The release of the iPhone 16 has businesses buzzing, but for IT managers and those involved in IT procurement and product lifecycle management, it sparks an important question: When is the right time to upgrade employees' phones?
Let’s explore key factors to consider before making the leap.
1. Sustainability: Is it time for a change?
Switching phones every time a new model launches might seem appealing, but the environmental cost is significant: manufacturing just one smartphone creates a substantial carbon footprint of around 50 kg of CO2.
So before you upgrade, make sure to evaluate the performance of your current phones. If your employees’ devices are working well and still meeting their needs, holding off may be the better option to align with your company’s sustainability goals and your IT lifecycle management policy. When it’s time to upgrade, it’s important to consider responsible recycling or trade-in options.
Velory's tip: When using an MDM system, you can check some performance metrics of your employee’s phones directly in there - for example: available storage and battery health.
2. Trade-In programs: Maximize value from old devices
Did you know that Apple and other providers often offer trade-in programs? These can significantly offset the cost of new phones, as older models like the iPhone 12 or 13 can still fetch good prices if they’re in good condition.
Trade-ins not only reduce the upfront cost of upgrading, but also ease the transition by securely managing data wiping and device disposal. Be sure to fully evaluate the trade-in process to ensure it aligns with your IT policies and sustainability practices.
Velory’s tip: There are several companies offering trade-in services, for example Foxway. If your company uses Velory, you can estimate the value of your used devices and initiate a trade-in process directly from your Velory account.
3. Budget considerations: Does iPhone 16 fit our plan?
The iPhone 16 may come with cutting-edge features, but does it justify the price tag for your company? Review your employee device budget and assess whether the new model fits into your financial strategy.
For example, you might ask yourself:
- Does the iPhone 16 offer features that will significantly improve the productivity of your team?
- Are there employees who really need the latest technology for their roles, such as developers, designers, or executives?
If the answer to both is no, it may be worth waiting for discounts or considering previous models that still deliver excellent performance.
Velory’s tip: Have you considered letting your employees upgrade their devices and paying for the price differently? At Velory, your company can set budgets and equipment options for your employees - if they want something beyond the budget, they can pay the difference themselves via personal credit card or salary deductions.
Striking the right balance
Upgrading employee phones is about more than just keeping up with the latest trends. A thoughtful approach that considers sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and real business needs will ensure that your product lifecycle management decisions benefit both your team and the planet.
Whether you decide to upgrade now or wait, focus on aligning your IT procurement strategy with your company’s long-term goals.
Partner with Velory for smarter device management
Need help managing employee devices and upgrade cycles? At Velory, we specialize in optimizing IT procurement to balance sustainability, cost, and employee satisfaction. Let us help you make smarter decisions that add value to your business!
Interested in booking a free demo? Click here!
