I’ve never owned or used an iPhone – what am I missing?

I have never owned or used an iPhone, but I understand many people feel they are missing out on something special. The constant stream of iPhone-related news and thought pieces has made me wonder if my indifference has affected my photography. Of course, I am not actively anti-Apple; I have used Macs and iPads for years. However, I have always preferred dedicated cameras with their buttons, dials, and settings.

The constant updates in the iPhone world can create a fear of missing out (FOMO) for me. For instance, features like the variable aperture control in the latest iPhone 18 Pro, starting at f/1.48, could help me in low-light situations, such as concerts. My Android phone usually does the job, but sometimes the images are underexposed or blurry. Perhaps the iPhone could improve my image creation.

I have never been part of the iPhone photography community because I felt my Android phone was already good enough. I also had a mirrorless camera and lens set up for "proper" photography. While smartphones are not inferior tools, I find using a dedicated camera more engaging and involved in the art of photography. I often use my phone for quick shots of things I want to remember, knowing I'll delete them later. If I felt the same way about dedicated cameras, I might have failed to appreciate the moment.

The high cost of new iPhones is another reason I have never owned one. My everyday phone is a five-year-old Samsung with a cracked screen, and I keep it because of its compact size. The best camera for any situation is not always the most expensive one; it's the one you have with you. In my case, that isn't an Apple iPhone 18 Pro, even though it might have some features that photographers find appealing.