Here’s the part that makes me laugh: the iPhone 11 is still a fantastic phone for 90% of people. The camera is decent, the screen is fine, and it does TikTok. That’s all most of us want.
But Apple’s business model is built on making you feel insecure. They want you to think your phone is a fossil. Meanwhile, your friend’s iPhone 11 is still taking solid photos at a bar last Friday. (Yeah, I saw the blurry ones, Dave.)
So, how much longer? Likely two to three years of usable life, with security patches until 2026-2027. But the real answer depends on your tolerance for missing out.
Should You Upgrade or Wait?
If your iPhone 11 works, and you don’t care about the latest features, stick with it. Replace the battery for $69 and ride it out. You’ll save yourself $800+.
But if you’re the type who gets jealous of friends with Dynamic Island and a 48MP camera—you know who you are—then start saving. The iPhone 17 is going to be expensive, and you’ll buy it anyway.
Dave? He got his screen fixed for $150. He told me, “I’m keeping this thing until it literally stops turning on.” Classic Dave. But honestly? He’s not wrong.
