AI-driven FOMO stalls purchase decisions for smartphone consumers

The current debate over smartphone AI features represents the growing divide between industry hype and practical user value, particularly for consumers outside tech-intensive work environments. As manufacturers integrate more AI capabilities into devices like the upcoming iPhone 16, many users are questioning whether these features justify upgrading, especially when their current devices meet their core communication needs adequately.

The big picture: AI features in smartphones remain at an early stage where their utility varies dramatically based on individual lifestyle and professional needs.

• A MacRumors forum user with a functioning iPhone 12 is weighing whether to upgrade primarily for AI capabilities, questioning if these features provide meaningful value for retirees outside professional work environments.
• Current smartphone AI implementations like “genmojis” (AI-generated emojis) are being described by some users as “juvenile” and having limited practical application for many demographic groups.

Why this matters: The smartphone upgrade cycle is increasingly driven by AI capabilities that may not align with the needs of all consumer segments.

• As major manufacturers like Apple prepare AI-focused devices, consumers with adequately functioning older models face difficult decisions about whether these features justify the expense of upgrading.
• For demographics like retirees, the practical utility of current AI implementations may not match the marketing emphasis these features receive.

User perspectives: Responses from the community suggest the value proposition of AI features remains highly subjective.

• One respondent who tested Samsung’s S25 Ultra noted they “barely used” the AI features despite initially thinking they were good, suggesting a gap between novelty and sustained utility.
• The same user recommended making upgrade decisions based on current device performance rather than AI capabilities, advising: “if the 12 is troubling you right now, get a 16. If not, wait for 17.”

Reading between the lines: Consumer FOMO (fear of missing out) regarding AI features appears to be an increasingly common phenomenon as manufacturers emphasize these capabilities in marketing.

• The original poster explicitly mentions being “trapped in the dreadly FOMO on AI,” highlighting how marketing creates pressure to upgrade even when current devices meet users’ needs.
• This suggests a growing tension between manufacturer innovation cycles and the actual utility these innovations provide to different user demographics.