posted in Technology
Should you still buy your next smartphone — or subscribe to it instead? Apple, Samsung … are betting that leasing, subscriptions, and guaranteed buyback programs can make upgrading more attractive.
techcrunch.com/2026/08/01/should-you-still-buy-your-next-smartphone-or-subscribe-to-it-instead/
TechCrunchShould you still buy your next smartphone — or subscribe to it instead? | TechCrunchApple's new Upgrade program is the latest sign that smartphone ownership is changing.
Replying to @eicker@lemmy.world
Last phone was an iPhone 13. Current is the 17.
I don’t game so unless something catastrophic happens I don’t see myself needing to get a new phone for a very long time.
I have no interest running “AI”, either.
Replying to @anon_8675309@lemmy.world
As former IT, most people seem to go from iphone 12/13 to 17 in the last year. Anecdotally, my wife and I went from S17s to $300 motorolas. My parents take the rotating yearly “upgrade” offer and seem fine with that
Replying to @Funkt4st1c@lemmy.world
Depending on what moto does with graphene I may just need that instead.
Replying to @anon_8675309@lemmy.world
Same. I upgraded bc my 13 was starting to show signs of age. I would’ve waiting until it catastrophically gained, but with the ai/chip crisis I figured there was no way future iPhones were going to be cheaper, so I got a 17. Looks like I made the right call