With Apple releasing a new iPhone model every year, it's not only hard to keep up but also very expensive to upgrade. While it's tempting to upgrade, dishing out over $1,000 on a new iPhone isn't necessary, especially since your existing one probably still has plenty of life left in it.
Whether you're stuck in a contract or on a budget, extending the life of your current iPhone offers more opportunities to save for AirPods, a weekend getaway, or next year's iPhone that actually offers worthwhile features. Here are some helpful tips to make your iPhone feel new again.
1. Understand Your iPhone's Camera
One of the biggest reasons to upgrade your iPhone to the latest model is to enjoy a better camera. However, many iPhone users don't actually need a new phone; they just need to understand how to take better pictures with their current iPhone.
Exploring the full range of features of the iPhone's camera app can make a huge difference. For example, if you hold your finger down on the screen where you want the camera to focus, the exposure will change. Similarly, if you have a steady hand, you can turn on HDR to get the ultimate balance of shadows and highlights, combining three pictures taken in quick succession into one.
2. Invest in a New Case
Give your iPhone a new lease of life by purchasing a new case, like the Raptic Shield, which has been military-grade drop-tested. A phone case not only protects your phone, but with the vast amount of choice available, you can also restyle your entire iPhone at an affordable cost.
Whether your phone is covered in scratches or you're bored with the color you chose, you can make your iPhone feel new again in an instant. What's more, you can purchase multiple cases, so you can switch out your case on a regular basis.
3. Free Up Space With iCloud
iCloud is free for iOS users; you'll get up to 5GB of free storage when you sign up. This allows you to store anything from your iOS devices, including photos, apps, and files. Not only is iCloud useful for backups, but you can also delete items from your iPhone that are taking up a lot of space and store them safely with iCloud, accessible at any time.
By freeing up space on your iPhone, you'll notice you have room for new apps, photos, and more. iCloud+ plans start from just $0.99 per month for 50GB of storage and up to $9.99 per month for 2TB of storage.
4. Upgrade Your iOS
iOS updates are available for free directly from your iPhone. You can check to see whether your phone has the latest version of iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update. It's worth setting Automatic Updates to on so that your phone notifies you when a new iOS is available.
iOS updates not only ensure your iPhone has the latest software but also bug fixes, security updates, and new features, like redesigned apps and widgets. If your iPhone is capable of running the latest iOS, you may find you don't need to upgrade since you can access the features even the latest iPhone models have.
5. Organize Your Apps
Tired of using and seeing the same old apps on your iPhone? Why not switch things up and make your iPhone feel like it's just come out of the box? By pressing and holding your finger on an app on your iPhone, you can remove unwanted or unused apps or Edit Home Screen to reorganize your apps into colors, different folders, or categories.
It's amazing the difference your apps' locations on your Home Screen can make by changing the feel of your entire iPhone.
6. Turn Off Location Services
Some apps on your iPhone use your location to improve the app, offer you a better service, or save data so you can easily locate things like photos through filters. However, Location Services use GPS and Bluetooth to determine your approximate location, draining your iPhone's battery and ultimately degrading its longevity.
You can see which apps are using your location by going to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Here, you can turn off Location Services completely or allow location access only while using the app to help improve your iPhone battery life.
7. Update Your Apps
Like your phone's operating system, your apps also receive updates. These updates can improve performance and introduce new features to your iPhone while using the apps.
To ensure your apps are running the latest version, go to the App Store on your iPhone, then tap on your profile picture in the top right-hand corner. You can update your apps individually or all at once. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > App Store and toggle on App Updates so that your phone can automatically download updates when they are available.
8. Fix Your iPhone's Broken Screen
Another popular reason to upgrade your iPhone is due to a broken or cracked screen. There's nothing worse than paying out hundreds of dollars on an iPhone only to accidentally drop it and damage the screen.
Thankfully, iPhone screens can be repaired. This is a much cheaper way to renew your iPhone and give it a new lease of life compared to upgrading or purchasing a new iPhone. Once your iPhone's screen is fixed, consider investing in a tempered glass screen protector to prevent any further damage or mishaps.
9. Choose a New Background Image
It sounds simple, but changing your iPhone's Home Screen or Lock Screen image can make it feel completely different. After looking at the same picture for what could be months or years, you've probably forgotten what your iPhone's wallpaper actually is.
So, switch out your image to something fresh and new: take a photo of something you love, something bright and colorful, or explore the range of dynamic, still, and live wallpapers on your iPhone. You can do this by going to Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper.
10. Download New Apps
Some iPhone apps are essential to keep, like your banking app, fitness tracker, and WhatsApp. But are you really getting the most out of the other apps that have likely stagnated and become part of your iPhone without you realizing it? New apps can make your iPhone feel refreshed and can reignite your love for your phone.
Ditch the endless scrolling of social media apps and invest some time into useful productivity apps for your iPhone, such as Notion, Day One Journal, and more.
11. Get the Battery Replaced
All smartphone batteries inevitably degrade over time, and your iPhone is no exception. After three years of use, the lithium-ion cell degrades to the point of becoming bothersome as you're forced to charge your iPhone more often.
A simple fix to this problem is to have the battery replaced with a new one directly from Apple. If all other components and sensors in your iPhone are working fine, getting a new battery will instantly make it feel like new again.
Love Your Old iPhone Again
Taking good care of your iPhone can extend its life beyond just a few years. By investing in some new accessories, getting rid of apps you don't really need, and spending a little time getting to know your iPhone, you can make it feel new once again.
Don't be tempted by the latest iPhone model unless your phone is beyond repair because there's probably plenty of life left in your current phone if you just give it a little TLC.