{
  "id": 6736064,
  "title": "Is upgrading your iPhone every year worth it? X user explains his ‘lease model’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/is-upgrading-your-iphone-every-year-worth-it-x-user-explains-his",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-11T09:22:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/iphone-every-year-on-no-cost-emi-x-user-says-it-works-almost-like-a-lease-model-11789118034181.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "One X user has revealed his method of upgrading to a new iPhone every year, claiming the cost can be managed by combining no-cost EMI (equated monthly instalment) with the exchange value of his previous device. Chirag Barjatya explains that this approach, which he describes as \"almost like a lease model,\" allows him to spread payments over time and reduce immediate costs.\n\nBy exchanging his old phone, Barjatya receives around 60-70% of its purchase price, which can be used to pay for the new device through a no-cost EMI plan. This way, he avoids a large upfront payment, gets a fresh battery each year, enjoys the new warranty, the latest features, and maximizes the resale value of his old device. Additionally, he keeps cash available for other expenses by maximizing the resale value of his older phone.\n\nApple recently raised the prices of older models due to rising component costs, particularly for memory and storage. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, launched during Apple's Surprise and Shine event, come with the latest Apple A20 Pro chipset, new in-house C2 modem, and Apple's new C2 modem. Both models offer various storage options and feature enhanced camera systems, including a new 48MP Fusion Main camera with a physical variable aperture.",
  "summary": "An X user says exchanging his old iPhone for 60–70% of its purchase price and using no-cost EMI makes annual upgrades manageable. His post has triggered a debate over whether frequent upgrades offer value or simply keep users in an EMI cycle.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}