In recent days, a CIRP analysis report revealed that an increasing number of iPhone users are opting to use their current iPhones for a longer period rather than upgrading frequently.
This trend doesn’t come as a surprise because nowadays, the reasons to avoid upgrading are stronger than ever before.
Over 30% of users use their iPhones for 3 years or more
According to the survey data from March this year, 34% of users have been using their iPhones for three years or more, which is a significant increase from 26% in 2019.
The only exception in this trend occurred in 2022 when there was a sudden surge in the sales of new models and models that were one to two years old.
CIRP analysis suggests that this may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as reduced consumer spending on entertainment and travel, as well as various government stimulus measures, which led users to suddenly have the desire to purchase a new iPhone.
Continuous increase in the price of new iPhones
The ongoing increase in the price of new iPhones is a significant reason why users choose to extend the use of their iPhones. The latest iPhone report from CIRP and a simple price comparison reveal that consumers need to spend more and more money to get the latest flagship smartphone.
If the high price of the iPhone Pro series still doesn’t deter you from upgrading, then nothing will. While you can opt for a cheaper phone, in Apple’s world, that price might only get you an outdated iPhone SE, which might make you feel that upgrading is not worth it.
However, one positive aspect of iPhones becoming more and more expensive is that even as they age, they retain their value well, making them more suitable for resale and exchange when an upgrade is needed. In this regard, even the best Android phones struggle to keep up.
Apple will continue to provide updates to users
Support for iOS is perhaps the primary reason why many users choose to stick with their older iPhones instead of upgrading. The iPhone 8/iPhone X from 2017 can still run the latest iOS 16, which is not possible with Android phones. It’s hard to resist the desire to upgrade when you know your iPhone can run the latest iOS.
Diminishing innovation
While there are still plenty of innovations in the smartphone industry, the pace of these innovations has slowed down, and each incremental improvement has become smaller.
Take the iPhone 14, for example, which is nearly identical to the iPhone 13 in terms of functionality, with only minor enhancements in the “dynamic island” and camera capabilities. Most of these changes are found in the more expensive Pro models, which may cause users to hesitate.
Improved battery and screen durability
In the past, one of the main reasons people would replace their phones was due to poor battery life or a cracked screen. In recent years, iPhone battery life has significantly improved, and the screens have become more durable, resulting in fewer people needing to replace their phones due to battery or screen damage.
