iPhone 14 Pro Starting to feel like iPhones are not worth the money anymore

[TracerAnalog]

Hello,

I’m starting to feel like iPhones just aren’t worth the money anymore.

I bought the iPhone 14 Pro (1TB) as soon as it launched, and went for AppleCare+ with theft and loss cover. I wanted something that would last a few years, as upgrades aren’t worth it every year, or even every couple of years, now.

In November last year, I accidentally stood on it and cracked the back. I used AppleCare+ for the repair and they replaced the battery at the same time, which I was surprised by.

11 months on though, I’ve already lost 11% battery health & iOS 26 seems to be hammering it even more. I’m regularly down to around 20% by the time I get home from work, even with Low Power Mode on. I’ve just switched on Reduced Motion to see if that helps, but haven’t had a chance to test it properly yet. That setting makes the phone feel like a budget Android from 2007 — not exactly what you expect from an almost £2k device.

It’s frustrating. I shouldn’t be thinking about replacing the battery already.

My Apple Watch Series 6 — which I also bought at launch — and my second-hand MacBook Pro (over six years old now) are still going strong. I’ve no urge to upgrade either of those because they still work to my expectations.

iOS has become increasingly buggy over the years. It’s been on the decline ever since Scott Forstall left in 2012/2013, if you ask me. Now it feels like they’re more focused on flashy features like “Apple Intelligence” just to have something new to shout about or subscription services, rather than fixing bugs and making things “just work”. I shouldn’t have to enable reduced motion to try and conserve battery life because of the buggy software update.

For the first time since I started using iPhones, I’m genuinely considering jumping ship.

Anyone else feeling the same?

No, my experience is different. They're expensive high end smartphones. No software is perfect. I encounter the odd bug now and then, but it doesn't ruin my experience. And IOS 26 is growing on me.

However, I also notice (like everybody else) that smart phones in general seem to have plateaued. They do what they're supposed to do, and significant improvements to the hardware and software are harder and harder to pull off. AI is still a bit gimmicky but will completely change how we use the internet and thus our mobile usage. We're not there yet, but it's going to happen I'm sure.

As to Apple's premium devices: it will be harder for them to demand a premium price for their high end phones. Hence their split in pro, fashion and normal phones. I expect the pro phones to be even more specifically targeted to a smaller group of people with crazy features such as 4x 64MP lenses, 4Tb storage, 8K 3D video etc. Think Mac Pro...

Besides the Pro there will be fashionable iPhones like the Air and the Fold and a solid normal iPhone.

And of course the Apple Glass Eye, err, Apple Glasses. Oh wait Apple iRimms. That's it.

Well, that's what I think anyway 😝

 

[Bethanie21]

I just upgraded from a 14 Pro, it wasn’t a launch day phone but it was 2 years old and down to 87% battery health. I had just paid it off and upgraded to the 17 Pro (I upgrade every 2 years). Tbh there wasn’t anything wrong with my 14 Pro, I just wanted a change. It could’ve kept going and I traded it in with Apple, it was immaculate as I take good care of my Apple devices. Probably will be sold as refurbished, it was that mint condition. I think a lot of issues present on iPhones are user-inflicted, if I’m honest.

 

[TechRunner]

Personal use matters here. For me, a light user, I find most phones aren't worth the money. However, the heavier users in my family don't blink at buying a $1200 phone because it's their primary device.

 

[Hicksmat1976]

tbh there are no excuses for iOS26 bugs/issues. Apple are unique in that their OS will only work on their phones, aka they are in charge of both hardware and software. there should never be a situation where there's so many bugs because they by default optimise iOS for Apple hardware - totally different situation from Google whereby hardware manufacturers take the core OS and make it work on their hardware.

 

[super chimp]

I am hearing and seeing quite a few cases of the 14 pro models experiencing relative poor battery life, and that was also the year when Apple debuted the always-on display. I wonder if that is the chief reason for battery running out so quickly (in contrast, my 13 pro max still lasts fine).

I got a new battery put in my 13 Pro in July, and haven’t updated to iOS 26, and it’s seeing great battery life.

 

[Abazigal]

I got a new battery put in my 13 Pro in July, and haven’t updated to iOS 26, and it’s seeing great battery life.

My 13 pro max saw a noticeable hit to battery life in the week after updating to iOS 26. It’s gotten better somewhat now, but still worse compared to when I was on iOS 18. Used to end the day comfortably with 50+% (not a heavy user thanks to my iPad), now around 30-40%. So losing about an extra 20% of extra battery life each day.

 

[super chimp]

My 13 pro max saw a noticeable hit to battery life in the week after updating to iOS 26. It’s gotten better somewhat now, but still worse compared to when I was on iOS 18. Used to end the day comfortably with 50+% (not a heavy user thanks to my iPad), now around 30-40%. So losing about an extra 20% of extra battery life each day.

Every time I see a post like this it makes me glad I didn’t update to iOS 26. Which is unusual for me as normally update within the first week or so. But reading around iOS 26 seems something of a mess at the moment so that’s why I didn’t upgrade.

 

[Macbookey]

14PM user here. I haven’t held the Air yet, but I know it is the model that will be my next iPhone when the time comes. The $1449CDN price tag gives me a lot of pause though, as the cost vs value quotient is not that great, especially when Apple’s previous strengths are not shining through. I will upgrade next cycle for sure, but whether or not I do that sooner remains to be seen. iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe are not the best releases, and the hardware and software integration that was once a staple of Apple mojo, has gone to the trash bin slowly and steadily with modern . It has been a very buggy experience on both fronts for me (Mac/iPhone), and battery life has definitely taken a noticeable hit, especially on my MacBook. Makes investing in  stuff more of a FOMO cure than a need, and that for me is keeping the money in my wallet. To each their own and everyone’s experience will differ, as well as what they value, but Tim’s game of increase margins at all costs, regardless of product pride or customer experience, just rubs me the wrong way more and more. As a result, I have become just as stingy.

 

[valinda]

Get the base model. Keep it for 5 years. That’s worth it, especially now. My co-worker is still using a iPhone 11.

 

[Macbookey]

Get the base model. Keep it for 5 years. That’s worth it, especially now. My co-worker is still using a iPhone 11.

Agree. The real upgrade in the line this year is the base 17. Fantastic iPhone, but I’ve gotten used to the 14PM screen size and the Air really hits a sweet spot while harkening a seemingly bygone era of . Been using the 14PM without a case for over 2 years and I’m used to the brick. Since I am not camera centric, the future choice for me is base or Air. I will take the time to ponder that and perhaps wait for the genuine need to arise.

 

[Danorak81]

I guess it depends what you want out of it. Some people upgrade because the phone doesn't do what they need it to. Some people upgrade because they just want to. Some people are happy to hold on to it for years. If you're happy with how it's working, then maybe battery replacements are the way forward until it hits a point it no longer works for you or there is a significant shift to make you want to upgrade.

I have (had) a launch S8 Watch. The whole Watch was replaced by Apple last November (hence 'had') because battery health was about 82% (I have AC+). Battery Health is already 88% after 11 months. Could I go for a 10? Yep. Will I? Nope. I have AC+, the Watch does everything I need it to, so until there is a significant change, I'll keep it. On the flip side, I had a launch 15PM with 95% battery health, and I traded it in for my 17PM just because I wanted a new phone. Is there a huge difference? Not really, just a preference.

Same for you-if you feel like you're done/not worth it, make a switch and try something different!

 

[Happy_John]

Hello,

I’m starting to feel like iPhones just aren’t worth the money anymore.

I bought the iPhone 14 Pro (1TB) as soon as it launched, and went for AppleCare+ with theft and loss cover. I wanted something that would last a few years, as upgrades aren’t worth it every year, or even every couple of years, now.

In November last year, I accidentally stood on it and cracked the back. I used AppleCare+ for the repair and they replaced the battery at the same time, which I was surprised by.

11 months on though, I’ve already lost 11% battery health & iOS 26 seems to be hammering it even more. I’m regularly down to around 20% by the time I get home from work, even with Low Power Mode on. I’ve just switched on Reduced Motion to see if that helps, but haven’t had a chance to test it properly yet. That setting makes the phone feel like a budget Android from 2007 — not exactly what you expect from an almost £2k device.

It’s frustrating. I shouldn’t be thinking about replacing the battery already.

My Apple Watch Series 6 — which I also bought at launch — and my second-hand MacBook Pro (over six years old now) are still going strong. I’ve no urge to upgrade either of those because they still work to my expectations.

iOS has become increasingly buggy over the years. It’s been on the decline ever since Scott Forstall left in 2012/2013, if you ask me. Now it feels like they’re more focused on flashy features like “Apple Intelligence” just to have something new to shout about or subscription services, rather than fixing bugs and making things “just work”. I shouldn’t have to enable reduced motion to try and conserve battery life because of the buggy software update.

For the first time since I started using iPhones, I’m genuinely considering jumping ship.

Anyone else feeling the same?

If you're going off iPhones, try an Android phone. It's not a big deal. If you don't like using the Android phone, you can switch back.

It's not as if you've sworn an oath of allegiance to a corporation. You give them money, they give you their products. You're free to switch suppliers at any time.

I don't think there's much point in overthinking it.

 

[Siliconguy]

Keeping in mind that they are our main way of digital communication, our main camera, media consumption device, music device, alarm and clock, digital wallet, navigational tool, etc.

Yes but not including email, no, no, no, no, no, no, and no. No wonder your batteries drain so fast. My $129 Android phone loses about 10% charge per day so gets charged every 5 or 6 days. (80% max limit is in effect.)

 

[acblue94]

Hello,

I’m starting to feel like iPhones just aren’t worth the money anymore.

I bought the iPhone 14 Pro (1TB) as soon as it launched, and went for AppleCare+ with theft and loss cover. I wanted something that would last a few years, as upgrades aren’t worth it every year, or even every couple of years, now.

In November last year, I accidentally stood on it and cracked the back. I used AppleCare+ for the repair and they replaced the battery at the same time, which I was surprised by.

11 months on though, I’ve already lost 11% battery health & iOS 26 seems to be hammering it even more. I’m regularly down to around 20% by the time I get home from work, even with Low Power Mode on. I’ve just switched on Reduced Motion to see if that helps, but haven’t had a chance to test it properly yet. That setting makes the phone feel like a budget Android from 2007 — not exactly what you expect from an almost £2k device.

It’s frustrating. I shouldn’t be thinking about replacing the battery already.

My Apple Watch Series 6 — which I also bought at launch — and my second-hand MacBook Pro (over six years old now) are still going strong. I’ve no urge to upgrade either of those because they still work to my expectations.

iOS has become increasingly buggy over the years. It’s been on the decline ever since Scott Forstall left in 2012/2013, if you ask me. Now it feels like they’re more focused on flashy features like “Apple Intelligence” just to have something new to shout about or subscription services, rather than fixing bugs and making things “just work”. I shouldn’t have to enable reduced motion to try and conserve battery life because of the buggy software update.

For the first time since I started using iPhones, I’m genuinely considering jumping ship.

Anyone else feeling the same?

They are worth it as long as people are willing to spend the asking price on them.

 

[I7guy]

If you're going off iPhones, try an Android phone. It's not a big deal. If you don't like using the Android phone, you can switch back.

Sure.

It's not as if you've sworn an oath of allegiance to a corporation. You give them money, they give you their products. You're free to switch suppliers at any time.

For some people it’s the vertical integration of the ecosystem.

I don't think there's much point in overthinking it.

Well you have to get new phone for potentially over $1,000. Sell your iPhone. Learn a new operating system. Buy new apps.

There is a bunch of friction especially in buying new expensive devices and giving up some functionality for others.

 

[I7guy]

Yes but not including email, no, no, no, no, no, no, and no. No wonder your batteries drain so fast. My $129 Android phone loses about 10% charge per day so gets charged every 5 or 6 days. (80% max limit is in effect.)

I got it. If your phone is a paper weight then batteries don’t lose charge from usage and only vampire drain.

 

[baconcat_8964]

After reading your experience, I realized the reason why I stuck with iPhone. AppleCare+ used to be the only phone insurance that could be extended after the initial two-year enrollment. I've heard that Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy now both offer extendable phone insurance (up to six or eight years). However, the location and convenience of Apple Stores still remain unmatched by Samsung stores and Pixel repair services.

 

[sarcasticgamer]

Aren’t we spoiled for choice at this point if a certain brand doesn’t work for you??

 

[snow755]

nope i love iphones i this got the iphone air and ulta watch 3 combo a lot of my friends have the iphone 14

i used to have the samsung S25 with many years being on android the with the iphone air came out it made me make the moved back to apple has the air has the new N1 and C1X modem

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Worth the money is entirely subjective. I see something like a phone as the same as a pair of shoes - I'm going to be using it every day, so I might as well have a nice one. Something comfortable and lightweight.

 

[JerseyDoug]

It's not only iPhones. Look at some Samsung forums about their latest devices. Look at car forums (whatever brand). Look at Home Entertainment forums (like TVs, ...).

It's all about gaining the most profits with the absolute minimum effort put into it. Cheeping out on materials (like paying less and less for parts from external suppliers), cheeping out on testing out new devices/new software, cheeping out on QC, ....
It's the time we're living in! Shareholder value is all that counts these days. Quality was the first victim. And since the stock price continues to be all that counts, quality of *insert product of your choice* will go down further down the dumps.

News flash! Shareholder value is all that has ever mattered. It’s not a recent occurrence.

 

[Rychiar]

14 was one of apples worst batteries ever

 

[Neil J. Squillante]

For the first time since I started using iPhones, I’m genuinely considering jumping ship.

Anyone else feeling the same?

Android phones did not have magnetic charging until, checks notes, 2025. Android still does not have anything like Handoff. Each platform beats the other to features often by years but Apple tends to be first with features that focus on convenience and user experience. Most people upgrade their iPhone every 3-5 years and take advantage of the carrier deals so they don't spend a lot up front.

 

[Corefile]

I picked up a freebie Android Motorola Moto 2023 and it's better than my iPhone 6S. I couldn't imagine buying any iPhone ever anymore as they're not worth the money. But I did buy wife an iPhone 15 last year as she hates Android.

 

[retiredatty]

Hello,

I’m starting to feel like iPhones just aren’t worth the money anymore.

I bought the iPhone 14 Pro (1TB) as soon as it launched, and went for AppleCare+ with theft and loss cover. I wanted something that would last a few years, as upgrades aren’t worth it every year, or even every couple of years, now.

In November last year, I accidentally stood on it and cracked the back. I used AppleCare+ for the repair and they replaced the battery at the same time, which I was surprised by.

11 months on though, I’ve already lost 11% battery health & iOS 26 seems to be hammering it even more. I’m regularly down to around 20% by the time I get home from work, even with Low Power Mode on. I’ve just switched on Reduced Motion to see if that helps, but haven’t had a chance to test it properly yet. That setting makes the phone feel like a budget Android from 2007 — not exactly what you expect from an almost £2k device.

It’s frustrating. I shouldn’t be thinking about replacing the battery already.

My Apple Watch Series 6 — which I also bought at launch — and my second-hand MacBook Pro (over six years old now) are still going strong. I’ve no urge to upgrade either of those because they still work to my expectations.

iOS has become increasingly buggy over the years. It’s been on the decline ever since Scott Forstall left in 2012/2013, if you ask me. Now it feels like they’re more focused on flashy features like “Apple Intelligence” just to have something new to shout about or subscription services, rather than fixing bugs and making things “just work”. I shouldn’t have to enable reduced motion to try and conserve battery life because of the buggy software update.

For the first time since I started using iPhones, I’m genuinely considering jumping ship.

Anyone else feeling the same?

I agree. Unfortunately the “wow” factor of iPhones is over. I have bought many apple products and there seems to be more problems and more issues. It’s a money business and not a consumer business. Sad days are here my friend and I am so sorry you continue to have so many issues. Best to all