Apple Users Are Keeping Their Devices for Longer as Upgrades Slow
Apple users say they are holding onto iPhones, Macs, and iPads for far longer, citing durable hardware, modest year‑over‑year improvements, and the high cost of staying current in Apple’s ecosystem. Commenters point to long-lasting performance since the M1 era, batteries that can be cheaply replaced, and cameras and CPUs that already feel “good enough” for everyday use, while noting software support timelines and forced obsolescence as growing concerns. Some see AI features and changes like USB‑C as potential future upgrade triggers, but many argue economic pressure and diminishing marginal gains make frequent upgrades hard to justify—and environmentally undesirable.
Longer Upgrade Cycles Across Devices
- Many say this isn’t just Apple; all modern phones and computers last longer and feel “good enough” for more years.
- Several users moved from 1–2 year cycles to 3–5+ years, often keeping phones until OS support ends or batteries are unusable.
- Similar patterns reported for Android phones and PCs; recent hardware generations feel less transformative than older jumps.
Hardware Plateau & Diminishing Returns
- Recent iPhones (11/12/13/14 vs 15) are perceived as iterations, not big leaps; for light use (messaging, web, travel apps), older models feel fine.
- Camera improvements once felt dramatic; now images are “good enough” and further gains are less compelling.
- M1 Macs are widely praised as “too good to replace,” with 3–4‑year‑old machines still feeling fast even for demanding work.
Money, Inflation, and Ecosystem Cost
- Rising costs of essentials (housing, insurance, groceries, childcare) push tech upgrades down the priority list.
- Full Apple stacks (phone, watch, Mac, iPad, TV, services) are seen as very expensive; some cap annual spend or drop categories (e.g., no watch/tablet).
- Subscriptions like Apple One are viewed as adding to the ongoing cost burden.
Battery Life, Charging, and Throttling Debate
- Careful charging (avoiding heat and fast/wireless charging) is said to extend battery life; others ignore this and just replace batteries.
- Official Apple battery swaps are seen as cost‑effective vs new hardware, though some complain about parts access and repair hostility.
- Strong debate over “Batterygate”:
- One side: throttling was a safety/uptime measure tied to degraded batteries and now is documented and user‑controllable.
- Other side: Apple hid it, effectively degrading user experience and nudging upgrades; class‑action settlements are cited.
Longevity vs Software and Product Fit
- Hardware often outlasts OS and app support; older Macs and iOS devices run well but lose new OS features or app compatibility.
- Some rely on Linux or custom ROMs on old hardware; others just retire devices.
- A subset feels Apple no longer makes products they want (e.g., Touch ID iPhones, large iMacs), so they simply stop upgrading.