Don’t Rush to Upgrade: Extend Your Current phone’s Life Instead
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As Apple begins pre-orders for the iPhone 17, consumers are facing the familiar pressure to upgrade. Months of marketing from manufacturers and mobile carriers will urge a purchase, but a growing movement advocates for a different approach: revitalizing the phones you already own.Extending a smartphone’s lifespan is not only beneficial for your budget, but also for the surroundings, according to a recent report by The Washington Post.
The push for constant upgrades fuels a cycle of consumption that strains both personal finances and the planet’s resources. While Apple, Samsung, and mobile operators benefit from new sales, consumers can save money and reduce electronic waste by maximizing the utility of their existing devices. Simple steps like managing battery-draining apps, replacing batteries, and updating software can considerably improve performance and postpone the need for a new phone.
Battery Drain & Simple Fixes
Certain applications can disproportionately consume battery power, slowing down phone performance. Nathan Proctor of the US PIRG consumer group refers to these as “battery monsters.” Proctor discovered this firsthand when a Sudoku app significantly impacted his phone’s battery life, prompting him to uninstall it. Washington Post columnist Shira Ovide found WhatsApp consumed nearly half her iPhone’s battery over ten days.
To combat this,users should disable background app refresh for applications where it’s needless - email and news apps may benefit,but many others constantly update without providing immediate value. A more impactful solution is battery replacement. Chad Johansen of CPR Cell Phone Repair states that replacing the battery is ”the most easy method to make the phone feel new.” An iPhone 13,for exmaple,can have it’s battery replaced for $119,a process taking between 45 minutes and an hour.CPR offers free diagnostics, and sometimes, simply adjusting usage habits can improve battery life.
Software Updates & Basic Maintainance
Updating your phone’s software enhances security, introduces new features, and can improve overall performance. Apple’s new iOS 26 update is available for iPhone 11 and later models, beginning Monday.
Beyond software, simple physical maintenance can also make a difference. Blurred selfies can often be resolved by cleaning the camera lens wiht a soft cloth or alcohol-based wipes. Similarly,connectivity issues when charging may indicate dust or debris in the charging port.
