Should Apple End Annual iPhone Updates Poll

Macworld is known for its thought-provoking articles, and its latest piece critiques not only the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 but also the Action button from the previous model.

Despite these specific critiques, the article goes on to suggest that Apple’s predictable annual iPhone release schedule may compel the company to introduce new devices before they are fully prepared with substantial innovations.

Button Controversy

Clearly, the article’s author, Mahmoud Itani, has a strong aversion to hardware buttons.

In my view, the Camera Control button seems more like an accessibility feature meant for one-handed shooting rather than a genuine enhancement that would appeal to the average user. It introduces several complications without providing real benefits […]

Similar to the Camera Control button, the Action button (which debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro) appears to be an unnecessary modification aimed at showcasing a reimagined device […] Apple could have enhanced the existing double-tap feature, allowing users greater customization without necessitating any hardware changes.

Personally, I have an appreciation for both the Action Button and Camera Control features, although I believe the latter requires some improvement in user interface design. But I won’t delve into that discussion here.

Should Apple Abandon Fixed Annual Updates?

However, Itani’s broader contention is that Apple should consider eliminating its annual iPhone updates.

The rigid annual upgrade cycle is exhausting for Apple. As we’ve seen, the company occasionally makes hasty decisions in the name of significant change. If not, users might not have bothered upgrading from the iterative iPhone 13 Pro. But what if there were an alternative?

He proposes a switch to a biennial cycle, while others suggest a more flexible, needs-based approach: release a new iPhone when there are solid advancements to offer.

Nonetheless, it’s doubtful that either suggestion would be financially feasible. Despite a gradual expansion of Apple’s product offerings and an increasing revenue stream from services, the iPhone still accounts for approximately half of Apple’s total earnings.

We invite you to participate in our poll and share your opinions in the comments below.

Image credit: Apple