Anyone Else Thoroughly Underwhelmed by The iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7?

Watched the super cut apple keynote event of the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch series 7.

Other than the improved battery on the iPhone, didn’t seem like a huge deal to me at all.

I’m surprised the watch didn’t include some new sensor. I’m still rocking my XS Max and series 5 watch and have no plans to upgrade.

In saying that, I know a lot of people will blindly upgrade and Apple will continue to make billions from this. I guess my question is, will you upgrade?

For those with an iPhone 11 or 12 looking to upgrade, why?

Poll Options

  • 134
    Will upgrade my iPhone to the iPhone 13,
  • 32
    Will switch my android phone to an iPhone 13,
  • 43
    Will switch my iPhone to an android phone,
  • 719
    Will keep my current phone

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Comments

  • +1

    But Stacy has a new hat!

    • I understood that reference

  • +4

    Running an X, will be upgrading to either 13 pro or 13 pro max.

    For me..
    1. Camera - iPhone X is severely lacking in low light situation
    2. Bigger screen
    3. Better battery life
    4. Faster processor - beginning to notice that some apps are not performing as well
    5. Change up in design
    6. All the little tid bits of features that comes along with the new iPhone.

    Personally, I don't really mind spending the money to upgrade every 4-5 years, for a device that I use every single day, happy to pay for when I feel like I need an upgrade. Whether that is for new features or simply cause I want a new one.

    • I had some app lag in my XS Max which I fixed with a factory reset. Just like computers, phones get a bit bloated with all the updates and apps being installed and then deleted. A back to as new state fixes a thousand sins.

      • +1

        Probably would wait another year if I had the XS too.

    • I have X and decided against upgrading as a) X still works perfect fine..i limited the apps installed so not feeling any slowness on the apps I used most and b) no touch ID (either under-screen one or on side), biggest issue for me is how stupid when forced to use faceID to use Apple Pay or download apps….if Iphone 14 still doesn't come with touch ID I will just delay…. The faceID alone is the most single stupid idea from Apple IMHO.

  • +2

    I am underwhelmed. However, claiming a mobile phone on tax plus selling my iPhone 12 would be the financially smarter decision. Even without the JB HiFi gift card, it's generally profitable for me to do so. I believe many others would be in the same position, hence the yearly upgrade.

  • Hoping for a good deal on a 12 Max.

  • -4

    That’s bcaws Tim Apple is a money man and he has no vision. Also why he facked up and bought BEATS instead of Tesla with over $200+ Billion in cash. He would rather buyback shares, pay dividends and overcharge customers like fk than innovate and give customers epic products.

    Look at the quality and range Xiaomi have built in the same amount of time - phones, fans, robot vacuums, smart devices, home automation, lights, speakers, headphones, dashcams

    That is money on the table. Tim Apple is a complete utter failure. Should hire Xiaomi Ceo

    HomeKit is a joke, Apple Maps is still a royal piece of shyt, iPhone camera is still on the wrong side, Apple Titan car? Come on… Tesla got into cars to change the world. Tim Apple got in because he thought there were high margins (There are not) which is why we don’t see an Apple car yet

    Ffs

    • +2

      Xi-Who??

    • Why so angry?

      • +1

        You would be too if you were an entitled rat like me

        • +1

          Well at least you're a self aware entitled rat

    • What's your association?

  • Only thing that could make me switch is USB-C and no notch.

    I also can’t figure out how to open links in their own app, so that’s a software and/or user issue preventing me from becoming exclusively iOS.

    • I also can’t figure out how to open links in their own app, so that’s a software and/or user issue preventing me from becoming exclusively iOS

      ???

  • +3

    I was thrilled with the release of the iPhone 13!! As I was with the previous 2 models. I can now happily stick with my iPhone XS Max for at least another year- maybe with a new battery, but I'll wait and see. And as for Apple Watch 7 hell yeah! My Apple Watch 4 is good for at least another year too. My tech replacement savings account has never been fatter!

  • Until they decided to get rid of the lightning port. It's 2021, 2nd year of Covid and lightning port is still a thing, unbelievable!

  • I watched the event and I want the hour I could have slept back.

    I know it was a long shot, but I was hoping for touch ID because I'm sick of typing my passcode like a mug every time I need to QR in somewhere, but I'm too locked into the Apple ecosystem to switch to Android (I know, a me problem). I'm normally a sheepy Apple fangirl that updates every year, but my 12 Pro Max is staying with me for another year.

    I think if you're below X, the 13 will be a fine upgrade. Beyond that, not so sure.

    • That annoyed me until I went and got the watch when the 6 came out which resolved that for me. Sure it was an expensive addition but I use it every day. A side benefit is that I've closed all my rings since the start of this year so.. kept me active!

    • I know it was a long shot, but I was hoping for touch ID because I'm sick of typing my passcode like a mug every time I need to QR in somewhere

      What do you mean by this?

      • What do you mean by this?

        where have you been for the past 1.5 years. 🤔

        ——-

        faceid doesnt work with masks, so have to unlock phone with passcodes most of the time.

        • Oh I get you. My Apple Watch unlocks my phone when I have a mask on.

  • +1

    13 pro here I come! (Iphone 6s user….)

    • Same. iPhone 6S Plus here, finally going to pull the trigger. Need to check out the size difference between the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max though.

  • I like the new finish on the new iPhone Pro. I’d upgrade from 12 Pro if I had spare cash, i use it all day every day so why not.

  • I will love my new Fitbit charge 5, and wait for apple watch 10

  • +1

    it was a disappointing reveal for the iphone.
    i was really excited when i saw the ipad mini. it looks so good now and with usb c and touch id in the power button, i think its almost perfect.
    i was hoping the usb c and touch id would make it to the iphone.

    i have an iphone x and i will probably still get the 13 pro or pro max over the 12 though.
    i think the macro camera and 120hz screen is enough to justify the extra spend.
    also getting a new phone, i will probably keep it for 3 years where as if i get the 12, i would want to upgrade again in 2.

    i will also get the apple watch (i have a fitbit now), i was hoping for the flat sides that were in concept pictures so that it looks more modern and masculine but the bigger screen is nice and my fitbit has just about had it.

    only question is whether to get the pro or the pro max.
    not sure if the pro max is too big.
    is it even pocketable for a guy?

    • Same problem here, moving from X as well. Decided to go with Max.. if the size become an issue within 2 weeks of ownership, just gonna swap it over to the Pro.

    • +1

      Will also be upgrading from an X, decided to go with the Pro 128 model. Was hoping for the touch ID to be on this years version, hopefully by the time we upgrade in a few years time, it will be implemented! Let's enjoy the 13 Pro for now :)

      • Am very much looking forward to the ProMotion display too!

        • yeah me 2
          i went for the 256gb so it has that video software feature
          i figure resale will be better

  • +1

    It's like a 12 S. The iPhone 14 will likely be a big change.

    Having said that, the 13 has some pretty decent changes. New cameras, macro mode, 120hz which is a big change people have been asking for for a few years now, bigger battery (which is great because the 12 series went backwards from the 11 series).

    I've got a 12 mini and while I won't go and upgrade straight away unless they give me some great trade in deal, I'll definitely upgrade when the 14 comes out if there's no 14 mini like the rumours suggest.

  • Have been on a 24 month upgrade cycle for years with iPhone i.e. getting every second new release.

    However think my 11Pro can last till the 14. Fingers crossed there's some bigger upgrades then.

    Touch ID would be very welcome with mask use!

    • Thankfully having an iPhone + apple watch combo means easy phone unlocking for me even when wearing a mask.

      • you do know that 'unlocking' doesn't apply to Apps, only the phone itself, so the touch ID is still much preferred. And plus not everyone has apple watch and wear it all the time…

  • wonder if i should upgrade my 8/9 year old laptop or my 3 year old iphone (also XS Max like OP)

    • Laptop

    • If you are using your laptop, wouldn't changing the laptop give you the most upgrade (as in 9 years of technological advances vs 3 years)?

      Windows 11 is coming out meaning that newer laptops would be elligible for updates for 11 for free.
      Mac is pushing the M1 and ARM processors and is showing some serious performance imo (though it may cause bit of an issue if you wants to use Windows on top of it).

      • though it may cause bit of an issue if you wants to use Windows on top of it

        Windows 365 then ☁️

        • Ohhhh I completely forgot about the cloud OS service that they are doing. Does it work with ARM processors as well?

      • Good points all of you. I use the work provided laptop which is relatively new (~1.5 yr), for most things. Maybe I should just be typical OzB and stick with both for a couple more years :-?

        • +1

          Techs kinda improve and get cheaper over time so I don't think that is a bad idea?

    • Laptop if you are using it moderately. This single upgrade will help you in your productivity.

    • Xs Max is still usable for another 2 years.

  • My 12 pro max is not even a year old.. I got it in January this year so not upgrading.. I usually upgrade every 3-4 years … my last was an 8+

  • I was wow'd by iPhone gen 1. Since then it's just been plain meh

  • +1

    Since iPhone X, iPhone HAVE NOT change much…. Make more colours and upgrade the camera a bit, iPhone will go for another year. LOL…

    I used iPhone 3 ~ iPhone X. then change to Android two years ago. Apple just can't get me anymore. 4 years, still look the same and boring.

  • I'm underwhelmed by every series.

    Shiney though. I'll give em that.

  • So underwhelming but I’m still going to upgrade anyways…….
    I literally make money selling my 12 Pro Max and upgrading so I’ve done it every year and will likely keep doing it for the foreseeable future.

    • Tell me how

      • Keeping it mint condition, selling on eBay with free FVF promo.

        Claiming price reduction on 28deg Mastercard.

        Salary sacrifice / tax deduction etc

        • +3

          So.. correct me if I'm wrong but..

          1. You buy a new iPhone for say.. $1850 through salary sacrifice, effectively saving your marginal tax rate which for argument sake lets say 32.5%.. so instant saving of $601.25

          2. You claim Price Protection on 28 degree Mastercard.. maybe a retailer dropped price by ~150? so another $150 back.

          The iPhone effectively costed you $1098.75 after one year.

          And then

          1. You sell it on eBay with no fees for.. $1300.. and now you're up $200.

          2. Rinse and repeat every year?

          • +2

            @buckethat: nailed it

            i literally lose money by not upgrading so why not

            • +2

              @epicttiimm: You sir, are winning.. Might do the same this year, not sure why I never thought of that. Cheers for the idea!

              I would consider stacking with a credit card offer (if you credit churn) instead of using price protection for extra saving (or profit I guess)..

              I.e. ANZ Black Rewards gives you $710 cash back for $2000 spend..

            • @epicttiimm: Isn’t price protection a 30 day thing?

              • @the4thzodiac: 12 months for the old 28 Degrees Scheme, 24 months fof the old COLES Platinum Card scheme

  • Staying with my Note9 a couple more years.

  • +2

    People do not seem to talk about any other companies making underwhelming products.

  • +3

    Only phones that have me suprised and are innovative are the Samsung Folds and Samsung Flip… only because they're actually trying. From the Fold1 to Fold3 they're getting better and better but ever so slightly. I'm probably going to wait for the Fold 4 or 5 for it to actually be good enough but not for 2.5k good. The Flip looks cool too but ehh both of em dont have micro SD card slots.

  • Did the switch from a consistent Android user to iP8+ and it's by far the most reliable phone I've used. Still gets me a day of battery on moderate usage at 82% battery life.

    Was thinking about an upgrade this year but neither Android or iOS have produced anything groundbreaking or compelling enough that make me feel like I'm really missing out.

    Maybe next year.

  • I'll likely upgrade from my i8 to 13pro, the battery needs to be replaced and then it can be retired over to the niece. I'm going to miss TouchID.

    I'm disappointed in the Watch 7. I'm happy enough with the Series 3 that I've had for ages, it's still working fine - but the water resistance is only 50m. Why?! it could be such a more capable watch, an 'everything' watch if they'd made it a 100 or 200m resistance. 50m limits it to swimming and showering. My old Pebble could go as deep as you wanted. There is no reason for it not to be able to go deeper, it's a fully sealed unit and the only way to charge it is wirelessly, the whole thing could've been completely sealed up and only worry about crush depth.

    • Just out of interest, how much time do you spend with more than 50m of water above your head?

      • haha, never, and I sure as hell couldn't swim down to 200m either - but the depth rating really relates to pressures they'll withstand before water ingress. So theoretically if it fell off and slowly drifted down that far it should be ok,,, maybe, but when you start moving, the pressure ramps up quickly.

        A 30m (or 3 ATM) rating is said to be suitable for accidental splashes or wearing in the shower. 50m for swimming, but not diving into the pool. 100m for swimming and snorkelling, pool side diving but not diving board/high platform diving. 200m for regular scuba, and high impact water sports. 300m (30ATM) for hardcore saturation diving at ridiculous depths.

        I'd rather not carry around a second watch for diving/snorkelling/watersporting - especially since that's usually done on holidays.

  • Apple Watch needs a makeover

  • $2769 for the iPhone 13 pro max 1tb.

    Ya, not even gonna bother with commenting on that.

    • Well someone shooting Pro Res would disagree.

      • -5

        As a professional, maybe I should buy a Xeon CPU, and a quadro, and a military tank just incase, oh wait I need a CNC machine because I need my 3d prints to be in steal.

        Wait wait wait, I'm tired of flying I'll wait for the spaceship.

        Can't wait for iPhone 2030 2.5tb 4ghs speed $4000

    • +4

      You just did 🙄

    • -1

      Really? That’s just stupid.

    • +1

      Ya, not even gonna bother with commenting on that.

      Oh no… anyway.

  • I’m holding on to my iPhone X. Apple service has been great. My Face ID died some time close to the 2 year stat warranty period, and apple replaced with a new one. Then earlier this year, the screen lost all touch detection and the repaired screen had a few issues, took some back and forth but ultimately they gave me another new (refurb) phone. So my phone is like new, and I’ll probably get 6 years of worth for my X. Also, I haven’t seen any new need/function that I feel is lacking so no real need to upgrade. Although the new cameras and cam software on the 13 do look tempting.

    • Yeah my partners iPhone X battery about to die D thinking I will just pay for genuine battery replacement from Apple pretty sure can use it for two years

  • Phone companies have hit a brick wall a while ago as to what else they can pack into the latest phones.High res screens, decent battery life and cameras have been descent in most iphones since iphone 6s. We still have iphone 6splus used in our household that is 90% as good as my xr etc…(not slow or laggy)

  • +1

    I feel like phone innovation has really stagnated.

    As a android user, iPhone releases were good to be able to see where android was going to be in a year or two, but for the last couple of years I think android oems have overtaken apple in innovation. Apple just plays it safe, keeps things mostly the same, most new content and innovation is software based, and they make heaps of money doing it.

    Foldables are the only real innovation in the last couple years. Wouldn't mind a Samsung fold once they come down in price and are a bit more sturdy.

  • Happy with my pixel 5 as daily driver and LG V50 for music and dual screen, 3.5mm headphones

    Total price is the same as iPhone 13 tell me if Apple can do the same?

    I don't watch these events anymore they are rubbish.

    Even Huawei ones were more exciting before Google ban

  • +1

    Definitely underwhelming.
    Seems like apple played it safe this year, and targeted older users (3-4 year old devices) that are looking to upgrade.

    It's also interesting to think that Tim Cook has been the leader of apple for a decade now but there hasn't really been anything revolutionary he's introduced.
    - Apple watch would have already been in the pipeline
    - Iphones have always been iterations
    - Apple TV+ and services could be an argument
    - In house processors for macs could also be an argument.

    • +3

      I think Apple has taken the Apple watch far beyond what Steve would have imagined.

      Steve would have seen the watch as a replacement for the phone. I think where Apple has taken the watch with all its health functionality is far greater and much more revolutionary . I find the rest of herd just trying to play catch up with Apple with regards to the functionality within the Apple watch.

      I dont think its fair to whinge about Tim Cook not being revolutionary , I am not seeing any other company try and bring out a revolutionary phone.

      • You make some fair points. Appreciate the message.

    • If Steve had his way the iPhone wouldn't even be a thing; as with many things he had to be pushed in that direction.

  • I’ve generally picked up the ‘s’ variant and the iPhone 13 is essentially a 12s, so I’m not surprised at the release.

    I’ll probably grab a 13 Mini now. Was in two kinds as there were a lot of rumours that there would not be a continuation of the Mini range.

  • Probably because people make a big deal out of a phone. The original iPhone was amazing, since it converted a lot of things you had to do on a laptop or PC into your pocket. Awesome. Then we started to get advances in cameras, which meant no more carrying cameras, then no more need to take a laptop around as we had enough internet speed to perform tasks on the fly. Gaming without the need to carry a console around.

    The advances that gave us were leaps ahead, and the changes are underwhelming because it's minor improvements. Once the next best thing hits we'll be glued to those announcements, whatever it is, it will need to replace the mobile phone, which will probably happen sooner rather than later. Glasses or AirPods with AI built, or some other unique technology, will slowly replace the need for a phone, but until then we are in a stagnate technology improvement decade.

    • +1

      original iPhone's magic was in being a consumer product that brought all that to the masses, plenty of us had already been carrying around Windows CE based PDA phones (or Palm, though WinCE devices were more like a modern smartphone than a Palm or Palm based phone was) but those were talking point devices for a niche set of nerds, not something general people would want.

      Most of these techs were around much earlier, when I saw Google Glass it looked very similar to my old MicroOptical Corp monocular display from very early 00's. (google 'microoptical thad starner')

      • I remember the Palm and the craze it generated. Almost everyone wanted to have a Palm. iPhone killed the Palm !!

      • I remember the Palm, good product. The ease of use of the iPhone, the OS and the overall structure of how the phone worked won people over. It was quick, snappy and convenient

  • No need to change my iPhone 12 Pro I guess they will change the form in the 15 it should last till then. It’s a pretty fast device.

  • I was underwhelmed as soon as I saw the apple logo.

  • If I was to currently move from my android phone to iOS, it would need to be the 256GB 13 pro max. I'm used to 90hz and that storage configuration at that screen size. No way in hell I'm paying 2K+ for the privilege though.

    Not to mention how iOS isn't tailored to someone like me who sideloads and likes to manage their file system.

  • Have 12pro Max will wait for 14, performance of processor is the main thing with each release amazing the gains each time, have the M1 iPad Pro and it blitzes through everything I think the 120hz might get some people but have seen it on mates phones and doesn't really seem that big a deal on the iPad with 12.9" sure. That said if still had my X would probably get the 13..

    • -1

      Weird flex but ok

  • +4

    I am going from the iphone 6S to the Iphone 13 Pro. So I am not underwhelmed. All a matter of perspective.

    Your poll is also not that great. It should have been split as "I am getting the iPhone 13, my current iPhone is more than 4 years old", "I am getting the iPhone 13, my current iPhone is between 3-4 years old" etc. Then that would have likely showed that most people who are upgrading, are coming from quite old iPhones.

    I would agree though, that if I had the iPhone 11 Pro or the 12 Pro, I would not have upgraded to 13 Pro.

    • -1

      So you've clearly been underwhelmed by previous releases.

      Don't see anything beyond what the 12 already does for less money. 0.01% better camera maybe or bragging about processing speed that will make no noticeable difference. The 12 at least introduced 5G, the 13 offers nothing beyond the 12 for me. Just churning out another one because they feel they have to each year. Looks more or less the same, is more or less the same.

      • +2

        It was not about me being underwhelmed by previous releases. I absolutely loved the 11 Pro and the 12 Pro.

        It was more about not wanting to spend money due to personal circumstances.

  • I might continue holding onto my X for another year. Currently, the battery is looking to be replaced, but nothing is really standing out for me to upgrade the phone.

    Considering iOS updates included the 6s, it's likely the X will get updates for another two years.

  • I have been underwhelmed by Apple since iPhone 5.

  • Smartphones have basically reached their peak in innovation imo. I'm still rocking an iPhone 8+ and no amount of extra cameras or other tiny changes really make me feel the need to upgrade.

    Considering getting the new Apple Watch though, but only because I've never owned a smartwatch. :P

  • I had to buy a new phone a month ago(xs bit the dust), 12 mini is one of the best phones I’ve had in years, really appreciate just having a small, fast phone with a great camera. 13 mini is the same but better, I won’t upgrade but then I don’t upgrade annually anyway.

    Really hope there’s a 14/15 mini. 2-3 years of minor iterative improvements add up.

  • +1

    I'm interested in knowing what exactly you are expecting?
    When you say you want a 'new sensor' in the apple watch, what sensor would that be specifically? What is it lacking?

    Sure, big changes happened between iPhone 3g to 6 - but that was largely dependant on processing power and battery. Nowadays the technology is pretty mature.
    - Computational photography is insane, delivering impressive results relative to the tiny sensors on any phone.
    - You can edit 4k video on a bloody phone. The same phone which can take 4k video!

    People are whining because 'nothing changes'. Maybe you should just be glad that my phone and my watch do everything now - and you're underwhelmed because you're already used to that. Maybe just be glad you can just upgrade when your battery dies instead of wasting your money :)

    I can pay for my coffee with my watch.
    I can bounce a file from my mac to my phone via airdrop
    I can take 4k video on a phone
    I can seamlessly connect my AirPods from my mac to my watch to my phone depending on which is playing audio at any given moment

    10 years ago this would have been anyone's dream. Now it's all whinge… whinge…iterative…whinge

  • It's only underwhelming when you go online into echo chambers, whether it's places like Reddit or here.

  • Still on the iPhone XS MAX, just don't feel like upgrading the phone just so I can load facebook 0.001s faster. 120hz screen is nice though. Would of been the determining factor to get it this year!

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