Apple Announcement Sept 9, 2024, New iPhones Expected, BTD Opportunity?

[5Miler]

Definitely not in the market at this time as I just bought an iPhone 13 Mini almost two years ago via Apple's Veteran's discount web site. It replaced an iPhone 7 I used for 6 years and would never have dumped except it could no longer receive software updates so my apps were constantly dropping off one by one. The 13 Mini was similar in size to the 7 so I don't have to cram a notebook sized phone in my pants pocket. It will be a sad day when I have to upgrade again as the Mini is no longer available.

 

[braumeister]

I think the main reason people will be upgrading this time is because of Apple's new AI features. They will only be available on the newest iPhones -- the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max from the last generation, the 16 series being released this month, and future models.

 

[Koolau]

I haven't used most of the features of my cheap android phone (3 years old) so I'm saving my money to buy a new Mac lap top. Mine is so old, most stuff - even browsers - say it's too old. I'll BTD probably this fall.

 

[Gumby]

Just checked - bought 3 iPhone 7s 10/2019, three years after release date. After replacing a battery on her phone my Gal just went to an 11 last year and has been urging me to step up. I'm reluctant. Two financial institutions say my phone software version (15.8.3, the latest Apple will push to the 7) is inadequate for their current app, so I'm relegated to going to them via Safari. I'd be happier with a larger screen - but I'm talking desktop sized. Battery is still good and the physical size of the 7 is just about as big as I want to pocket - my 5 was better. Change for change sake isn't in my nature.

Mules are cautious and smart.

 

[MichaelB]

I think the main reason people will be upgrading this time is because of Apple's new AI features. They will only be available on the newest iPhones -- the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max from the last generation, the 16 series being released this month, and future models.

I agree. Even if Apple AI support isn’t the main driver this time, it probably will be for the next couple of years.

 

[audreyh1]

There are strong rumors that a new iPad Mini will be introduced later this year, possibly in October. I'll be looking hard at that too.

Yeah, I’ve had mine a very long time.

 

[Midpack]

I think the main reason people will be upgrading this time is because of Apple's new AI features. They will only be available on the newest iPhones -- the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max from the last generation, the 16 series being released this month, and future models.

That could easily be a reason we'd upgrade, but we'd have to see what added features "AI" would get us. And I assume the iPhone 17 would have even more AI capability. AI in quotes because it's no surprise everyone is claiming their devices have "AI" when it could me something or almost nothing. Golf club makers are already touting AI designed clubs, but I seriously doubt there's anything to it (yet).

 

[braumeister]

we'd have to see what added features "AI" would get us. And I assume the iPhone 17 would have even more AI capability.

Some of it will be in the cloud, but some of it will be on the phone. That's a big part of why the AI will be limited to newer models -- more memory is needed.
The new 16 that is coming out this month will have 8 GB of RAM, while the 17, due next year, is expected to have 12 GB. So waiting until 2025 might be a smart move.

 

[Teacher Terry]

I never upgrade until the phone breaks or won’t accept updates. I have a 12 that’s 3 years old.

 

[Christine]

That could easily be a reason we'd upgrade, but we'd have to see what added features "AI" would get us. And I assume the iPhone 17 would have even more AI capability.

I would upgrade if they can use the AI to stop my phone from starting random apps when I am just carrying it in my hand.

 

[copyright1997reloaded]

I haven't used most of the features of my cheap android phone (3 years old) so I'm saving my money to buy a new Mac lap top. Mine is so old, most stuff - even browsers - say it's too old. I'll BTD probably this fall.

I will say that the Apple Silicon laptops are sweet. I picked up a M1 Pro w/1TB SSD and 16GB, very nice. I have a bunch of laptops (Computer Science Professor now almost fully retired - one class) and it is my favorite. I went for the M1 (vs the M3 announced when I bought) as I was able to save 1K+ on a similar config. M1 is very fast so the M3 Pro etc must be even nicer. (I do wish I had even more memory - on that front it was/is a downgrade from my HP-Omen w/32GB. But build quality wise, no comparison. (I still have some now ancient 2012 Lenovo T-420's which have great build quality, keyboards, and on which every part was easily obtainable.)

One of the things that has soured me on android phones (have had several over the years) is the lack of upgrade support unless you stick to Google or Samsung. I had a Motorola OLED beautiful phone - I think it was a Moto Z (not sure of which one but was their flagship phone) ... and in less than a couple of years they stopped doing Android OS upgrades and then soon after stopped doing security updates. Really poor....the phone was great, but running w/o security patches was a no-go for me.

I'm still getting OS updates/security updates on my 2016 iPad pro. That is enough for me to stay w/Apple on phones and tablets.

Disclaimer: Apple remains my largest single stock holding, so I hope everyone here upgrades to the latest Pro model!

 

[NeilDH]

I'm still stunned by the battery life on the silicon Macbook Pro -- I got an M1, gosh, nearly two years ago now. I've had my iPhone 13 Pro for about two years, and only now is battery life starting to decrease. I did have to go e-SIM on it, though, as the SIM card reader stopped working. But e-SIM I think may be better anyway.

DW has an iPhone 6SE ! As you may guess, it holds, like, no charge, but she uses it for calls and that's it. We may finally have to replace it soon, but we just got her an iPad 10 on a deal from Xfinity Mobile. I hadn't kept track of the iPad prices and was pleasantly surprised even before the 50% discount.

 

[HI Bill]

I went from the iPhone 6 to the 13 Pro Max, which I have now. The 16 Pro Max has a newer camera with 5X zoom, 48MP, and a new side photo button. Oh, and my 13's battery is at 83% of its original performance after three years . I woke up at 2AM this morning to order the new phone!

 

[Delawaredave5]

I want to go to Android - I'm tired of the "Apple tax", the "walled garden" and the "blue green bubble" BS. iCloud and Siri have been lame for a decade.

But my Apple watch and airpods become useless in Android world (by design by Apple), So I'm waiting until I accidently break the watch (annually.....)

I went to Chromebooks with touchscreens as laptop - wonderful product. Bought three 14" touchscreen Chromebooks which are all over the house for the price of a well equipped Macbook.

BIL has Android foldable phone - really nice - can use as phone or tablet.

 

[Happy30]

Yes! I am a big Apple fan and ordered the new AirPods Max & Series 10 Apple Watch (giving my daughter my current ones) & I always get the new iPhone every year because it doesn’t cost much when you trade in your current one! I also have the iPad Pro and the new MacBook Air

 

[chicamuxen]

I ordered DW the Apple Watch 10, and we both ordered the Pro Max 16. (with clear cases)

 

[Dash man]

I bought an iPhone 15 last year. I generally upgrade every 2-3 years so no purchase this year.

Ditto

 

[northwetmossbacks]

DH is “stuck” with his iPhone SE until he retires in 2 years, as he paid to have the camera removed so he could carry it at work (high security situation). But once he parts from mega corp……all bets are off! I’m sure he’ll BTD then!! Haha!

 

[Koolau]

Are iPhones that much better than Android or is it more a matter of what iPhones connect to and can control that makes them so popular?

I don't have or want an Apple Watch or other such things but I can see their utility. Is it a "system approach" to have all the goodies and then access them via iPhone? I'm that clueless on the subject so YMMV.

 

[FIREd]

I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and see no compelling reason to upgrade.

My 2020 iPad Pro 12.9” stopped working last year (it doesn’t charge anymore). I took it to the Apple store and they told me that this model cannot be repaired at all - they can’t even open it to change the charging port! I found that so ridiculous that I have been without an iPad since and I plan on never buying one again. Turns out I don’t even miss that garbage.

 

[tizod]

I keep the old ones running. I use ifixit for battery replacements. I'm hands on engineer - the ifixit has good tutorials and tool kits, but these are still always tricky first time. I stripped a screw on the 7 (using the right tool) and had to drill the top off one of the haptic screws. It worked fine for years. But it is not for the faint of heart - but there are outside services now that make this pratical. Seems the battery is the main reason for upgrades for some folks.

 

[meleana]

I had the original SE. Yes- I LOVED how small it was. But then my son bought me a 6XPlus a couple of years ago on clearance for XMAS so I felt bad and I had been using it up until last November. Hubby was using a flip phone.

Last November we went to Walmart and bought 2 SE 3's for $149 each. (This model is between the 13 ad 14). 5G. Straight Talk unlimited service $80 per month for the two. No contract. Unlocked. Does everything we need. We like that it isn't ginormous, but I actually still wish it was the size of the original which fit in the palm of my hand and easily into my pockets.

 

[Chuckanut]

So far my old 2020 SE runs the latest OS though it can’t take advantage of some of its features. When they stop the updates to the OS, that is when I will probably replace it with a 14 or 15 or even a 16, whatever is a good buy. Some of the buttons on it are already starting to show their age.

 

[TrvlBug]

DH and I, actually I , were on the fence on whether to upgrade our 14 Pro Max iphones and Series 8 watches. I decided this morning to BTD!!! We like to have the same phone and watch so we both upgrade even when one doesn't feel the need and/or want.

 

[twirler]

Apple is apparently announcing new iPhones and other things on Sept 9. Anyone planning any BTD upgrades?

I will order a new phone as I am getting a stipend for my job which subsidizes much of that cost and I can hand down my existing phone to a family member. I always get the most expensive one available.

It’s a strong contender I haven’t upgraded since the 12 I think it’s time .