With the unveiling of the iPhone 15, the Apple device market is set to remain relatively stable until September 2024 when the next generation of Apple mobile devices will make their debut. As Christmas approaches, it’s crucial to identify the devices that aren’t worth investing in for 2023—what we might refer to as the “iPhone blacklist.”
These devices have earned their place on the blacklist for various reasons, including the end of their update cycle, the number of years they’ve been on the market, their features, and their price relative to their true value in 2023, especially when compared to their competitors. Let’s explore the devices that fall into this category:
iPhone 11
- Despite being among the top ten best-selling devices of 2023, the iPhone 11 is approaching the end of its useful life as a device. In 2024, it will no longer receive support, making it a questionable investment.
- While it has excelled in terms of performance and offered an impressive 6.1-inch LCD screen, time has caught up with it. With slightly more money, you can purchase a refurbished iPhone 12 or even a 13, making the iPhone 11 a less attractive choice in late 2023.
iPhone 12 and 13 Mini
- Apple’s attempt to combine a compact size, an all-screen display, and robust power with the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini hasn’t resonated with consumers, resulting in lackluster sales.
- Despite featuring the same processor as their larger counterparts, OLED screens, and capable cameras, the primary drawback has been their small screens and limited battery life.
iPhone 14
- After the release of the iPhone 15, investing in the iPhone 14, essentially an iPhone 13 2.0, doesn’t make sense. They share the same processor as the iPhone SE, the same screen as the 13 series, and only minor camera improvements.
- While third-party store pricing may eventually make the iPhone 14 more appealing, the passage of time will also make the iPhone 13 less attractive, potentially creating a competitive pricing balance.
iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
- The third-generation iPhone SE is one of the worst value-for-money devices on the market. While it boasts reasonably up-to-date hardware, its design is outdated, featuring a 4.7-inch screen and prominent bezels more reminiscent of 2015 than 2023.
- Additionally, it only offers a single rear camera, limiting its versatility. While it’s priced below 500 euros, making it Apple’s most affordable phone, considering its features and age, it’s worth considering alternatives like refurbished iPhone 12 or 13 models available at potentially more attractive prices.
- Furthermore, rumors suggest that the fourth-generation iPhone SE will be unveiled in 2024 with a significantly improved design, following the pattern of the iPhone 14. It may feature a single rear camera and incorporate Face ID, along with the potential inclusion of an action button with limited functionality. This new iteration is likely to utilize the same chip as the iPhone 15 generation.
In conclusion, carefully assessing your options when considering an Apple device purchase in 2023 is essential to ensure that you make a wise investment, particularly with the next generation of devices on the horizon.