How do people stuck in the iPhone 'S' upgrade cycle feel about getting screwed again?

[cynics]

I can't speak for the 5S because its all rumors but I've preferred the S cycles.

My 4S has all the software the most current 5 has. Whereas the 4 didn't get all the software the 4S did let alone the 5. So I got Siri on my 4S then when the 5 came out I got navigation.

I really don't care about the hardware too much. Bigger screen and LTE would be nice but I don't find that to be a requirement.

If the 5S doesn't get any additional hardware as the trends been then it will need to get additional software as the trends been. There is little point to upgrading to the 5S if its only a little faster and offers nothing else. So I'm banking on there to be something in iOS 7 only the 5S gets. And if the past tells us anything then the 5S will get all the software the 6 does leaving the 5 further behind.

If the 5S doesn't offer anything I'll just get a 5 cheaper. Regardless of circumstances I'm not "stuck".

 

[S.B.G]

People are not stuck or getting screwed on the S upgrade cycle. If they feel that way then they simply can choose not to upgrade.

Since someone has a 4S, and they move to a 5S wouldn't they have more features then the 4S. In fact they'll have all the benefits of the 5 plus the newest updates to the phone for the 5s. If thy don't like what they see in the 5 or 5s feature set they can wait until the 6.

Technically given the 2 year contracts and subsidized pricing, its better to go 3S to 5S, so that in of itself is a huge jump in features and performance.

I agree with this. I'm on the 'S' 2-year cycle and I have no complaints at all. I feel the 'S' cycle is the better one to be on. I look forward to the 5S (or whatever it may be called) this year.

 

[Ifti]

I find it more cost effective to keep myself on a cheaper tarrif where I still get more mins etc then any of the new expensive plans where you get the iphone 'cheaper' - and I upgrade by purchasing the phone from Apple at full price, then sell my old phone, which I keep in mint condition etc.

However, Im now considering skipping the 'S' models entirely and just going for each 'new revision' instead.

 

[GoCubsGo]

All I am saying is that folks who went from 3G--> 4 -->5 enjoyed bigger upgrades (compared to the iPhone they were using before) than folks who went from 3GS --> 4S --> 5S. The 'non-S' people also got to enjoy newer hardware like retina screen, 4" displays, glass body design (4) and metal body construction (5) a full year before the 'S' people.

Wrong. If you were n a 3GS and you went to a 4S, you appreciated the same hardware upgrades as the rest. The difference is, you do not "appreciate" the first rendition of the hardware upgrade. I don't see how you can believe that people who upgrade from 3GS to 4S were at all screwed. I think your logic on this thought is wrong.

 

[cynics]

Wrong. If you were n a 3GS and you went to a 4S, you appreciated the same hardware upgrades as the rest. The difference is, you do not "appreciate" the first rendition of the hardware upgrade. I don't see how you can believe that people who upgrade from 3GS to 4S were at all screwed. I think your logic on this thought is wrong.

Yep. It just depends on whether being the first to have something is a big deal to you or not. I personally don't care. Even if I was on a 4S and had an upgrade available I would have skipped the 5.

Technically that's not far from the truth. My employer buys me my iPhone and pays the service. All I have to do is ask for a new iPhone and I'll have one on my desk in a few days. I just didn't want to abuse the privilege for the 5.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Yep. It just depends on whether being the first to have something is a big deal to you or not. I personally don't care. Even if I was on a 4S and had an upgrade available I would have skipped the 5.

Technically that's not far from the truth. My employer buys me my iPhone and pays the service. All I have to do is ask for a new iPhone and I'll have one on my desk in a few days. I just didn't want to abuse the privilege for the 5.

But buying the 4S is having the latest and greatest. You just have the latest and greatest every other year (which is still prematurely ending your old contract). When I bought my first iPhone I did get every iPhone until the 3Gs. Then I skipped the 4 and went to the 4S. I skipped the 5 despite being able to upgrade and still keep unlimited data. I may go the 5S, I may not. I just don't get the logic of feeling screwed.

 

[3rd Rock]

As I see it the S cycle upgraders are getting the better deal. The S models are the refined version of the generation. Either way though, if you change iPhones every 2 years, you're fine, no one is getting screwed.

^ What he said

just to chime in:
if you're updating from 4s to 5s it's virtually the same "big" upgrade as going from 4 to 5 - as both updates are two years apart and the hardware gap between those 2 years is the same. the only difference is, that you get the phone with the higher model nummer/new design one year later than some people. it's only a number...

on the other hand, you get the 2nd-gen refined & bugfixed model of each design - which is a much better deal.

i'm currently in the "non-s" upgrade cycle and secretly wishing that my phone dies sometimes unexpextedly or gets stolen so i get an excuse to change to the s-cycle.

Some of what he said ^

I'm sorry, how exactly are people getting screwed? no ones got a gun to your head, you want the new phone you buy it, simple...

People are not stuck or getting screwed on the S upgrade cycle. If they feel that way then they simply can choose not to upgrade.

Since someone has a 4S, and they move to a 5S wouldn't they have more features then the 4S. In fact they'll have all the benefits of the 5 plus the newest updates to the phone for the 5s. If thy don't like what they see in the 5 or 5s feature set they can wait until the 6.

Technically given the 2 year contracts and subsidized pricing, its better to go 3S to 5S, so that in of itself is a huge jump in features and performance.

What he said ^

This thread makes no sense whatsoever. An upgrade from a 4s to a 5s is just a as big as an upgrade from a 4 to a 5.

What he said ^

Exactly.

Plus those who buy on the "tock" cycle (S versions) get the benefit of a mature accessory market (wider selection, lower prices) as well as having had the major issues from the "tick" cycle largely being fixed. (iphone 4 antennagate)

Finally - only sheep feel they can't upgrade their phone any time they want. Buy used or full-price and sell your old phone to recoup much of the cost.

He said ^

Don't forget 4S is limited to 2.4GHz 802.11n.

Guess what the 5S will have?

Ah, the voice of sweet reason!

Actual ratiocination appears on our boards.



BTW: I haven't felt screwed in much too long a time...

I can't speak for the 5S because its all rumors but I've preferred the S cycles.

My 4S has all the software the most current 5 has. Whereas the 4 didn't get all the software the 4S did let alone the 5. So I got Siri on my 4S then when the 5 came out I got navigation.

I really don't care about the hardware too much. Bigger screen and LTE would be nice but I don't find that to be a requirement.

".

Part of what he said ^

I agree with this. I'm on the 'S' 2-year cycle and I have no complaints at all. I feel the 'S' cycle is the better one to be on. I look forward to the 5S (or whatever it may be called) this year.

Yes, what he said ^ We are not stuck OP. Your thinking is however

 

[cynics]

But buying the 4S is having the latest and greatest. You just have the latest and greatest every other year (which is still prematurely ending your old contract). When I bought my first iPhone I did get every iPhone until the 3Gs. Then I skipped the 4 and went to the 4S. I skipped the 5 despite being able to upgrade and still keep unlimited data. I may go the 5S, I may not. I just don't get the logic of feeling screwed.

I'm sorry. I should have said latest and greatest in terms of appearance. I could careless if my phone looks identical to the previous year. In the end I find it to be a better deal as far as future proofing.

A slightly bigger screen and LTE are pretty nice things to have but my 4S getting navigation a year after it was released was a big deal to me.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Why should someone on an "S" cycle feel screwed? Did THEY not get an upgrade from what they were previously using?

People on 3GS who got a 4S got upgraded from non-Retina to Retina.
They got the improved antenna system and never had to experience "antenna-gate." They went from a 3.1 MP camera to an 8MP camera. They when from plastic to all glass design.

When 4S people get 5S, they will be going from HSPA+ 14.4 to LTE. They will go from an 8 MP camera to (likely) a 13MP camera. They will go from a 3.5" screen to a 4" screen. They will get fingerprint scanning (if the rumors hold). They will go from the all glass design to the anodized aluminum design.

The only people who should feel somewhat underwhelmed are those who will go from 5 to 5S.

Agreed, I don't think they are getting screwed either.

 

[deeddawg]

my 4S getting navigation a year after it was released was a big deal to me.

To be fair, turn by turn nav has been available via 3rd party apps for a long time. I forget the name of it but I was using a free one (with locally stored maps) on my iphone 4 months before the iphone 4s was released.

 

[hafr]

All I am saying is that folks who went from 3G--> 4 -->5 enjoyed bigger upgrades (compared to the iPhone they were using before) than folks who went from 3GS --> 4S --> 5S. The 'non-S' people also got to enjoy newer hardware like retina screen, 4" displays, glass body design (4) and metal body construction (5) a full year before the 'S' people.

So you're saying the difference between the 3GS and the 4S is less significant than the difference between the 3G and the 4? Please elaborate.

I once knew a guy who stopped listening to groups' earlier albums when they became mainstream, because anything mainstream is per definition bad. You remind me of him. If someone feels bad about buying the 5S because other people have the 5, they're ****ing losers. Plain and simple.

 

[cynics]

To be fair, turn by turn nav has been available via 3rd party apps for a long time. I forget the name of it but I was using a free one (with locally stored maps) on my iphone 4 months before the iphone 4s was released.

Absolutely. I used to use Waze. But for my area Apples Navigation is much better just because of its integration. It's also nice using Siri, "directions to xxxx".

----------

So you're saying the difference between the 3GS and the 4S is less significant than the difference between the 3G and the 4? Please elaborate.

I once knew a guy who stopped listening to groups' earlier albums when they became mainstream, because anything mainstream is per definition bad. You remind me of him. If someone feels bad about buying the 5S because other people have the 5, they're ****ing losers. Plain and simple.

Lets not forget the bugs that are typically sorted out by the S models.

The 4 had "antennagate" and the 4S got that fixed plus HPSA+ for a lot faster data.

Now we have "scuffgate" and "bendgate". I'm not saying these are legitimate problems but they are things that could possibly be addressed with the 5S.

 

[zipster]

The 'S' cycle is actually better because it improves upon any flaws the non-S version has.

So, nice try, though!

 

[dvoros]

iPhone s Cycle

I feel consumers are getting screwed with the iPhone 5s (so last year) model. I will either wait for the iPhone 6 and the larger screen or just go with the Galaxy or HTC One now. I have a 4s and to move to the 5 with a .5 inch screen upgrade would have been stupid. To move to the 5s with the same design will make me the dumbest person on earth. Apple has become arrogant and is letting the world and innovation pass them by. Its no longer "cool" to use the small iPhone.

 

[Sodner]

I feel consumers are getting screwed with the iPhone 5s (so last year) model. I will either wait for the iPhone 6 and the larger screen or just go with the Galaxy or HTC One now. I have a 4s and to move to the 5 with a .5 inch screen upgrade would have been stupid. To move to the 5s with the same design will make me the dumbest person on earth. Apple has become arrogant and is letting the world and innovation pass them by. Its no longer "cool" to use the small iPhone.

Not looking to be "COOL". If you feel that a HTC One would make you cooler, go for it, but you might find out that a phone does not alter your image to yourself or others.

 

[Alx9876]

I am on the non-S cycle and I have been feeling screwed ever since the S cycle started.

With that said, I am going to buy the 5S since I skipped the 5 completely and have an upgrade waiting for me.

Still using my iPhone 4.

 

[cynics]

I feel consumers are getting screwed with the iPhone 5s (so last year) model. I will either wait for the iPhone 6 and the larger screen or just go with the Galaxy or HTC One now. I have a 4s and to move to the 5 with a .5 inch screen upgrade would have been stupid. To move to the 5s with the same design will make me the dumbest person on earth. Apple has become arrogant and is letting the world and innovation pass them by. Its no longer "cool" to use the small iPhone.

It seems you put a lot of stock in screen size. You say you'd be the dumbest person on earth if you got a 5S because its only going to be 4" yet you are using a phone with a 3.5" screen?

Personally I'm happy with my 3.5" iPhone 4S and could careless if the 5/5S is bigger. I don't mind and I'm actually pretty happy its only .5" bigger.

I think it would be dumb for me to upgrade to something I actually don't want.

Innovation does not equal bigger. I actually think its dumb to wait for technology. Why not wait for the iPhone 10, it might have a HUGE screen? There is always something better around the corner.

 

[deeddawg]

you might find out that a phone does not alter your image [...]

Seriously. At least not to anyone that matters. Not past middle school, that is.

 

[JupiterDoc]

Wait for 6

Disclaimer: This only applies to people who only buy iPhones on contract once every two years.

All things point to minor upgrades on the 5S later this year. Nothing ground breaking. I think it is a given that people stuck in the 'S' upgrade cycle have always gotten less improvements from the previous generation. We all know the non 'S' models (iPhone 3G, 4 and 5) got the new hardware + upgraded internals, while the 'S' ers just got small internal updates. For example: iPhone 4 and 5 owners enjoyed 3.5" and 4" retina displays a full year more than folks on the 3GS and the 4S owners. The story will continue if Apple offers a bigger screen next year with the iPhone 6 again short changing 5S owners.

I for one am lucky to be on the 3G, 4, 5, 6 upgrade cycle. All signs point to the iPhone 6 coming with the option of a bigger screen next year which should make it that much sweeter. So people on the 'S' cycle, are you going to try to break the cadence and wait till the iPhone 6 comes out or are you happy with the way things are and will get the 5S later this year?

My 4S is due December 2013. I'm going to wait for the 6; presumably in August 2014.

 

[eddyecb]

they are getting better upgrades.

 

[Wicked1]

I have been in both cycles, just pissed that Apple has waited or will wait nearly 2 years to upgrade the screen to something bigger than 4.5". Samsung came out with the SIII in May 2012 with a 4.8" yet we only got 4.0 and now looks like we will have to wait until Sept Oct of 2014 to get something larger.

I loved my IP4 and the 4S was a big improvement over speed, 4G, WiFi, and Camera, so not sure the S means you got Screwed, just an update to the previous model, but all things considered so far it has gone pretty well, however I will NOT be getting the 5S

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

The iPhone 4S beat the iPhone 4 in terms of sales just like how the iPhone 5 beat the iPhone 4S in terms of sales.

Just proves people upgrade every year. People don't stop upgrading because its a S version.

That doesn't "prove" anything. It could also mean more people are adopting the iPhone. But, yes, many here upgrade yearly.

 

[Interstella5555]

Disclaimer: This only applies to people who only buy iPhones on contract once every two years.

All things point to minor upgrades on the 5S later this year. Nothing ground breaking. I think it is a given that people stuck in the 'S' upgrade cycle have always gotten less improvements from the previous generation. We all know the non 'S' models (iPhone 3G, 4 and 5) got the new hardware + upgraded internals, while the 'S' ers just got small internal updates. For example: iPhone 4 and 5 owners enjoyed 3.5" and 4" retina displays a full year more than folks on the 3GS and the 4S owners. The story will continue if Apple offers a bigger screen next year with the iPhone 6 again short changing 5S owners.

I for one am lucky to be on the 3G, 4, 5, 6 upgrade cycle. All signs point to the iPhone 6 coming with the option of a bigger screen next year which should make it that much sweeter. So people on the 'S' cycle, are you going to try to break the cadence and wait till the iPhone 6 comes out or are you happy with the way things are and will get the 5S later this year?

How is that "shortchanging" iPhone 5S owners? If you're waiting 2 years for a phone then you'll just get the 6S. Guess what, 4S owners enjoyed Siri for a year before those on the 4 cycle did, are you pissed about that as well? It's tech that can last upwards of 5 or 6 years, if you're angry because you think you need to buy new phones every year or two your issue or most likely with yourself.

 

[Plutonius]

If you don't like the update, don't get it.

 

[Chocolatemilty]

I'm still not absolutely sold on the 5S just yet, but it's safe to say I most likely won't be feeling screwed going from the 4S to the 5S. The "S" cycle iPhones have truly been the best iPhones in each generation IMHO. Also hoping the LTE-A world chip from Qualcomm will be in the 5S alongside the slightly bigger battery and more battery-efficient A7 processor. The one thing that'll keep me iOS is wonderful battery life for trade offs on not having a larger screen.