• The author is choosing to skip the iPhone 16 upgrade cycle and instead hold onto their battered iPhone 12. They argue that the incremental improvements in each new iPhone model do not justify the cost of upgrading, especially when their current device is still functional. The author values the reliability and durability of their iPhone 12 over the flashy new features of the latest model.

• The article highlights the diminishing returns of Apple's annual iPhone upgrade cycle, with each new release offering smaller and smaller improvements compared to the previous generation. The author feels that the changes are not substantial enough to warrant the expense of a new phone, especially when their existing device is still meeting their needs.

• The author acknowledges that they are in the minority, as many consumers eagerly anticipate and purchase the newest iPhone models. However, they argue that this constant upgrade mentality is driven more by marketing and hype than genuine necessity. The author is content to buck the trend and hold onto their trusty iPhone 12 for the foreseeable future.