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My iPhone Journey: From the iPhone 5 to the iPhone Air

Tech & Gadgets

My iPhone Journey: From the iPhone 5 to the iPhone Air

13+ years with Apple's flagship smartphones

2012
First iPhone
6
Models Owned
4–5 yr
Target Upgrade Cycle
Table of Contents
① The iPhone Timeline
② Upgrade Strategy
③ Favorite iPhone
④ Update — Sept 2024
⑤ Update — Sept 2025

I've been an iPhone user since 2012, starting with the iPhone 5, and I'm now enjoying my current model, the iPhone Air. I still have most of my old iPhones in my collection.

 

Section I

The iPhone Timeline

Year Model Notes
2012 iPhone 5 All-time favorite — perfect size and sleek design
2016 iPhone 6s 4-year upgrade cycle
2020 iPhone 11 4-year upgrade cycle
2022 iPhone 14 Pro 2-year cycle — Pro design echoes the iPhone 5
2024 iPhone 16 Lighter, slimmer, USB-C — now work phone
2025 iPhone Air Current daily driver — Apple finally got it right
2026 iPhone 18 Pro Need more battery life.
Section II

Upgrade Strategy

Initially, I was upgrading every four years, but the release of the iPhone 14 Pro prompted me to upgrade just two years after purchasing the iPhone 11. My previous habit of buying older models two years post-release made me consider investing in the latest technology for a longer-term experience — aiming for 4–5 years with each new phone.

My strategy is to save money in the long run by upgrading less frequently. I plan to hold off on my next upgrade until 2026–2027, although I might consider buying new models every two years if attractive deals arise. I'm particularly inclined to wait for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone in 2027.

Section III

Favorite iPhone

My favorite model remains the iPhone 5. Its perfect size and sleek design have left a lasting impression, influencing my choice of the iPhone 14 Pro, which resembles the 5.

Update — September 25, 2024

Upgrading to the iPhone 16

I've opted for the iPhone 16. One of my main reasons for this upgrade was to find something lighter than my 14 Pro. I expect this model will serve me well for the next 3–5 years.

Update — September 13, 2025

iPhone Air as New Daily Driver

With the need to keep my work and personal life separated, I'm purchasing an iPhone Air to become my new daily driver and transfer my iPhone 16 to become my next work phone.

The Air is fantastic. Apple finally got it right after experimenting with the Plus then the Mini and finally combining the two into the Air. Only thing better would be to make it into a folding phone — and hopefully that is in the works by 2027.

iPhone Journey · 2012–2025 · 6 models · iPhone 5 forever the favorite

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