Short answer
Upgrade from iPhone 13 to iPhone 15 if your battery has worn down, you want USB-C or a better camera. If your battery is healthy and you're happy, you can wait.
Two generations bring noticeable but not dramatic improvements.
What you gain
- USB-C charging.
- Dynamic Island.
- 48MP main camera and 2x crop.
- A16 chip.
- New battery.
What you don't gain
- Apple Intelligence — you need iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16.
- 120Hz display — Pro models only.
Better targets
- For AI: iPhone 16.
- For the best screen: iPhone 15 Pro or 16 Pro.
- Cheapest: new battery for the iPhone 13.
Before you trade in
- Back up your iPhone.
- Check your trade-in value with our estimator.
- Erase and sign out of iCloud.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone 15 camera much better?
Yes, especially in detail and cropping.
Should I skip to iPhone 16?
If you can afford it, yes for AI features.