leave you hanging, but you'll have to wait for the next post. It's almost ready, but there are a few final touches I want to make. Like StayTech on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram so you don't miss it!
In the mean time, reach out to me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you have any questions!
†Special thanks to David Smith for quickly confirming the average device age was based on when it was released. His blog, his apps, and his podcast are awesome, check'em out!
††My iOS Device Support Research - specifically unsupported iPhones including and after the iPhone 4, not including the 5c - created using data from Wikipedia.