Imlisanen Jamir
We live in a world where technology is both a promise and a prison. The latest iPhone 16 has arrived with its shiny new features—better AI, crisper cameras, a more powerful processor—but for many, it’s just another overpriced status symbol. And the funny thing is, even for those who can afford it, the question remains: do we actually need it?
Cell phones, especially in places where resources are limited, aren’t just about having the latest tech. They’re a lifeline. A window into the world beyond. For many, it’s the closest they’ll get to understanding what’s happening outside their village or town. When tech is your only access to information, the pressure to keep up becomes intense. But the iPhone 16, or whatever the newest release may be, isn’t a leap forward. It's a small shuffle.
What’s the difference between this year’s model and last year’s? A sharper selfie? Maybe a battery that lasts 10 minutes longer? The truth is, tech companies like Apple are stuck in a loop, churning out products that do little more than add a layer of gloss to last year’s design. It’s consumerism on steroids, and it’s designed to make us feel like we’re missing out unless we fork over cash for the latest shiny object.
But most people in this part of the world can’t afford to play that game. In fact, many are still making do with phones that can barely run WhatsApp, let alone handle augmented reality filters or AI-enhanced photography. And here’s the kicker: those people are still connected to the same global conversations, still accessing the same news, still engaging with the world in meaningful ways. The iPhone 16 is not going to change that. The iPhone 20 won’t either.
We’ve been sold the lie that more tech equals more happiness. That faster processors and more pixels will somehow enrich our lives. But what we really need is for tech to slow down and give us something meaningful—something that actually improves the way we live, not just how fast we can swipe through Instagram.
The iPhone 16 may be impressive, but it’s also unnecessary. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come in tech and how little we’ve truly gained. The future isn’t in more pixels or faster refresh rates; it’s in making technology that actually serves people—no matter where they are or how much they can spend. And until the big companies realize that, we’re going to keep seeing the same shiny toys, year after year, promising the world and delivering little more than another empty update.
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
