Is it a good time to buy an iPhone now? Ask yourself these questions

Is it a good time to buy an iPhone?

Some people, especially first-time buyers, are looking to get the iPhone 15 but are confused about whether they should wait for the new model or get an older one instead. The fact is, that several things have to be factored in before buying a smartphone.

iPhone 15 Apple Event live updates

With Apple being widely tipped to launch the iPhone 15 soon, and the festive season just around the corner, buying now could mean you miss out on some major features and offers.

The standard iPhone 15 models will have the A16 chip, Dynamic Island interface and a 48-megapixel rear camera. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)

Questions to ask yourself before shopping for an iPhone

There are so many things to check out before getting an iPhone which can be a costly affair, especially if you’re planning to buy on credit. In fact, many of these factors are well outside of your control like rising rent, high inflation, job stability, and the broader economic environment, and some of which also have nothing to do with the iPhone itself.

Why do you want an iPhone?

Perhaps the biggest question you need to ask yourself before getting an iPhone is how it changes your life. Many are drawn to the iPhone for its cohesive Apple ecosystem of software and services. Well..others simply want an iPhone as a status symbol.

The latter is a sophisticated generation of young shoppers with markedly different tastes and aspirations who are emerging as the new target market for Apple. There is also a segment who have had an Android smartphone for a long time but are looking to switch to an iPhone for personal reasons.

Consider your long-term goals. How does buying an iPhone fit into your scheme of plans? Your answer can help you determine the purpose of buying an iPhone.

Are you financially ready?

An iPhone will be an expensive purchase, assuming you are a first-time buyer and just started working, fresh out of college. So it’s important to take stock of your financial situation. Sure, it is a lot easier to buy an iPhone now in India thanks to buyback schemes and EMI options. You still need to evaluate your financial health. After all, you’ll have to pay EMIs in case you lose your job.

The amount of money you have saved for a down payment can also determine your financial readiness to afford the iPhone. Remember that your down payment isn’t the only upfront cost you’ll need to pay for the iPhone. You also need extra cash reserved for urgent repairs as well as for Apple services like Apple Music and Cloud.

The iPhone 15 will likely to cost the same as its predecessor. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

What is your budget?

On top of your financial health, you also need to figure out which iPhone model you can afford. Apple offers different iPhone models on the market and each device serves a different purpose. For example, the iPhone 14 Plus mirrors the iPhone 14 Pro Max, with a 6.7-inch display size and a larger battery than the standard iPhone 14 or 14 Pro models. Based on the iPhone models you choose, down payment options will be different. This gives you a better idea of which iPhone model you can afford that lines up with your finances and preferences.

Here are the arguments for and against buying an iPhone.

Why you should wait before buying your iPhone right now

• All new iPhone 15 models will switch from a Lightning Port to a USB-C port.

• The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models will get a shape-shifting cutout, known as Dynamic Island for notifications and alerts. Last year’s high-end iPhone 14 Pro models were the first to get Dynamic Island.

• Both iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will get a 48-megapixel camera for sharper photos and better low-light photography.

• The high-end iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max may have titanium frames, making them lighter.

• iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will likely receive a periscope-style telephoto lens, allowing for higher optical zoom levels.

• iOS 17, the latest version of the iPhone operating system, works best on new iPhones. Sometimes, some features are exclusive to the newer iPhones.

• The price of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 could drop significantly with the launch of the new model and the looming festive season sales.

The high-end iPhone 15 Pro will get maximum new features, including a pericope-like telephoto lens. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Why you should go ahead and get that iPhone right now

• The iPhone 15 Pro lineup is tipped to cost more than its predecessors. The iPhone 15 Pro could cost $100 (Rs 8500) more than the iPhone 14 Pro, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max price hike could be in the range of $100 (Rs 8500) to $200 (Rs 17,000) more. In fact, iPhone 15 Pro prices could be higher outside of the US, especially in India where the iPhone costs more due to local taxes.

• If you think you will want to stay with your current iPhone for at least three years then you could skip the newer iPhones. There is no point waiting for the iPhone 15.

• If you are facing a series of issues with the iPhone like low battery or software trouble, in that case, get an iPhone now.

The Indian Express will be covering the Apple event live from Apple Park next week. Buy an Express subscription to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the insights.