iPhone X: How to Make Your Investment Last

The world’s first smartphone, the IBM Simon Personal Communicator, truly was a technological marvel when it first hit the market in 1992. Combining the technology of a cell phone and a personal digital assistant (PDA), it was unlike anything else on the market.

Since that time, numerous manufacturers have created a variety of smartphone mobile devices, most notably Apple’s iPhone product line. However, the cost of newer and more advanced smartphones continues to increase with each new release. For example, when Apple recently released its newest model, the iPhone X, in November, it cost users $999 for a brand new device (when purchased outright through Apple). But the hefty price tag hasn’t seemed to deter people from buying the device.

By March 2017, there were more than 700 million iPhones in use around the world. Furthermore, a study shows that 7 million of Apple’s new iPhones — 29 million in all — were sold in Q4 2017. This means that a lot of people are investing their hard-earned dollars into this technology. As such, you surely would want to make the phone last and get as much out of its use as possible to truly get your money’s worth.

I’ve put together a list of tips for how to take care of your iPhone X through iPhone maintenance and increase the longevity of your newest mobile device.

1. Back Up Your Old Phone Data

If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone model or an Android device to the new iPhone X, it is imperative that you backup your data. One way to do this form of iPhone maintenance is through the use of the Apple Cloud. Not only will this help you to ensure that your data is safely stored in the event that your phone has to be restored, it also provides a data safety net in the event that your iPhone is stolen.

By saving your photos, files, and other data to the Cloud, you’ll be able to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is secure and readily available just in case.

2. Download the Latest Patches and Updates

Despite the recent concerns about Apple slowing down older iOS model iPhones with its software updates, it is still a safer bet to update your device than not. According to a CNBC article about the software slowdown:

“If you stuck with an older version of iOS, then what would happen would be your phone would be fast, but it might crash randomly… The other problem with holding back on security updates is you lose the security improvements and fixes that Apple makes with every release, thus putting you in danger of ... hackers and whatnot.”

I recently wrote an article concerning an iOS bug that can freeze your iPhone with a simple text message containing a URL. Once the security bug was identified, it was quickly addressed by Apple via a subsequent iPhone maintenance security update.

An updated, secure phone is a reliable phone that can last you for years. However, when users choose to hold off on updating their iPhones and other mobile devices, they are putting their virtual information and private data at risk for a mobile device attack.

3. Set Up Enhanced Security Features

One of the biggest upgrades to the iPhone X over its predecessors is the integration of Face ID, a biometric security feature. While it’s a quick process to set up, using Face ID is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your smartphone. Using your face as an authenticator, you’ll then be able to:

• Ensure no one that does not have your face can access your device;
• Securely access your device’s applications; and
• Make purchases with Apple Pay. An added benefit of Apple Pay is that your credit card information isn’t shared with third-party merchants.  

A few other mobile security tips include downloading apps that can help you locate your device. Additionally, using an app like Lookout will enable your phone to activate its front-facing camera to snap a photo of someone who is trying to access your phone when they enter incorrect login information. The app will email that image to you, along with information about his or her location at the time the image was taken.

4. Protect Your Device

Considering that Apple’s newest smartphone is its most expensive model, it’s critical that you invest in a good case to protect the device. According to an article by CNBC, people who choose to not purchase AppleCare protection can end up paying $279 out-of-pocket to repair a screen and $549 for “other” damages. So, if you elect to not purchase the manufacturer’s warranty, you may want to at least invest in a good phone case.

Otherwise, this means that you could end up paying more than HALF of the phone’s value in repair costs if you choose to not buy Apple’s protection service or a strong case to house your device. There are many types of iPhone X cases that are available, so there is likely one that will meet your budget. Otherwise, you better hope that you don’t end up dropping your device!

Another way to protect your device is to invest in a good screen protector. One of these thin sheets can help to protect your screen from substances that are dropped on it, as well as scratches and, depending on the brand, some of these screen protectors can help protect your screen from breaking when dropped.

5. Familiarize Yourself with the iPhone

Unlike previous models, the new iPhone no longer is equipped with a physical home button. What this means for you as a user is that you’ll need to learn how to use specific gestures in order to control the phone’s IOS 11 operating system.

A few of the new or updated functions you’ll need to learn include:

• Siri: To activate this virtual personal assistant, press the button on the right side of the iPhone X.

• Home Screen: To return to the home screen when using an app, swipe up with your finger from the bottom of the screen.

• Screenshot: To capture a screenshot, you will need to press the power and volume up buttons at the same time.

• Control Center: To access the Control Center, which allows you to toggle your settings and access select tools, swipe down from the right side of the earpiece “notch” at the top-center of your screen with your finger.

• Notification Center: To access your notifications, you’ll do the same motion as you would when accessing the Control Center — you’ll just do it on the left side of the notch.

• Close Apps: To close out of a mobile app, you’ll need to swipe up from the bottom of your screen and press and hold on the app you wish to quit.

6. Use Safe Mobile Practices

Just like when you’re using a computer, it’s important to remember to follow cybersecurity best practices. When surfing the web or checking your email on your mobile device, it’s important to remember that your smartphone is not invulnerable to cybersecurity threats and phishing attacks. Be sure to not click on any unfamiliar websites or sketchy emails.

Phishing attacks are among the most common ways to deliver ransomware and seek out users’ login information and other personal security information. The best thing business leaders can do is ensure that their employees:

1. Know to not open or click on attachments to suspicious emails;
2. Are trained to recognize and respond to phishing emails; and
3. Provide them with a way to safely report those emails.

It is my hope that this information will help you extend the life of your iPhone X. It also is my goal to help you understand ways that you can safely and securely continue to live your life in today’s increasingly connected, digital environment.

In what ways do you agree or disagree with this list? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments box below or send an email if you’d like to discuss this topic more in-depth with me.