Phones can be an expensive investment, especially if you’re going for an Apple product. While iPhones are known for their sleek design and cutting-edge technology, they also come with a premium price tag. So, it’s only natural to want your phone to last as long as possible.
It’s also natural to have questions about iPhone longevity and which is the longest-lasting iPhone model. Whether you’re looking for tips to avoid prematurely ageing your phone or need help finding the right model, this guide is for you.
This article covers the factors that can cause a phone to age and damage internal components. It also has a list of the best models for iPhone longevity, so you can get the most out of your investment.
Factors That Cause Phones To Age
Several factors can contribute to how fast a phone ‘ages’. While phone hardware and software are designed to degrade slowly over time, certain actions and behaviour can make them wear out abnormally fast. These factors include:
Bad charging habits
While many users probably don’t give their phone’s battery a second thought, charging habits play a massive role in your phone’s lifespan. Good charging habits can help:
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Prolong your device’s overall battery health
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Keeps your phone running optimally
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Reduce the risk of overheating and damaging other components
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Ensure your phone keeps holding a charge
Poor charging habits can do more than just degrade your overall battery health. If you charge your device regularly in hot environments and/or during intensive tasks (e.g., gaming), it can lead to overheating. This heat can damage internal components, permanently damage the battery, and warp the device’s body.
Outdated Software
There’s a reason why manufacturers put out operating system updates and security patches. New OS versions aren’t just for introducing new features; they're also essential for keeping your phone performing optimally. These updates ensure that your phone is running efficiently and patch out any potential bugs or glitches. In some cases, these bugs can directly impact your device’s hardware, which is why it’s critical to keep your phone on the latest firmware.
Environmental factors
Like other forms of technology, smartphones perform their best at certain operating temperatures. Using your phone during extreme temperatures, hot and cold, can lead to potential damage.
For example, if your phone is exposed to extreme cold temperatures too often, it can impact battery life. This is because the cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions within the battery, causing it to discharge faster.
User behaviour
How the user treats and maintains the phone also contributes to its aging. Poor habits, such as constantly using your device in extreme environments while running intensive apps, can abnormally degrade it.
Similarly, failure to properly clean your phone can also lead to damage. Phones accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time, which, if left uncleaned, can impact performance. They can also get into your phone’s ports and speakers, negatively impacting them.
The iPhones That Age the Best
When it comes to iPhone longevity and which will age the best, there are a few models that come to mind. When it comes to ‘ageing’, we’ll be deciding on a few factors. These include:
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How long will the phone be officially supported
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The camera specifications and multi-lens features
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The processor (chipset) and RAM configuration
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Any additional features like artificial intelligence
If you’re considering an iPhone and you want to be fully informed before making your purchase, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve outlined the best iPhone models if you want an investment that will last you for years to come.
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
Apple’s latest and greatest 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models are the best iPhones when it comes to longevity. Both devices are packed with Apple’s latest smartphone technology, including their A18 Pro chip.
The A18 Pro chip features a 6-core CPU and a new 16-core Neural Engine. At the time of writing, it currently provides the best frames and graphic fidelity for 3D gaming for any iPhone device. The Neural Engine also powers the phone to provide onboard artificial intelligence features.
The 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max also have the best camera configuration out of any iPhone model to date. The lens set-up is perfect for any hobbyist or professional photographer and is sure to last you for years to come.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
Similarly, the new iPhone 16 flagship and its upgraded variant, the 16 Plus, are also great investments. If you don’t have the money for Apple’s premium options, the two base models are a great choice.
The 16 and 16 Plus, while they don’t feature the A18 Pro, are still powered by the A18 Bionic chip. It’s a massive upgrade over the chipsets used in the iPhone 15 series of devices and supports Apple Intelligence.
Similar to the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, the other iPhone 16 devices are set to receive support for years to come. Apple typically supports their phones with major iOS updates for 5-6 years, and then an additional 2-3 years for security patches.
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
The previous generation’s Pro and Pro Max are also set to age well, especially if you want a cost-effective alternative to the iPhone 16 series. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max feature the A17 Pro chip, which rivals the base A18 chip used in the iPhone 16.
The 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are also the only devices (outside of the 16 models) that support Apple Intelligence. So, it’s the only other option if you want a device that comes with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology.
Both models also feature some of the most impressive camera technology in the smartphone market, especially for Apple devices. While the camera configuration is a step behind its successors, the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are still more than formidable. The devices are also still set to receive support for another five or more years.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your iPhone
Although new iPhone models are released annually, that doesn’t mean you need to upgrade every year. Smartphones are designed to be long-lasting, as long as you take proper steps for maintenance and care.
If you want to increase the lifespan of your iPhone, we’ve listed a few tips and strategies below.
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Practice good charging habits. This includes:
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Only charge your device in cool environments.
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Never run intensive games or apps whilst charging.
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Only use charging cables and power adapters that support the same wattage as your phone (e.g., 20W).
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Try to keep your phone between 20% and 80%, never let it run to 0.
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Limit the use of your phone during extreme weather (hot and cold).
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Buy protective accessories, such as cases and screen protectors.
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Always keep your phone updated to the latest operating system and security patches.
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While iPhones are water-resistant, they aren’t fully waterproof. Avoid keeping them in any moist environments or near bodies of water.
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Utilise “Battery Health” settings to optimise charging and prolong overall battery health.
Buy Top Quality Refurbished iPhones at OzMobiles
If you’re looking for great deals on second-hand iPhone models, OzMobiles has you covered. Our range includes the latest Apple devices and accessories, including the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watches, and iPads.
All the devices we sell, including our iPhones, go through an extensive refurbishment process. This ensures the phone is fully functional and in like-new condition. The devices also come with a free 12-month warranty, a 30-day risk-free return period, and a battery life guarantee, so you have peace of mind that you’re getting the longest-lasting iPhone possible.
When you choose OzMobiles, you’re also choosing a business that is committed to sustainability. We want your devices to last as long as possible, keeping them out of landfills and moving towards a greener future.
If you have any questions about our refurbishment process, iPhone longevity, or just need help finding the right model, contact us today. Our support team would love to hear from you.
