The ‘iPhone slow’, is it a trap?

Do you ever wonder why your iPhone slows down after a couple years, especially before a new iPhone release? Is this a trap or a creative business strategy? This phenomenon is known as the ‘iPhone slow’ and has consumers around the world Googling what the heck is going on with their phone. Harvard University student, Laura Trucco, conducted a study that found the search term ‘iPhone slow’ spiked drastically around a new iPhone launch .

The answer is actually quite simple: Apple’s software. Each year Apple launches a software update, providing bug fixes, interface changes, new features, and the like. Those who want the latest technology give in to the iOS update, which ultimately take up more space and require more power. If you have an older iPhone it will become sluggish; that is where the new iPhone comes in. Apple has the ability to control their operating system, so why not take advantage of it.

Additionally, Apple has already saturated the market so it is imperative they continuously engage their consumers. Having an iPhone that will last a lifetime would be a bad business move. Take Nokia’s brick phone, how well did that work out for them.

If you are like me and many other loyal iPhone users, it is beneficial to know what settings to change with the current iOS update, as some do not carry over.

• Stop tracking your location
• Restore touch to unlock
• Limit the lock screen
• Disable raise to wake
• Update your message settings

For further information on settings and locations click here.

References:

Rampell, C. (2013). Cracking the Apple Trap. Retrieved September 16, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/magazine/why-apple-wants-to-bust-your-iphone.html

Stenovec, T. (n.d.). How Apple Gets You To Buy New iPhones Over And Over Again. Retrieved September 16, 2016, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/13/apple-new-iphones_n_5967626.html

Zolfagharifard, E. (2014). Does Apple deliberately slow its old models before a new release? Searches for ‘iPhone slow’ show a spike ahead of launches. Retrieved September 16, 2016, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2709502/Does-Apple-deliberately-slow-old-models-new-release-Searches-iPhone-slow-spike-ahead-launches.html