Despite the frequent release of new iPhones, I held off on upgrading my iPhone 4s for more than six years. Though the idea of upgrading my iPhone crossed my mind from time to time, I managed to avoid doing that with four main strategies, and you can do the same.

I Resisted the Urge to Upgrade

To resist upgrading my iPhone, I assessed whether new features, such as Face ID, aligned with my needs rather than my wants. I also considered how marketing, peer influences, and trends—like limited-time offers, celebrity endorsements, and FOMO (fear of missing out) from the latest technology—create a false sense of urgency and desire to upgrade.

If your current iPhone still meets your needs, consider whether the financial cost of an upgrade could be better spent elsewhere.

iPhone 15 models on display at an Apple Store

You can also lower your phone usage to resist your temptation to upgrade. For instance, I stopped using my phone while having meals, engaging in hobbies, and spending quality time with my loved ones. I alsoovercame mindless scrolling habitsby removing non-essential widgets from the iOS Lock Screen and reorganizing the Home Screen to keep tempting apps out of view.

I’m a Casual iPhone User

I used my iPhone 4s primarily for essential needs like texting, calling, social media, and productivity apps. I sometimes used my iPhone to watch TV shows or movies but mostly preferred my iPad, laptop, or TV for entertainment.

Ultimately, my iPhone fulfilled my everyday communication and entertainment needs, prioritizing practical use over advanced features or extensive customization options that held no value for me.

A woman cleaning an iPhone with a microfiber cloth

I Researched the Features of Newer iPhones

Instead of being swayed by flashy features, I focused on my iPhone’s performance and the value of new features. I realized that features like OLED displays, Cinematic Video, and Action mode weren’t necessary for my everyday use.

Apple’s long-lasting iOS updates kept my iPhone secure and functional for years. These ongoing updates reduced my desire to upgrade, as the updates themselves offered substantial improvements, and additional hardware features wouldn’t significantly enhance my experience.

I Extended My iPhone’s Life With Proper Maintenance

I used simple, cost-effective maintenance strategies to extend my iPhone’s lifespan, which reduced my urge to upgrade. The repair process is straightforward, and since the iPhone 4s has been on the market for a while, parts are widely available and affordable, keeping repair costs low.

Investing in repairs, such as replacing the battery twice, significantly improved the phone’s performance and longevity. This maintenancekept my iPhone functioning like new, eliminating the need for a completely new device.

I used protective cases and screen protectors to prevent scratches and cracks on my iPhone. For charging, I primarily relied on Apple’s official adapters orMFi-certified (Made for iPhone/iPad) chargersto avoid overheating and extend my iPhone’s lifespan. These are somebasic iPhone maintenance tipsyou can follow to enhance its battery life, performance, and security.

After sticking with my trusty iPhone 4s for over six years, I finally upgraded to an iPhone 15 in late May 2024. My old phone still works, but I upgraded to get a larger screen and a better camera for capturing important life moments. Nevertheless, these tips and tricks helped me postpone an iPhone upgrade for as long as I wanted, and I hope they can do the same for you.