On Tuesday,Apple announced the iPhone 17 series with the usual spate of new features,including a thinner design,improved displays,and a camera with 4x optical zoom. if you’ve been getting frustrated with your old phone, or just tired of it, the lithe new model may look exactly like the device you need to launch your budding photographic career, reconnect with long-lost friends, and maybe even save your life in an emergency.
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Don’t give in to the upgrade itch. The best iPhone 17 feature, iOS 26, is already coming to older phones for free. With that simple software upgrade, a few settings tweaks, and some inexpensive accessories, your older iPhone can look and perform like new. Here’s how.
## Try new camera lenses
An iPhone 15 Pro with Moment macro lens.
The iPhone 17 series may have better cameras, but you can expand the capabilities of your current-gen iPhone cameras with an external lens. I use and recommend the Moment T-series lenses. They come in different varieties, including 1.33x anamorphic for cinematic-style videos, 75mm macro to get better quality macros than the default, and a 58mm telephoto lens that doubles the zoom of your existing camera.
Give Your Old iPhone a New Lease on Life
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Is your iPhone feeling a little… tired? Maybe it’s not as snappy as it once was, or the battery doesn’t last all day. Before you rush out to buy the latest model, consider giving your current iPhone a refresh. Here’s how to breathe new life into your old device.
A Clean Start
First, give your iPhone a thorough cleaning. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth and some screen cleaner. Remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated around the charging port and speakers. A clean phone not only looks better but can also improve performance.
battery Health is Key
Check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If your maximum capacity is below 80%, it’s time for a battery replacement.Apple offers battery replacement services, or you can find third-party options. A new battery can dramatically improve your iPhone’s usability.
Software Update: iOS 17 (or Later!)
Make sure you’re running the latest version of iOS. Apple regularly releases updates that include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates. Currently, iOS 17 is the latest major release, offering features like Contact Posters and improved autocorrect.
Declutter Your Digital Life
Over time, iPhones can become bogged down with unneeded files and apps. Delete apps you no longer use, clear your browser cache, and remove old photos and videos. Consider offloading photos to a cloud storage service like iCloud or Google Photos.
Protect Your Investment
A good case and screen protector are essential for protecting your iPhone from damage. If your current case is worn or cracked,it’s time for an upgrade. I recommend the Sport Case. If you care less about protection and just want to make a statement, you can opt for a skin. I use one from Capes India that isn’t available in every country, but DBrand makes some gorgeous skins from psychedelic to sublime. Switch it up!
A new screen protector wouldn’t hurt
Most screen protectors wear so slowly that you might not notice the glass starting to lose its gloss over time, or scratches accumulating. If a good scrub down with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel doesn’t restore its slickness and clarity, it might be time for replacement. I recommend this Nomad screen protector for its quality and ease of installation.
The installation kit makes it super easy to install with no air bubbles, wich can be a challenge with manny competing models. I’ve used mine for four months, and can say it not only holds up well over time, it doesn’t introduce any extra friction between screen and finger.
Install iOS 26
iOS 26 is Apple’s biggest software update in years,and iPhones dating all the way back to 2019’s iPhone 11 can download and run it for free,starting 15 September. You definitely should. The refreshing “liquid glass” look will make your phone feel new again,and it carries over into Apple apps like Messages,Camera and more.A guide to buying fewer, better products.
Revive Your Old iPhone: Tips to Save Money and extend Its Life
Is your iPhone feeling sluggish? Are you tempted by the latest models, like the iPhone 16? Before you spend hundreds of dollars on an upgrade, consider these tips to breathe new life into your current device. You might be surprised at how much betterment you can achieve without a new phone.
Boost Battery Life & Performance
A common complaint with older iPhones is declining battery life and performance. Here are a few solutions:
Enable adaptive Power Mode: If your battery drains quickly, try enabling Adaptive Power Mode.This feature automatically makes subtle performance adjustments during periods of higher usage, such as reducing screen brightness and slightly delaying certain tasks. You can find it in Settings > Battery > Power Mode > Adaptive Power Mode.
Clean the USB-C Port: Dust and debris accumulate in the charging port, hindering a proper connection. This can lead to slow charging or even overheating. Apple recommends using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the port. For stubborn debris, a toothpick can be carefully used, ensuring you don’t damage the connector.
refresh the User Experience
Sometimes, simply changing things up can make your iPhone feel new again.
* Customize Your Home Screen: A stale home screen can make your phone feel outdated. Experiment with widget stacks, create folders to organize apps, and choose a new wallpaper. don’t forget to fine-tune your notification Center for a more personalized experience.
Why Upgrade? You Might Not Need To.
For many, especially those with recent models like the iPhone 16, the improvements offered by the next generation (like the anticipated iPhone 17) may not justify the cost.While newer iPhones offer updated features and designs,the benefits are frequently enough incremental. By implementing the suggestions above, you can significantly enhance your current iPhone experience and save a ample amount of money.
About the Author:
Prakhar Khanna is a freelance consumer tech journalist with bylines in publications such as Forbes, CNET, and Gizmodo. He focuses on the intersection of technology and everyday life and served as a judge for the CES 2025 Innovation Awards. Outside of writing, he prioritizes finding time for naps.