My current iPhone is now over 6 years old, an iPhone 11 Pro Max. It is still using the original battery and even now has 84% battery capacity, which I think is stellar for it’s age and hard daily use. I charge it only overnight.
Given the usual incremental upgrades from year to year, I’m not convinced a new iPhone purchase every year is warranted. In my own case, I can’t see upgrading just for upgrading’s sake. My camera is still more than adequate for my limited photo needs and I’m not at all interested in Apple Intelligence!
Similar story here. I had my share of flip phones, including a StarTAC, a V710, and a RAZR. My first cell phone was a Nokia 2180. (I’m slightly amazed that I can remember that Nokia’s model number. Having a cell phone—any cell phone—was still a pretty big deal in 1997.)
The last phone I used before getting my 4s was a Palm Treo 700p. That was a very cool device.
Until it breaks physically, which currently is 10.5 years old. I replaced it with a WiFi only iPad Mini for the few apps I use. (I was going to get a new phone but the mysterious Apple purchasing system defeated me.) I like the iPad better now that I have it.
Still using iPhone 6’s here as secondary devices. Sadly one just seems to have given up the battery ghost, it shows the ‘plug in to power’ screen for a couple of seconds and refuses to charge when plugged in to power.
Local Apple Authorized repair can’t get the replacment batteries and a larger service hasn’t responded to email for a week. Somehow need to get access to the data… Might order an iFixit kit if no authorized shop wants to do it.
So I suppose in answering the question, this falls in the ‘use it as long as it’s useful and holds a charge’ category. We’re not rich and strive to find balance between frugal and usability.
This iPhone 6 is in use by a family member for whom even the 6 has too much capability and is confusing…