Should you upgrade your iPhone?

September 09, 2022

The same question occurs every year -- should I upgrade my iPhone?

For owners of older iPhones, the question's often moot; the differences between the latest iPhone and those a few years old are often pretty clear.

But what about the previous generation? Is it worth it to upgrade from an iPhone 13 to an iPhone 14?

Every year, most professional reviewers say hold off -- the differences aren't that great.

But this year is different, I think, largely due to one feature and one feature alone -- the iPhone 14 Pro's new Dynamic Island.

Early indications are that this will be a supercycle thanks to the innovative UI element. (Delivery of the Pro models is already pushed back to October.)

For me, there are several reasons I think the upgrade to iPhone 14 Pro is worth it: the always-on screen, satellite SOS, the optimized chip and better cameras, especially the video motion smoothing. Not to mention the new purple color.

The Dynamic Island is just the icing on the cake.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple’s newest iPhone is here. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max represent the best of what the company has to offer customers this year. But if you already own the iPhone 13 Pro, should you upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro? Or is it better to save your money for next year’s offering?

One of the bigger surprises at Apple’s Far Out event wasn’t in the hardware itself, but in its pricing. As in, it didn’t go up as it often does, at least in the U.S. market — despite rising inflation and the supply chain backups we heard so much about. In fact, considering inflation, it’s almost like prices went down.

If you procrastinated on ordering one of the new iPhone 14 Pro models, there’s a good chance you’re looking at a lengthy wait for it to be delivered. But Apple still has plenty of stock of the “standard” 6.1-inch iPhone 14 ready for delivery on launch day. The same is true for the iPhone 14 Plus.

CDKeylord's Autumn Sale lets you nab big savings on software, games and gaming accessories. Cult of Mac readers get an extra 30% off at CDKeylord.com with promo code CULT.

The new earbuds boast a host of upgrades that could easily be worth it for many people — especially because the price hasn’t increased. They might even tempt owners of the relatively new and well-reviewed regular AirPods.

Apple reportedly will use memory chips made by Yangtze Memory Technologies in the iPhone 14 series. This set off a firestorm of controversy.

The Apple AirTag is arguably among the company’s most useful product releases in recent years. Once you set up an AirTag, it gives you powerful options for locating it (and whatever you attach it to). Here’s how you can set it up the right way and use it properly.

On September 9, 2009, Steve Jobs made his public return at an Apple keynote. He received a standing ovation and opened up about his health problems.

Today’s featured computer setup shows off an innovation we’ve seen from time to time, but not as often as we’d expect. It’s a custom keyboard wrist rest built to fit a Magic Trackpad or other trackpad in its middle section. This one’s on the tall side, suitable for a mechanical keyboard. The developer who had it made to his specifications finds it — and the Magic Trackpad 2 — more than adequate for his needs.

Tweets o' the day

One more thing ...

"As a matter of fact, I think the question now is not, 'Can we turn around Apple?' -- I think that's the booby prize -- I think it's: 'Can we make Apple really great again?'" -- Steve Jobs, 1997.

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