Do I have to buy the new iPhone? Really?

We've got the skinny for you

With all eyes on Cupertino Tuesday for the debut of the latest, greatest iPhone, the 15, many of you are wondering if you really have to open up your wallet, just because Apple wants you to.

Many of you have older, or recent phones that are working just fine. They turn on and off, make and accept phone calls, take fantastic photos and tell you the time, weather and latest news and more.

Apple will tell you Tuesday, when it introduces a new line-up of phones that the new models are the fastest, most powerful, advanced models and you’ll be thinking, “yeah, I’ve got to have this.”

That’s of course debatable. How badly would you like to use the same USB-C cord you use to charge your iPad to power up the iPhone too? As good as the iPhone camera is, can the new model really be that much better? (The top of the line model is expected to have twice the zoom range.)

If none of those things matter to you, by all means, stick with your current model.

I’ll be getting the new one, because I always do. But you don’t have to be like me.

Reader Teresa says she has “1 burning question: Do the camera upgrades make it worthwhile to upgrade from a 14 Pro to a 15 pro or Pro Max?”

We’ll find out Tuesday. For me, I’d do it just for the extra Zoom, if it’s indeed twice the current range. Do you care about that?

What about a Trade-in to save money?

I told you last weekend that I wouldn’t bother with a trade-in on older phones, as a second phone is worth more as a backup than the meager amount Apple will give you.

But just in case you don’t believe me, here’s how much Apple is offering this weekend:

(2019’s) iPhone 11, Pro and Max: $200, $250 and $300

(2020’s) iPhone 12, 12 Pro and Max: $300, $360 and $460

(2021’s) iPhone 13, Pro and Max: $420, $530 and $640.

Offers for the 14 aren’t currently listed on the website, but assume they will be in the $700-$800 range. And also notice the Apple fine print: “up to.”

If the phone is in perfect condition, turns on and off, doesn’t have a cracked screen or any blemishes, this is “up to” what you might, possibly expect.

The next iPhone models are expected to cost more, in the $800 to $1,200 range, and analysts say they will have more storage available and that will be costly too. Currently, Apple adds $100 to double the storage, $300 to go from 128 GB to 512 GB and $500 to get to 1 terabyte. Apple is expected to offer a more generous 2 TB setting, which would really help curb on all those Apple “you’re out of room” nag messages. I’d love to have 2TB for my next phone. But will the company charge $1,000 more for the extra room?

My take: If you have a 2019 phone, skip the trade-in, the 12 offers are meager too. If you can get $640 trade-in value on the top of the line iPhone 13 Pro Max, I’d take it. Ditto for the 14.

But again, if it was me, I’d hold onto them as backup, but I’m a pro photographer, and I like to have lots of cameras.

Is it better to buy direct from Apple or my carrier?

Reader Carole wants to know where she should buy her new phone! I prefer just going to Apple, especially if you want to get the phone when Apple releases to retail. But the carriers might have some sweet deals, which we’ll hear about on Tuesday. However, know this: however enticing they sound, if the phone costs $1,200, you’re still paying $1,200, even if it’s on time.

For instance, T-Mobile currently offers new iPhones “on us,” but that’s not really true. You’re still paying top dollar for the phone, but on time, in monthly installments, in addition to your monthly service. And if you cancel before two years, you have to fork over the remaining balance.

Consumer Reports suggests that the carriers might offer you more in trade-in value, but that the financing will run for a longer term than Apple’s.

When can I start ordering?

Traditionally, Apple starts accepting pre-orders the Friday after the event, starting at 8 a.m. ET., with delivery by the following Friday.

LIVE Tuesday, 2 p.m. PT

We’ll be back with another livestream on Tuesday after Apple’s event to give my take on the new phones, and to take your questions. Meanwhile, Scott Bourne and I previewed the new phone on the iPhone Photo Show podcast.

Manhattan Beach Photowalk

A lot of people have asked me over the last few months, "When are you returning to the Manhattan Beach Pier to do your iPhone (and Galaxy) Photography class?"

I had a busy summer, but have cleared the schedule now just for you!

Come join us Thursday at 6 p.m., and I'll show you some of my favorite hidden mobile phone camera tricks that anyone can do and how to take your mobile photography to the next level. We’ll meet at the foot of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

You can sign up via Eventbrite.

More of the West: Prescott, Arizona

Here’s the latest from our PhotowalksTV West series, and this week we’re in Prescott, Arizona, where the old West is alive and well. I hope you enjoy the episode. If so, please do me a favor and leave a comment, so YouTube and I know how you feel!

Thanks as always for reading, watching and listening!

Jeff