It’s that time of year again! The release of the new iPhone 6 has people clamoring to own the newest thing in technology. But with new technology comes new problems and pressure on people who want to keep their old devices.

One of the latest problems is the software that has been released for the iPhone: iOS 8. It may appear great, until you download it onto your older device. This high tech software is designed to run on the two latest versions of iPhones (5 and 6) but the poor iPhone 4 and 4S don’t have the power to run this new software properly.

Consequently, this software will likely make your once state-of-the-art iPhone run slower and drain the battery faster. Whether it’s intentional or not, by encouraging people to download iOS8 onto their old phones, Apple pressures - or even forces - people to upgrade to newer iPhones. 

System problems are not the only things you need to worry about with the release of new technology. New apps and games are designed primarily for the new devices and software. I can’t even use my CIBC mobile banking app unless I upgrade to the new software. But I don’t want to do that because if I do, I know I may permanently ruin my phone.

Of course this technological dilemma is not isolated only to cell phones. The same thing happens when new video game consoles come out. Companies create games only for the new console forcing people who want to continue playing the new games to go out and put down hundreds of dollars on a new console, even though their old one still runs fine.

But as well all know, the money-making companies aren’t the only ones pushing the need to upgrade. The Source’s slogan says it all: “I want that.” We have become a society where need succumbs to want - because our friends, co-workers and everyone else has the latest and greatest device.

Don’t get me wrong, progress is great and getting new tech toys is fun. But if you are the kind of person who is happy with your old devices, make sure you know exactly what your phone, console, or whatever device you have is capable of. Never download any software without knowing how it works and what it requires to run. Don’t forget to see through all the fancy talk companies use to sugar-coat their new products with and ask yourself: “Is this really better than the device I have now? Do I really need this?”

But the most important thing to remember is to choose what is best for you and your lifestyle. Not what the media or your friend says is best. Whether iPhone 4 or 6, or not an iPhone at all, we should all be able to enjoy our tech toys to their utmost potential.

Published in Volume 69, Number 6 of The Uniter (October 8, 2014)