SHAH ALAM - “Can I really afford it, or am I just spending more because I can?”
That’s the uncomfortable question financial planners say many young Malaysians should be asking as new iPhones hit stores and long queues form, even among those who often claim “takde duit” (no money).
Licensed financial planner Adli Ishak said the real test of affordability is not whether someone can pay for a phone, but whether doing so won’t harm savings or push them into debt.
“In most cases, it’s not genuine affordability, it’s lifestyle inflation. Many Malaysians, especially the younger generation, adjust their spending upwards the moment they have a little extra disposable income,” he said.
He added that instead of strengthening savings or investments, they often channel it into upgrading lifestyle choices such as gadgets.
“A true measure of affordability isn’t just ‘can I buy it?’, but ‘can I buy it without sacrificing savings, emergency funds or going into debt?” he explained.
Adli observed that for many, the answer is no, yet they still proceed with the purchase, a sign of lifestyle inflation rather than real affordability.
He also pointed out that for students, smartphones have become more than communication tools.
“They are social connectors, status symbols and even personal branding devices. In today’s environment, a phone isn’t just a gadget – it’s a gateway to TikTok, Instagram, side hustles and peer interaction,” he explained.
Adli said that this is why even those who claimed that they were broke still prioritise owning one.
“Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of financial discipline,” he said.
He added that fear of missing out (FOMO) and status signalling fuel this trend.
“Owning the latest iPhone isn’t always about the features – it’s about being seen as current, relevant and ‘in the circle’,” he said.
“Social validation has become a currency. That’s why even those who don’t fully need the upgrade still feel pressured to join the queue, literally and figuratively,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Licensed Financial Planner Rafiq Hidayat Mohd Ramli agreed that most of the time, the trend reflects lifestyle inflation.
“When income rises or when credit facilities make expensive items seem ‘affordable’ via instalments, people stretch their spending to match what feels ‘normal’ for their peer group,” he said.
Rafiq highlighted that true affordability means being able to purchase without affecting savings, emergency funds or essential expenses.
“But for many, buying the latest iPhone involves reallocating funds from savings or using credit – classic signs of lifestyle inflation,” he said.
Similar to Adli, Rafiq emphasised that for young people, the phone is more than a device.
“The 'takde duit' complaint often refers to essentials, but when it comes to items that offer social validation or perceived happiness, they’re willing to stretch financially,” he said, adding that social media fuels this behaviour.
“Social media also fuels this as the phone is a gateway to content creation, TikTok, side gigs and staying connected. So even when budgets are tight, the phone feels ‘non-negotiable.
“FOMO and status signalling play a bigger role than real functional needs for most buyers. Many older iPhones or mid-range Androids can easily handle work, studies and social media.
“But being first in line for the newest iPhone signals tech-savviness, social standing and even financial success, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The purchase becomes more about how it looks than what it does,” he concluded.
On Sept 19, the new iPhone 17 went on sale at the Apple Store in The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur, drawing eager customers who lined up as early as 3am.
The iPhone 17 series is available in Malaysia in four models, priced from:
- iPhone 17 - starting at RM3,999
- iPhone Air - starting at RM4,999
- iPhone 17 Pro - starting at RM5,499
- iPhone 17 Pro Max - starting at RM5,999