Last year, I had my first experience participating in an iPhone launch cycle at Engadget, and the excitement surrounding it influenced me. Feeling pressure to keep up with the latest in tech, I found myself at the Apple store on the opening weekend of the iPhone 15, contemplating a purchase. However, as I compared the new model to my existing iPhone 11, I realized they were nearly identical in appearance and features. I ultimately decided to stick with my current phone, not feeling the need to upgrade. Fast forward to this year’s iPhone 16 event, where Apple introduced new features that caught my attention, such as the fusion camera and a new button interface for upcoming innovations like Visual Intelligence. These announcements piqued my interest and tempted me to consider upgrading, despite my usual reluctance to shop for new gadgets. Reflecting on the longevity and functionality of my iPhone 11, which I obtained in early 2020 and is still in good working condition, I acknowledge the value of holding onto a device that meets my needs. Although the allure of the iPhone 16’s ultramarine color and added features is appealing, I recognize that it represents a level of consumerism that doesn’t necessarily align with my values. Nonetheless, the prospect of improved capabilities and enhanced user experience may be enough to convince me to make the leap and upgrade to the new model.
