Revitalize Your Old iPhones with iOS 17: A New Lease on Life
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Chapter 1: A Fresh Start for Old Devices
With the unveiling of iOS 17 at WWDC 2023, excitement is building around the new features that I can't wait to explore on my iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, this update has also sparked thoughts about resurrecting a couple of my older iPhones that have been collecting dust.
It’s likely that many people have at least one previous phone lying idle, and Apple’s latest software could easily revitalize these devices.
Section 1.1: Transforming Your iPhone into a Smart Display
One of the standout features that caught my attention is StandBy, which transforms a charging iPhone into a smart display, showcasing various widgets and a slideshow of photos.
While Apple's intention seems to be to keep the phone you use daily functional while it charges, my vision is to repurpose an old iPhone as a dedicated device on my nightstand, serving as a digital clock, weather display, and calendar.
This approach eliminates the need to keep my current iPhone tethered to the wall when it's not in active use.
Section 1.2: The Limitations of iOS 17
Unfortunately, iOS 17 will only be available for the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and newer models, so truly outdated devices will still face the risk of becoming e-waste. However, for those with compatible models considering an upgrade to the iPhone 15 later this year, this update presents a compelling reason to keep that old device instead of selling or trading it in.
Chapter 2: Innovative Uses for Your Old iPhone
The video "Top 5 Tips to Make An OLD iPhone AMAZING Again! (& How To KEEP it that way)" offers insightful suggestions on maximizing the potential of your aging devices.
New features in iOS 17, such as pet-detecting and stand-controlling APIs, further fuel my aspirations for upcycling. Although we must wait for developers to create suitable apps, the possibility of transforming an old iPhone into a dog or cat tracker is exciting, especially with the integration of motorized stands like DockKit.
Rather than using your primary phone to monitor pets and risking interruptions from notifications, an old iPhone could serve a dedicated purpose, allowing you to keep your main device available.
Section 2.1: Offline Maps: A Second Chance
The introduction of offline maps also opens up new opportunities for older devices. Imagine downloading one of the many walking routes recently added to Apple Maps onto an old iPhone, using it for navigation while keeping your primary handset free from distractions.
The challenge of e-waste is significant, and outdated smartphones contribute greatly to this issue. While recycling or returning devices for discounts is preferable to discarding them, the best solution is to continue using these gadgets for as long as feasible.
With iOS 17, there are solid reasons to keep iPhones in service beyond their typical lifespan. The anticipated stable release in September can’t come soon enough!
The second video titled "iOS 17 Features Your Old iPhones AREN'T Getting" delves into the features that won't be available for older models, shedding light on the limitations and encouraging users to make the most of their existing devices.