"It's easy to understand the reluctance to upgrade. Phones can do loads more than they could a decade ago, and their price tag reflects that. Their cameras are absurdly good, their screens run at buttery smooth framerates, and their hardware is powerful enough to let you play games just as easily as they let you edit video, join conference calls - or, let's be real, doomscroll. How much more juice do they really need with each generation?"
"The average American does seem to be holding onto their smartphone for longer: 29 months as of 2025, based on a recent survey by Reviews.org cited by CNBC, which is seven months longer than it was back in 2016. Shamefully, we're failing to do our part to prop up an economy already propped up by the vague promises and overbearing hype of AI."
Most consumers can skip annual smartphone upgrades because well-made devices remain capable for years. Companies and automakers release slight iterations each year to generate hype and increase sales, but practical gains are often marginal. Prolonged device use can save money, especially amid economic uncertainty. Widespread hoarding of devices may reduce overall economic activity, and corporate-level hoarding can have larger negative effects. Survey data show average smartphone ownership rose to 29 months in 2025, seven months longer than in 2016. Modern phones already offer excellent cameras, high-refresh displays, and powerful hardware, reducing the urgency to upgrade yearly.
Read at Futurism
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