Why Spec Bumps and Yearly Device Releases Are Good

This week, Apple released multiple new Macs. And we’re not that far off the yearly iPhone release. And in the after-math of this, I’d like to address some comments I see a lot.

Because, the Mac releases were, in general, very unremarkable. The jump from M3 to M4 isn’t the largest, and they got few other new features.¹ So I’ve seen plenty of comments along the lines of this just being an unnecessary and weak spec bump.

And just as predictable as the yearly phone releases, are the comments that this schedule pushes people to upgrade every year.

However, while I’m, in general, pretty sceptical towards the tech giants:

I don’t think these things are big problems

If people have data to prove otherwise, I wouldn’t mind seeing it! But I just don’t think people upgrading yearly is a big problem. Firstly, I don’t think (or at least don’t hope!) many people do it. And I assume most of those who do, will pass their “old” devices on – either to family members and friends, or by selling them on the used-market (through refurb stores, or privately). Personally, I don’t think, at least Apple, really communicates that people should – even though they of course brag about the latest devices.

I reckon most people upgrade their devices something like every 3–7 years. And every day there is someone who will hit this interval – and frequent updates makes it so they will get the best device possible. So this year’s iPhone isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who need, or want, a new iPhone this year.

To anyone willing to listen, I always recommend waiting until a device is newly updated, before purchasing, and to try to plan your purchases in advance. For instance, I knew I wouldn’t buy a new phone this year (regardless of what Apple would release) because I’ve intended to upgrade my iPhone 13 Mini after next year’s releases. And I waited until now to buy a Mac Mini. But I know that this isn’t always possible, for a multitude of reasons!

So the simple reason I don’t mind yearly releases and minor spec bumps, is that it makes this planning easier (as the average overdue time will be shorter), and also makes it less punishing if you can’t wait. And let’s just all help remind each other that most of us don’t need the latest and greatest.