Just a few weeks ago, on September 20, Apple officially released three new products: the iPhone 11, the iPhone11 Pro, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It might be hard to believe, but it has already been almost 2 years since the release of their last phone, the iPhone X. While these new phones have received less attention than the previous launch of their predecessor, they still prompt the same question- Is it worth it?

If you’ve heard anything about these phones, it’s probably about the unusual camera design. The iPhone 11 shares a similar appearance to the iPhone X with a dual lens system, but a new ultra-wide angle lens allows users to capture photos with significantly larger frames if they choose. 

The iPhone Pro and Pro Max have the most visual difference with their triple lenses. These lenses allow users to zoom in farther than ever before, and allow for ultra-wide photos, much like the iPhone 11. 

In general, all of these phones will see similar improvements such as increased video stability, slow-mo for the front facing camera, wider frames, and expanded video editing capabilities. They’ll also share some new features like Deep Fusion (which combines 9 different shots to create one significantly clearer and more detailed image, QuickTake, and even a new Night Mode that will help to take better pictures in low light. 

The phones will also see many expected advancements with features such as increased battery life, audio quality, screen display and a wider variety of colors.

With all of these developments added to Apple’s phones, the subject of pricing no doubt emerges as well. The iPhone 11 will cost $699, significantly less pricey than the initial cost of the iPhone X upon release ($999), or the usual cost of newly-released iPhones in the past. This price quickly rises with the Pro and Pro Max, however, as they reach $999 and $1499, respectively. This wide range of pricing can allow people to have a variety of choices, should they choose to invest in the new model.

These dramatic changes have sparked reluctance from Apple fans, especially with the Pro and Pro Max (as many have made fun of the “stovetop” cameras), saying Apple is “upgrading things that don’t need to be upgraded”. They’ve been accused of pushing consumers, with perfectly functioning devices, to purchase new phones.

Critics have claimed that this is merely an attempt by the company to extract more money from customers after seeing a weak past year in sales, falling over 300 million dollars short of Wall Street estimates for the fiscal third quarter. Apple may be facing these difficulties selling their iPhones because users often tend to hold on to their phones for 3-4 years, not matching the quick pace of new iPhone releases every 1-2 years.

 Criticism also arises from the fact that there simply isn’t much of a difference between the iPhone 11 and its two supposedly “better” siblings. (The same thing evidently can’t be said about the gigantic price range.) While Apple markets advancements and notable distinctions of the Pro and Pro Max, there really isn’t anything these phones have that a regular 11 can’t do.  

So the question again becomes- Is it worth it? While Apple is swaying audiences with colorful advertisements and enticing words, is there a fault to be found with their marketing? Their launch price for the regular iPhone 11 is tempting, but it very quickly jumps $300 and even $800 dollars. 

Before you make any decisions that break the bank, it’s important to be a thoughtful consumer. After sifting through the true benefits and false marketing exaggerations of a possible phone promotion, you can better determine if you’re willing to take this upgrade. (Or if you’d rather wait approximately three minutes before Apple releases another new phone)