How long will an iPhone last before I need to upgrade my contract?

An iPhone can be a very expensive purchase, even when opting for a contract. They often have the highest monthly bills compared to any other device, including flagship phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S24.

With such a commanding price, you’ll almost certainly want an iPhone that will last you for many years to come.

On average, research has shown consumers tend to upgrade their iPhone around every 3 years.

However, with some basic care, an iPhone can typically last at least 6 years before requiring an upgrade.

Apple has built a reputation for building long lasting devices, particularly when compared to other phones.

Apple provides a minimum of 6 years for iOS updates, followed by further years for important security updates that can fix dangerous vulnerabilities. This ensures you’ll always have the latest software features and you will be protected from hackers, even if you don’t have the latest model.

This is very generous software update cycle compared to Android devices, which typically only receive 2 to 3 years of updates.

In addition to continuous updates, iPhones usually have the best hardware and the most powerful chips on the market, ensuring they will be able to handle more demanding apps and games in the future.

Despite the continuous updates and powerful hardware, iPhones still suffer from battery degradation. This is a problem Apple and other manufacturers have yet to solve.

As you use your iPhone over the years and repeatedly charge the device, the battery health and capacity will gradually decrease with each cycle.

Research has shown most people upgrade their iPhone not because they want the latest device with all the newest features, but because their current iPhone battery health has degraded too much, with only a few hours of use before requiring a recharge.

As well as battery issues, people choose to upgrade because their current iPhone has suffered from accidental damage. Although strong devices, iPhones can still crack when dropped on hard surfaces. If you’re a clumsy person, you may find yourself requiring and upgrade earlier than expected.

How long can I expect my iPhone to last?

How long your iPhone will last depends on a number of factors.

If you’re purchasing the latest iPhone, you can expect it to last at least 6 years with basic care and handling. You can extend its life further by using a good quality case to protect it from accidental damage and drops.

In addition, Apple provide at least 6 years of iOS updates from the initial release date of each iPhone. It is important you have the latest iOS version as it will have important security updates that can protect you from hackers and other vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, an iPhone battery will suffer from health degradation over time. The more you use your iPhone, the more you will need to charge it, with each charge cycle gradually decreasing the health of your battery. However, Apple have made improvements in its software in order to automatically optimise the best time to charge your iPhone. This can temporarily mitigate and extend the life of your iPhone's battery.

What are the signs I should upgrade my iPhone?

There are a number of reasons and signs to look for when deciding whether to upgrade your iPhone.

Wear and tear

iPhones don’t have the best reputation for being sturdy and strong devices. They can be rather fragile, so it’s important to protect your device by using a good screen protector and case.

However, there’s only so much you can do to protect your device. If it’s damaged too much, it will probably work out cheaper to upgrade to a new iPhone compared to getting it repaired.

Performance decline

Performance decline can be expected over time with any phone, including iPhones.

This typically occurs because of hardware degradation, including thermal issues such as overheating due to a buildup of dust, which causes the processor to throttle performance.

Performance decline can also occur as your iPhone is unable to keep up with the latest and more demanding apps and games.

Battery decline

The more you use your iPhone and charge it, the quicker the battery health will decline, resulting in a significant decrease of battery usage before requiring a recharge.

This is typically an unavoidable problem. Although Apple’s software tries to optimise charging times, this only slightly mitigates the problem.

Battery decline is the number one reason people choose to upgrade their iPhone.

Although it’s possible to get your battery replaced, this is typically quite expensive. It may be worth it to just upgrade your iPhone.

Outdated iOS

Apple update iPhones for a minimum of 6 years for the latest iOS version.

The latest version of iOS is often required to run the latest apps and games.

In addition, the latest version of iOS will include important security updates to prevent data theft and hacking attempts.

If you find yourself unable to run newer apps, or you simply want the latest software features, you should check for a software update in the settings of your iPhone. If Apple have stopped providing iOS updates for your iPhone, it may be time to upgrade.

You’re eligible for a free upgrade

When your contract comes to an end, you may be eligible for a free iPhone upgrade, even if your current iPhone is working just fine.

There’s no reason not to accept a free upgrade. You can easily transfer your data from your old iPhone to your new iPhone with Apple’s automatic transfer tool.

Furthermore, your old iPhone will be yours to keep - you can choose to sell it for some extra money, or give it to a friend or family member.

You want the latest features

Although Apple updates iOS for at least 6 years with each iPhone, you won’t get the latest hardware features unless you upgrade to the latest iPhone.

The latest iPhones tend to have improved cameras, larger and brighter screens, and faster overall performance.

You need more storage

If you use your iPhone a lot for photography, you may find your storage space filling up sooner than expected.

If this is the case, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer iPhone model with more storage.

Alternatively, you can opt for increased iCloud storage, and transfer your photos from your device to the cloud. This will free up the storage space on your iPhone.

You want 5G speeds

If you have an iPhone 11 or older, and you want the fastest download speeds, it may be time to upgrade to the latest iPhone, with superfast 5G connectivity.

With 5G, you can download movies in minutes, stream Netflix in 4K and FaceTime in HD, without any lag or stuttering.

How can I upgrade my iPhone contract?

Upgrading your iPhone contract may be easier than you think.

If your contract is coming to an end, you may be eligible for a free upgrade to the latest iPhone.

Alternatively, some networks, such as Sky Mobile and O2, allow you to upgrade early. The amount you will have to pay to upgrade to the latest iPhone depends on how far you are into your contract.

You can find the latest iPhone 15 upgrade deals on CompareDial. We compare the cheapest deals that you won’t find anywhere else.

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