Every time a new phone is released by apple, people flock to the stores to secure their piece of trendy hardware. It’s smaller now! It’s better. It’s larger now! It’s better. It’s magical now! On and on it goes. Now, I don’t mean to insult anyone who is iPhone obsessed, instead I want to offer a few tips to help you enjoy the luxury of a smart phone without dropping hundreds of dollars every time there is a new release. My Phone of Choice? The iPhone Free. I’ve been an avid iPhone user for about 6 years...and I never paid a dime for one. Here’s how. Finding a Quality iPhone F Unless you work at home or actively avoid conversing with anyone in the outside world, you will constantly be in contact with iPhone users. Often, you will know at least 2-20 people who get a thrill out of buying the new one each time. If you would like to have an iPhone, but don’t feel comfortable spending a ton of cash, pay close attention to those conversations you have regarding the iPhone. Next time someone says “I can’t wait! I ordered my new iPhone 10!” Ask them a simple follow-up question: “What do you plan to do with your old one?” There are a few possible answers. They may be in a lease so they have to return it to the phone company. They may plan to donate it. Or recycle it. Or they may plan to keep it and let their kids use it as a toy. BUT, if they aren’t sure. Here’s your chance! Ask them politely if you could maybe have it. It might work out in your favor! This has been the case for me. My sister Janelle just got a free iPhone 7 by switching phone companies, and then generously gave me her older iPhone 5. YAY! Free iPhones all around. Things to Watch Out For Make sure that when you get your new iPhone Free, it has been completely erased. Have your friend or relative go to Settings>General>Reset>Erase all Content and Settings. If you don’t do this, your friend’s iCloud info will still be linked to the phone and you can’t get it off without their password. Plus, you may accidentally end up linked to their photo stream. Awkward! Make it a clean start. Apple store help will also be tricky. If you need them to remove content or help you clear a passcode, they require a proof of purchase. They won’t reset a device unless you can prove it is yours. This keeps people from stealing one and using it as their own. How to keep your old iPhone from slowing down There is a theory out there that insists Apple intentionally develops technologies that will become ineffective after a few years, thus making it necessary for you to upgrade to the new model. While it is unlikely that Apple intentionally sabotages their own product, there is some truth in the theory. It all comes down to the relationship between new software and old hardware. Apple releases a new operating system upgrade every year. While each one is supposedly better than the next, some of the older phones and iPads are not able to perform as efficiently with the new OS. What does this mean for the old iPhone user? If your OS is working, don’t do the upgrade. Installing the new OS will likely cause more harm than good. The downside is that some apps require the latest OS, limiting what you can download. So at this point, you need to reflect on your priorities. Will the world end if you can’t play Pokemon Go on your iPhone 4? Will having an outdated model keep you from becoming addicted to the latest version of candy crush? And in the end, does this really matter to you? Minimalist Life vs Tech One of the largest elements of the minimalist lifestyle is toning down your technology addiction. A simple life involves one where we appreciate our time. We dedicate it to things that matter. Less TV, more crafting. Fewer hours gaming, more hours with the family. Less Screen time, more walks with the dog. Although ideally we want to try to find proper focus and balance, it is also a significant convenience to carry a smartphone. Day-to-day tasks can be enhanced through technology. But as you excitedly pull out your new phone, try to find a balance. I’m working on it one day at a time. I find no shame in owning a smartphone. I can be a minimalist, and still love Apple. And Don’t forget! Avoid clutter. The second you get a “new” phone, recycle or donate your old phone, case charger and any other miscellaneous supplies or boxes you acquired for it. Get rid of them now or they will forever be in the junk drawer. BIG shout out to my sister Janelle for generously giving me her hand-me-downs! What is Fancy Free? Click Here! Source:
Stenovec, Timothy. How Apple Gets You To Buy New iPhone Over and Over Again.
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My name is Kendra and in 2017, I'm giving minimalism a go. Follow me as I work to declutter my house, my diet and my finances.
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