I usually upgrade every 2-3 years because my phones start having problems around then. But take your time with your iPhone 16 and see how it goes—it’s different for everyone.
I upgrade every 5 years now. Just got the 16 recently.
iPhones typically get 5-6 years of software support. You’ll be good for years.
I’m still using an iPhone 12. Same battery. I’ll keep it until it’s no longer updated.
I don’t think it’ll last more than 10 months. Look at the iPhone 15—no Apple intelligence support.
You’ll get about 7 years of iOS updates and 8 years before apps stop being supported. It’s not a huge deal until you’re travelling, and an app like an airline’s stops working. For now, you’re good, and even if others upgrade after 3 years, you’ll be fine sticking with it.
I think I’ll keep this phone until it can’t run my apps anymore, especially banking ones. Hopefully, the battery will last 2-3 years before needing a replacement. Thanks, everyone.
Toby said:
I think I’ll keep this phone until it can’t run my apps anymore, especially banking ones. Hopefully, the battery will last 2-3 years before needing a replacement. Thanks, everyone.
My iPhone 12 still has great battery life and runs all my apps fine. Going on year 5 with it. Apple makes durable phones.
It’ll get updates for at least 5 years, probably 6-7 or even longer. With security updates, you could get 10 years out of it, but you’ll need to replace the battery every few years, and some apps may stop supporting it eventually.
I just got my base iPhone 16 two weeks ago after using the 13 for three years. Before that, I had the XR for three years. My daughter now uses the XR, and it’s still running iOS 18 with no issues. She’ll be moving to my 13 soon, so she can use it for another 2-3 years. This phone will probably last me another three years.