The American Multinational corporation and technological company, Apple Inc., has successfully manufactured products that connect to each other under one ecosystem. These upgrades have captured the hearts of many Americans, urging them to buy the products. Yearly, Apple Inc. has succeeded in releasing new phones, and changing its features to keep their customers engaged. Hence drawing attention from the previous gadget released to the latest release.
The release of the iPhone 16 has sparked another wave of excitement and debate. Apple’s newest iteration, while showing off improvements in camera quality, processing speed, and battery life. Many customers were questioning whether these yearly upgrades justify the skyrocketing costs and endless cycle of new phone releases. As Apple once again positions itself as the leading technology, Jayla Smith, 12, wonders whether they’re caught in an unnecessary cycle of overconsumption.
“Every year, it’s the same thing, Apple launches a new phone with slightly better specs, but the truth is, most people don’t need a new phone every year,” Smith says. “I still have the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and it works just fine. It feels like people are just buying these new phones to keep up with the trends, not because they actually need them.”
The debate between Apple and Android users also remains as strong as ever. With Apple releasing a new phone every year, many Android users argue that their devices offer more variety in terms of design and functionality. Amaka Gbulie, 12, although an Apple user acknowledges the uniqueness of iPhones compared to Android.
“Apple has a sleek, recognizable design, but honestly they’ve been using the same basic shape for years now. Meanwhile, Android devices give you a range of styles and prices. Plus, Android manufacturers don’t force this constant yearly upgrade cycle,” Gbulie says.
As more companies release new devices every year, environmental concerns about the overconsumption of electronics grow. Smartphones are made from rare earth minerals, which require intensive mining. While some people claim older phones end up in landfills when users upgrade, others counter argues this claim as a result of recycling. Avery De Carion 12 understands the impact it has on the environment and feels very concerned.
“I’m really worried about what all these phones are doing to the environment. We don’t need a new iPhone every year, and yet people keep upgrading, tossing out perfectly good phones,” De Carion says.
AP English III teacher, Lisa Bonner claims some people use eco-friendly means to get the new phone 7.
“I don’t know if the environmental implications are that great, because people recycle their old phones. People don’t just throw away their old phones. I think they actually repurpose them, sell them,” Bonner says.
Critics of Apple point out that while the iPhone 16 has improved features, it still adheres to the same shape and overall design as previous models. Gbulie expresses her frustration regarding the changes in the yearly model.
“It’s frustrating because Apple has all the resources to innovate more, but they stick with the same look. If I put an iPhone 14, 15, and 16 on a table, you could barely tell the difference. The real changes are under the hood, and sometimes it feels like they’re just changing things to keep us buying,” Gbulie says.
However, some students and teachers defend Apple’s consistency, recognizing its commitment to quality and user experience. Amy Markan, English teacher, views the iPhone 16 differently.
“Yes, the shape is familiar, but that’s part of the brand’s identity. People want something that feels familiar but performs better,” Markan says. “It’s why Apple continues to lead in market share despite Android offering more variety.”
The iPhone 16 may be the latest and greatest, but it can also be a symbol of the modern dilemma. Some people wonder if others buy the new phones out of need, or if they are caught in a cycle of consumerism. Trading phones for newer versions that aren’t much different from their predecessors, makes people ponder what use it might be. As long as companies like Apple continue to set the pace for yearly upgrades, people are likely to get it. With millions already sold, it seems that, for now, Apple’s strategy is working whether or not the product itself is worth the hype.