Need or Want: Should We Buy the Newest Smartphones?
Technology writer Dom Kwolczak says he's seen a lot of "mean comments" online about anyone who uses an iPhone that's more than a few years old.
He writes: "I've said this before and I'll say it again, it doesn't matter if you don't have the latest smartphone!"
But for some people, it must matter — and Apple keeps making expensive new phones with new features. The iPhone 16, with new artificial intelligence tools, was released in September.
But it's not just Apple. Google, Huawei and Samsung have all recently released new devices.
However, new phones aren't selling in the numbers they used to. Phone expert Ben Wood told the BBC that, in 2013, 30 million phones were sold.
"This year it will be around 13.5 million," he said.
People are keeping their older phones for longer. And the newest phones offer only small improvements on the previous models — often a better camera, but not big changes in technology.
On the Digital Spy website, some users said they'll only think about buying the newest model if their phone isn't doing what they need it to anymore.
But why do others buy the newest phones?
"Because I want one," said one user, who added: "I spend very little on other stuff, so taking advantage of brand new tech every couple of years is my treat to myself."
This may be the reason why many people buy the newest phone: because they want it, not because they need it.
For those with older phones, tech expert Stephanie Humphries told CBS News there are lots of things you can do to keep your old phone fresh.
These include downloading new software, getting a new battery or even just buying a new case so you feel you've got something new in your pocket!
