Warning for iPhone fans over ‘vampire’ gadget bills and upcoming price rise

APPLE fans beware: experts say this could be a costly year for gadget geeks.

The Sun has spoken to tech experts who warned that bills are skyrocketing – and your next iPhone could cost even more.

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If you’re a gadget fan, you probably upgrade your phone often.

And you’re almost certainly signed up to a bunch of paid-for services.

Now tech expert Paolo Pescatore has issued two warnings around the cost of living crisis.

As prices soar, Paolo thinks gadget fans will be forced to downgrade services (like Netflix or Spotify) – or even switch some off entirely.

“While, it is hard to predict pricing, the cost of living is having a profound impact on all businesses and consumers with prices heading in the wrong direction,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo, speaking to The Sun.

“No one is immune, neither is Apple with consumers all feeling the pinch and tightening their belts.

“This will drive users to consider downgrading, signing up to a cheaper service.

“Rising costs will fuel switching and in some cases more premium offerings at affordable prices.

“People are being forced to make some tough decisions regarding the need to buy any new connected device or service.”

If you want to find any “vampire” apps charging you via your iPhone, check your Apple subscriptions here.

But that’s not all: we could see this year’s iPhone 14 getting a price jump too.

The Sun recently warned over a possible iPhone price rise this year after talking to two industry insiders – with a jump of up to $100/£100.

Building gadgets is becoming increasingly expensive, and experts fear Apple will pass the cost onto buyers.

“As is always the case, expectations are high and there is a lot riding on the new iPhone,” Paolo told The Sun.

“While, Apple is fully aware to ensure that the new iPhone remains affordable some elements are out of its control due to the macro economic environment.”

The good news is that it’s getting easier to hold on to your iPhone for longer.

Apple now typically supports iPhone models with iOS software updates for many years, and battery swaps to rejuvenate charging life aren’t too expensive.

And Paolo points out that Apple now offers a much wider range of iPhones at different price points.

Earlier this year Apple launched the new iPhone SE, which starts at $429/£419.

Paolo also thinks that 5G could push buyers to snap up newer iPhone models.

Even the iPhone SE supports 5G and the faster speeds are rolling out quickly across the US and UK.

So it could be a good year to upgrade if you’ve been holding on to an iPhone for a very long time.

Apple’s smartphones also tend to hold their resale value very well, so you might find you can flog your old model for a pretty penny.

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