If you’re like most peopleand have upgradedto anew iPhonesometime in the past few years, then there’s an awfully good chance that your old handset is wasting away in a drawer somewhere.
If you opted not to resell or trade in your old iPhone upon purchase of your shiny newiPhone 15, then there’s no reason to let your old device exist as an expensive, permanent paperweight.
Instead, consider gifting it a new lease on life as a useful supplementary device within your broader tech setup. There are tons of potential use cases for an older generation iPhone – here are five to consider if you haven’t already done so.
How the iPhone 4s became one of Apple’s most iconic phones
Let’s take a nostalgic trip back in time and unpack Apple’s 2011-released iPhone 4s.
1Turn your old iPhone into a dedicated dashboard display
This is free display real estate that you ought to be leveraging
If you happen to drive an older-generation vehicle that doesn’t includeApple CarPlayor an equivalent in-car entertainment system, then it’s a great idea to repurpose your old iPhone as a dashboard display.
A cheapcar mountis all you need to get yourself set up, and from there you can access all the same navigational and music-playing functionalities you’d expect out of a modern car dashboard experience. Just remember, of course, to keep your eyes on the road and free of distraction.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a little extra peace of mind while driving, you can opt to use your old iPhone as adash cam. By downloading an app likeDriver, you can emulate the experience of using a dedicated piece of hardware to get the same job done.
Watching movies and TV shows in Apple’s Vision Pro is mesmerizing and tiring
The Vision Pro straps a movie theater to your face, but comfort and eye strain issues almost ruin the experience.
2Use your old iPhone as a security camera
Make use of the existing cameras built into your old iPhone
Much like in the case of a dash cam, you could drop cash on a dedicated home security camera – or you could opt touse your old iPhone to accomplish the task. There are tons of applications on the App Store that allow you to transform your secondary device into a full-purpose camera feed, including the popularAlfredsolution.
With the right software downloaded onto both of your iPhone models, and a basic mount or tripod to prop up the camera phone in the appropriate direction, you’ll be all set with a security camera solution that works not unlike a dedicated setup.
Sure, you won’t quite be getting all the bells and whistles that accompany expensive high-end security systems, but you’ll also be saving hundreds of dollars in the process, and you’ll be taking advantage of hardware that’s already in your possession.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage on the iPhone 15 Pro feels like the future of gaming, but performance issues nearly ruin the experience
I wanted to love Assassin’s Creed Mirage on the iPhone. Here’s why I didn’t.
3Transform your old iPhone into a handheld gaming console
Save your main iPhone’s battery life for all the smartphone essentials
iPhones have become so powerful, that even older generation models pack a serious processing punch. Whether you’re looking to play mobile games, stream the latest AAA releases, or relive the pastvia emulation, having a dedicated device to do so can be a huge quality of life upgrade.
We all know how much of a toll on battery life and storage space that gaming can wind up taking, and running out of juice on your primary communication device is far from ideal. Retooling your old iPhone into a dedicated gaming handheld solves this problem.
To truly look and feel the part, considerconnecting to a Bluetooth controlleror purchasing a snap-on mobile solution like theRazer Kishi Ultra. This will give you the luxury of physical buttons and a sense of tactile control during your gaming sessions.
Boox’s Palma is a flawed E Ink gadget that helped me stop doomscrolling
The tiny e-reader has several issues, but it helped me overcome one of mine and read more.
4Turn your old iPhone into a smart home display
If you’ve invested in smart home products, then a dedicated control panel hub makes a ton of sense for your setup
While it may be viable to use your main, everyday iPhone to control your smart lights and display the weather in a pinch, nothing beats the convenience of having a dedicated, purpose-built smart display incorporated into your setup.
You could purchase aGoogle NestorAmazon Echodevice to fulfill this role, or you could assign your old iPhone to the task. If you choose the latter, you’ll benefit from having a full-blown mobile operating system at the helm, rather than the somewhat gimped offerings of most dedicated smart displays.
If you’re upgrading from aniPhone 12 series or newer, consider utilizing aMagSafeorQi2inductive charging stand to prop up your older device, andStandBy modewill kick in to provide smart glanceable information throughout your day.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 will make even the most dedicated iPhone user jealous
From the subtle redesign to its upgraded rear camera, the Z Flip 6 is an act of refinement.
5Turn your old iPhone into a modern-day mp3 player
Rekindle the glory days of the iPod, and cut the streaming service cord in the processes
The iPhone is truly a marvel of our times – it has the inherent ability to replace most single-purpose devices, including Apple’snow-defunct iPodproduct line. Even still, there’s something to be said about having a dedicated product that excels at a single task, andthe venerable mp3 playeris the perfect example of this.
There are tons of good reasons why you might want to repurpose your old iPhone into a dedicated music player. You might be looking to break free from distraction while listening to your tunes, you might want to cut back on yourstreaming servicefootprint, or you might be wary of damaging your new iPhone while out on an intense run.
Regardless of which category you fall into, your old iPhone is perfectly serviceable as a modern-day mp3 player. If you still have a library of downloaded songs and albums stored on your hard drive, consider transferring them to your old phone and enjoying an acoustic trip down memory lane.
