I like to use and have my close friends and family use the newest possible iPhones. The reason is that they collect photos and video of each other and in some cases these will be looked at or treasured for years to come.
I have a pal who has a baby coming and I reminded him to make sure he gets his iPhone upgrade program replacement done in time.
My mom's partner, I ask him to keep his updated because these are photos and video of my mom who won't be here forever.
Not only do these devices capture the most consistent, high fidelity data, you almost have to try to screw up having the data automatically backed up.
The cost of keeping the devices updated is relatively low, and the device switch process has improved __every__ year.
New devices require new OS's which get the most attention and latest patches, etc.
But if you have an iPhone 12 or 13 you don’t need a 14 to capture all those moments. The cameras don’t differ that much and the os archiving and viewing features are the same.
I went from the 13 pro to the 14 pro and the video and photo quality is already clearly much higher.
The device is zippier, and the 13 was no slouch. Using a 12 or as other commenter said XS, there are delays and moments get missed waiting for the device.
I contend it makes horse sense to keep people you care about on the newest iPhone. In all liklihood they spend large amount of time using the device anyway, they might as well have the best display and other features as well.
What? My Xs is able to capture 4K 60fps video just fine and has a perfectly good camera and runs the new iOSs just fine. Having THE newest iPhone is hardly a requirement. My phone gets the same patches and security updates as any other iPhone
I have a pal who has a baby coming and I reminded him to make sure he gets his iPhone upgrade program replacement done in time.
My mom's partner, I ask him to keep his updated because these are photos and video of my mom who won't be here forever.
Not only do these devices capture the most consistent, high fidelity data, you almost have to try to screw up having the data automatically backed up.
The cost of keeping the devices updated is relatively low, and the device switch process has improved __every__ year. New devices require new OS's which get the most attention and latest patches, etc.