It would be better for consumers, the environment, and more.
Every year all the big players release new smartphones.
Maybe it’s time to stop releasing phones every year.
Phones quickly got bigger and faster, had more cameras, and unique apps arrived all the time.
Don’t get me wrong.
Devices are still advancing with more capable cameras or longer battery life.
So, here are some thoughts and arguments against the annual release cycle.
Well, for several reasons.
Not everyone gets the latest iPhone the first week or two after it comes out.
And that’s without mentioning the endless supply of “leaks” and constant rumors.
You have to keep investors happy and profits up, right?
It makes no sense and is extremely expensive to research, develop, and manufacture.
The same happens with vehicles, where a 2nd or 3rd gen model arrives years later with significant changes.
I think phone makers could learn a thing or two from the auto industry.
I use a two-year-old Galaxy S21 Ultra, and it’s still anabsolutely fantastic phone.
It has the same massive screen as newer models, has terrific battery life, and has excellent cameras.
No, I don’t have a crazy 200MP camera, but I don’t need one.
The iPhone 14 Pro is in a similar boat, with even fewer marginal upgrades over its previous model.
If manufacturers released phones every 2-3 years instead, here’s what we could expect.
Sounds nice, right?
More Meaningful Upgrades
So much time, effort, and money goes into the yearly upgrade cycle.
Folding phones are neat.
Less E-Waste
More importantly, think about the environmental impact and all that e-waste.
They throw up a few slides and infographics, mention “going green,” and use fluff words.
Every little bit counts and those boxes made from recycled goods or plastic-free packaging are great.
It’s typically minuscule.
All those small changes for sustainability and the environment are amazing, sure.
And don’t even get me started on all the cases, phone accessories, and all that waste.
If smartphone brands genuinely want to make a difference, stop releasing phones every year.
I mean everyone—suppliers, materials, shipping, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
Instead, an exciting new phone release every 2-3 years would sell itself.
Consumers would save money, and manufacturers could too.
So, in closing, maybe it’s time for companies to stop releasing new phones every year.
Get buyers excited about phones again.
It would be better for the planet and everyone involved.
Well, except for maybe the shareholders.
