I spent the day teaching seniors how to use an iPhone

Do seniors actually need smartphones?

• Many argue that if an iPhone is overwhelming, the person may not need a smartphone at all, especially if they struggle even with old Nokias.
• Others counter that seniors increasingly “need” smartphones for banking, messaging, photos, and telehealth, so “just buy a dumb phone” is unrealistic.

Assistive Access and senior‑focused modes

• Several point out that iOS’s Assistive Access can turn an iPhone into a very simple, big‑button device with limited apps and call filtering; for some elders it’s the only workable option.
• Critiques: it’s hidden in settings, hard to discover, setup is confusing (permissions, SIM PIN errors), and most third‑party apps don’t support it properly.
• There’s repeated calls for an explicit “simple / senior mode” offered during first‑time setup.

Setup, security, and dark patterns

• Initial setup is described as exhausting: Apple IDs, 2FA, iCloud, multiple logins, feature nags, and red badges that won’t go away without further digging.
• Passcodes and full‑disk encryption are seen as a safety necessity but a usability disaster for elders who forget codes; iOS is accused of coercing users into passcodes with repeated prompts.
• Debate: strong security vs risk of locking users out forever. Some want better key backup; others insist weakening defaults is worse.

Gesture-heavy, non‑discoverable interfaces

• iOS is criticized for hidden gestures (swipe-from-corner, long‑press, triple‑tap, “reachability”, Safari tab gestures) that are hard even for tech‑savvy users, let alone seniors.
• Basic tasks—changing wallpapers, switching Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, managing Safari tabs, undo in text fields, using the Phone app without accidental dialing—are described as confusing or fragile.
• Loss of physical/home buttons is singled out as catastrophic for older users who relied on “press this to get out of trouble.”

Aging bodies and minds

• Motor issues (tremors, poor fine control), dry skin causing missed touches, tiny targets, low contrast, and memory problems make modern touch UIs especially punishing.
• Some elders simply cannot retain multi‑step workflows or new abstractions (contacts vs. phone vs. messages), leading to anxiety and constant “starting over.”

Broader UX and ecosystem complaints

• Many say iOS/macOS have drifted from “it just works” toward ad‑like nagging, upsells (iCloud, Music), and constant churn in settings and UI locations.
• Android and Windows are not seen as better overall—just differently bad. Linux and simple Chromebooks are occasionally praised for being calmer and less spammy.

Teaching strategies and workarounds

• Effective teaching focuses only on a few user‑desired tasks, avoids showing everything, and relies on repetition and stable layouts.
• Some build custom Android launchers, use flip phones or senior phones, or create DIY video‑calling appliances.
• Remote control (desktop) is cited as hugely valuable; the lack of a similarly easy, safe option on phones is seen as a major gap.