Tea Dating Advice, an app that recently faced both popularity and controversy, was removed from the iOS App Store on Oct. 21 for failing to comply with Apple’s rules regarding content moderation and user privacy.  Designed to let women upload photos of potential suitors and vet them with green or red flags, the app features an anonymous comment section for users to share their romantic experiences. While Tea’s intent was to promote accountability and transparency, its functions have been problematic from the beginning.

But the question remains: Is it worth the $1,099 price tag? Getting a new iPhone or anything new, for that matter, is enjoyable. Still, it’s hard to justify buying a new device that costs anywhere from $700 to $1100. If my long day at the Apple store taught me anything, it’s that Apple is great at overpricing and giving one too many options to make you spend more money. Consider the value new features might bring, but also consider your wallet.

Aaron Michel planned to go into environmental law after graduating from Boston University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental policy, politics and law. He said ultimately he planned...