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Moving On from iPhone XR in 2025: Here’s What to Buy Next?

If you’re still rocking your iPhone XR in 2025, kudos — you’ve squeezed every drop of value from it! But here’s the hard truth: the XR is finally reaching its sunset. With iOS 19 expected to drop support for the XR later this year, your once-trusty device will no longer receive crucial security updates or the latest features.

So, what now? Let’s walk you through your best upgrade options — especially now that the iPhone 16 series, including the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, has hit the shelves.


A picture of the iPhone XR

The XR Has Had a Good Run

Launched in 2018, the XR brought Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, Face ID, and a colourful design to the masses. But in tech years, that’s ancient. Here’s what’s happening:

  •  No iOS 19 Support — Reports suggest Apple will not extend iOS 19 support to the XR, XS, or XS Max.
  • No More Security Updates — Without updates, your phone is more vulnerable to bugs and exploits.
  • App Compatibility Issues — As developers optimize apps for newer iOS versions, performance on older devices can suffer.

Time to upgrade — but not blindly. Let’s compare options.


Your 2025 Upgrade Options

 iPhone 13 (2021) – A Solid Mid-Range Choice

  • Chip: A15 Bionic (faster and more efficient than XR’s A12)
  • Camera: Dual camera with Cinematic Mode
  • Pros: Reliable performance, long battery life, still receiving updates until at least 2028
  • Why Upgrade? Great step up without breaking the bank.

 iPhone 14 Plus (2022) – Big Battery, Big Screen

  • Chip: A15 Bionic with better thermal management
  • Pros: 6.7″ screen, huge battery, still “new enough”
  • Why Upgrade? If you want longevity, size, and better low-light photos.

 iPhone 15 (2023) – USB-C + Dynamic Island Comes to Base Models

  • Chip: A16 Bionic
  • Pros: USB-C, brighter screen, Dynamic Island (finally!), improved cameras
  • Why Upgrade? Modern design with future-ready features — but not too pricey.

iPhone 16e (2024) – The XR’s Spiritual Successor

  • Chip: A17 Fusion (a slightly underclocked A17 Pro)
  • Pros: Lightweight, colourful, and affordable with many flagship features
  • Battery Life: Optimized for all-day use
  • Why Upgrade? If you loved the XR’s balance of fun + function, the 16e is your next best friend. It’s Apple’s answer to “budget but bold” in 2025.

iPhone 16 Pro (2024) – For the Power User

  • Chip: A18 Pro
  • Pros: Best cameras, titanium build, Apple Intelligence features, USB-C
  • Why Upgrade? For creators, multitaskers, or anyone wanting top-tier everything.

Quick Comparison Chart

iPhone Model Release Year        iOS Support Ends (Est.)         Ideal For…

iPhone 13           2021                         ~2028                                                      Reliable upgrade

iPhone 14+.     2022                            ~2029                                                      Screen lovers

iPhone 15           2023                            ~2030                                                    Balanced modern choice

iPhone 16e        2024                             ~2031                                                    XR fans

iPhone 16           2024                             ~2031+                                                   Creators, power users

What to Do with Your XR

Before you make the leap:

  1. Backup Your Data – Use iCloud or Finder on Mac.
  2. Factory Reset – Wipe it clean before selling or recycling.
  3. Sell or Trade-In – Ogabassey will offer you decent value for it.
  4. Repurpose It – Use it as a dedicated music player, camera, or microphone for content creation.

Bolakale

Bolakale serves as a Content Writer at Ogabassey. An unwavering Samsung enthusiast with a profound admiration for Apple, he divides his time between consuming tech content on YouTube, scouring the web for the latest tech updates, and crafting narratives about deities within Classical and African Mythology. For a glimpse into his world, connect with him on Twitter @earthmover