Apple’s Annual September Event was Tuesday, and the big question for many Apple users is: Should I upgrade my phone?

While Apple did launch a few new products, like the latest Apple Watch and AirPods, most people tend to focus on the newest phone release. This year, the iPhone 16 looks extremely similar to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, with a few new colors. However, each year, Apple changes enough to make an upgrade worth considering… depending on what features matter most to you. With pre-orders starting tomorrow, a launch date of September 20, and the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to weigh your options so the fear of missing out (FOMO) doesn’t lead to an $800 commitment.

Let’s break down what’s new and help you decide if upgrading is right for you.

So… what is the difference between an iPhone 15 and the new iPhone 16?

1. Faster Performance

The iPhone 16 has a new A18 chip, which makes it much faster. If you’re coming from an iPhone 15you may not notice a huge difference, but for anyone using an older model, the performance improvement can be pretty significant. 

I know plenty of people still using an iPhone XR— which is a great phone… but it’s also six years old, and likely running slow. Users with an iPhone 13 and older will see a notable boost in device performance. 

2. Better Camera Features

The camera on the iPhone 16 includes a new Camera Control button, which makes it easier to snap photos quickly. y. The actual photo quality between the iPhone 15 and 16 isn't drastically different, though the iPhone 16’s ultrawide lens does capture more light and has autofocus for close-up shots…. butttt unless you’re a shutterbug, you probably won’t notice any big improvement. 

However, if you have an iPhone 14 or older, the upgrade to the iPhone 16’s 48MP camera (from a 12MP lens) will make a noticeable difference in the sharpness and detail of your photos.

3. Improved Battery Life

You’ll get up to two extra hours of video playback on the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 15. It also charges faster with wireless MagSafe charging, meaning less time plugged in.

4. New AI Features

The iPhone 16 introduces Apple Intelligence, an AI system that helps manage notifications and tasks. This feature is said to be great for staying organized, but it may not be necessary for everyone. Personally, this isn’t something I’m necessarily excited or concerned about having on my iPhone, and definitely isn’t reason enough for me to jump from an iPhone 15 to 16. 

Should You Upgrade?

If You Have an iPhone 15: Unless you’re excited about the new camera or AI features, sticking with your iPhone 15 is still a good choice, and it’s likely it will serve you through the next year.

If You Have an Older iPhone: The iPhone 16 will be a noticeable upgrade with faster performance, longer battery life, and better camera features. It’s worth considering if your phone is showing its age. If you have a device that’s the iPhone 14 or older, here’s what I would consider before upgrading:

How’s your battery?

One of the best ways to determine if you need to upgrade is by checking your current phone's battery health. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings: Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

2. Battery: Scroll down and tap on "Battery."

3. Battery Health & Charging: In this section, you’ll see your Maximum Capacity, which shows how much of the original battery capacity your phone can still hold. For example, if it says 85%, that means your battery can hold 85% of what it could when it was new.

If your battery is below 80%, you may start noticing faster drain times, and it might be a sign that it’s time to upgrade or replace your battery.

Is your screen cracked or damaged?

 Using a cracked or damaged screen can be frustrating. Depending on how much a screen repair costs, and how old your phone is, it might just be worth biting the bullet and upgrading to a new device. 

Is your phone slow?

As iPhones age, their hardware may struggle to keep up with newer software and app demands. Each software update typically requires more processing power and resources, which can lead to lag or freezing on older devices. If your phone lags or freezes up often, upgrading to a newer model with a faster processor will create a better experience.

Do you have an iPhone X or older?

These models no longer receive iOS updates, meaning they miss out on critical security patches and new features. Without updates, your phone becomes more vulnerable to malware and performance issues, making it a good time to consider upgrading to a newer model that will continue to receive support and stay secure.

Final Tip: If you decide to upgrade, consider waiting until November when phone carriers typically offer better trade-in deals or promotions, like “buy one, get one free” offers.