A well-maintained iPhone can last quite a long time. However, it is not indestructible and will need to be replaced somehow. Here are some warning signs that should let you know when it’s time to get a replacement.

5 warning signs it’s time to replace your iPhone

As hard as it is to part with your iPhone, when it shows these telltale signs of wear and tear, it’s time to look for a replacement phone.

5. Defective battery

Usually your battery drains quickly, especially in newer phone models, can be fixed with a few restarts and software resets. However, if it’s an older model and hasn’t kept a constant charge like it did before, it might be time to replace your battery or phone as a whole.

A battery that won’t hold its charge is usually the first sign of an aged battery and phone, Phoenix Cellular said.

Make Use Of added that battery degradation over time is the nature of lithium ion batteries. Batteries can only hold a finite number of charges before weakening and degrading until they can no longer do what they were designed to do.

While Apple does offer battery replacements for older models of phones, they will perform a diagnostic and notify you of other damage that needs to be fixed, which can drive up the bill. It might be more cost effective to consider purchasing a replacement product.

4. Noticeable and persistent lag and performance issues

A faulty iPhone and the obvious slowdown in its performance is a strong indication that it is near retirement. While software malfunctions are a possibility for newer models, an older phone running newer versions of iOS may struggle to keep up with software demands, Make Use Of noted.

The phone may not have enough resources to provide juice for larger and more complex apps and features, so new apps or new versions of apps cannot run on your device.

3. Lack of storage space

If you have an iPhone 6 or earlier, you might only have around 16GB of storage space, and as apps become more storage-hungry, it can be difficult to balance. your stored data and the apps you choose to keep on your phone. Phoenix Cellular added that you can choose to clean your phone to free up more space, but that can become a big drawback given how phones are integrated into just about every aspect of everyday life. Full storage can also prevent apps from working together.

2. No longer supported by iOS updates

Having an older phone model may mean that the hardware and firmware may not be able to meet the requirements of newer iOS updates. Apple is also known to “phase out” support for older iPhone models, leaving these obsolete units shortly thereafter.

An outdated iOS can also pose a security risk, as there can be vulnerabilities and bugs that can be exploited by hackers and malware.

1. Damage to the phone

This one is the most obvious. If you have a cracked screen, a water damaged unit, or a broken case, while you can live with it for a little while, you don’t know how much time is left. And when it completely collapses, all the data on your iPhone can go with it. It is imperative to back up your data on your phone in case something happens to it.

Budget plays an important role in replacing the phone. Check with your telecom company to see if you qualify for an upgrade, or look for refurbished or used models from reputable establishments that sell them for a lower price.

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