iPhone 16 Pro: Anticipated Features and Upgrade Considerations

4 reasons I'm not upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro from my iPhone 14

I've had a iPhone 14 Pro Max since its launch two years ago. Like most of us, I regretfully admit that I'm on my phone most of the time when I'm not working or sleeping. I'm also a big fan of generative AI tools, from chatbots to image generators, though I am wary of their potential dangers and shortcomings. With all this considered, you'd think I'd be a shoo-in to upgrade my current smartphone for an iPhone 16 with the new Apple Intelligence features, yet I'm not convinced. Also: Why you shouldn't buy the iPhone 16 for Apple Intelligence There are compelling reasons to upgrade to an iPhone 16, set to be launched on September 9, even if you don't consider the new Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone 16, for example, promises to have the largest iPhone display yet, with thinner bezels and a taller design to allow the screen to stretch over 6.9 inches. But even with all the Apple Intelligence features we know about and considering that Apple will likely reserve new ones to announce during the September 9 event, I'm not fully convinced to upgrade to a new iPhone yet. Though some things may get me there. If you're looking to the iPhone 16 launch to get a new iPhone with all the flashy AI features Apple showed this summer, you'll have to wait. As it is now, we're not sure if the iPhone 16 lineup will launch with any Apple Intelligence features. However, we do know that Apple Intelligence will come out with iOS 18.1, but its launch timeline is still unclear. I'd expect the iPhone 16 lineup to include at least some new AI features to entice consumers to buy a new iPhone at launch, but that's yet to be confirmed. Also: Why Apple's best new AI features from WWDC will be boring (and I'm glad) Most of the more attractive features of Apple Intelligence that Apple showcased during WWDC in June are supposedly coming later in 2025, which is hardly a convincing factor to fork over more money for a new phone in September 2024. If you're looking for features like Genmoji, Image Playground, and the ChatGPT integration with Siri, you'll have to wait until 2025. Many unknowns surround how Apple Intelligence features will perform on the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and the new iPhone 16 lineup. As Apple strives to continue its commitment to consumer privacy, it has advised that most of its AI features will run on-device. However, running AI models on-device, even the smaller models that Apple plans to run, can strain a smartphone's performance. Also: 6 reasons why iOS 18 makes the iPhone 16 a must-upgrade for me Apple Intelligence requires at least 8GB of RAM and an A17 or M1 Apple silicon processor or newer. While the iPhone 16 lineup is expected to run on an A18 Bionic chip and between 8GB and 12GB of RAM across the four different models, concerns about how much strain the CPU will endure are valid. The new AI capabilities can also overheat the iPhone and drain its battery quicker, potentially reducing the device's lifecycle. The iPhone 14 was a big upgrade from the iPhone 13 by finally removing the notch in favor of the dynamic island, bringing always-on capabilities and stand-by mode with the Pro models, followed by more customization options with iOS 17. However, the iPhone 15 was an iterative upgrade. While the iPhone 16 is planned to be a big upgrade again, most of this characterization is hinged on the Apple Intelligence features. Also: iPhone 15 review: Why I recommend this model even to 'Pro' users in 2024 But, the iPhone 16's Apple Intelligence features (when they arrive) are undoubtedly modest compared to ChatGPT with GPT-4o and other AI tools available now. Other tools available now can do most of what Apple Intelligence promises; the difference is that the latter will run on-device and be personalized to the individual user. That's right; the new iPhone 16 Pro is planned to be more expensive than the iPhone 15 Pro, so be prepared to pay more for a new iPhone that, so far, is expected to do much of the same as the old one (at first). The base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are expected to be the same price as the iPhone 15, starting at $799. The Pro models are rumored to increase the starting price to $1,099, likely due to adding extra RAM, upgraded camera, and new features, like a larger screen. Also: I used my iPhone 15 Pro without a case for a year. Here's how it looks now Of course, we still don't know everything Apple has planned for the iPhone 16 lineup, so I may be eating my words come September 9 and throwing my money at Apple for the latest iPhone. My Apple Intelligence-incompatible, lightning port-charging iPhone 14 Pro Max still performs just as well when I bought it two years ago. Amidst rumored iPhone 16 hardware upgrades, I've yet to find a reason to pay over $1,000 for a device that seems more of a slight upgrade than anything else.

These 3 rumored iPhone 16 features should have you excited to upgrade

Apple's iPhone 16 is sizing up to be a huge launch thanks to a design change, better performance, and the long-awaited Siri upgrade. The iPhone 16's launch is just around the corner. Apple is holding its next big event on September 9 at 1pm EST/10AM PST. While we don't know for sure whether the new set of smartphones will make an appearance, it's all but confirmed that they will. September is usually when the tech giant reveals its next generation of mobile phones. Also: I'm an Android user, but these three iPhone 16 features would win me over Because the big day is so soon, I can't help but feel a little anxious. While every generational launch is a momentous occasion, this release is special as it marks a new era for Apple. Rumors suggest the tech giant will embrace generative AI on the iPhone and introduce important design changes. There are three changes in particular that I am excited to see, and you should be too. The iPhone 16 is rumored to receive a substantial update to its camera system. An improved night mode and new ultrawide sensor are said to be coming to the device, but what I'm looking forward to most is the Capture button. It seems the Capture button will primarily act as a camera shortcut of sorts. Pushing it takes a photo, but that only scratches the surface. Reports claim that the button also supports gesture control. Swiping on it with your thumb or finger would let you zoom in or out, while a light press would focus the camera and a hard press would snap a picture. This could be an intuitive way to take photos and a great way to introduce more people to photography. Siri has been getting on in years. The AI tool hasn't changed much since it came out, and the rise of generative models have put a harsh spotlight on its shortcomings. Back during WWDC 2024, Apple announced Siri will receive a much-needed upgrade. It'll gain conversational context so it remembers what you just told it, and would soon be able to "take actions across apps." Also: Apple confirm iPhone 16 event date, and 'It's Glowtime', according to the company I think next month's event will dedicate a good portion to Siri. During the early demos, Apple showed that activating the new Siri causes a glowing animation to appear on the iPhone's display edge. The tagline for the event is "It's Glowtime." Putting two and two together leads me to believe that there's more to the upgrade than what we've seen so far. The iPhone 16 is bringing first-party generative AI to the company's smartphone line in the form of a new series of features collectively known as Apple Intelligence. This type of tech can be demanding on a mobile device's hardware, which is why the current Apple Intelligence beta is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (these models have enough RAM to support the features). Also: How Apple's AI advances could make or break the iPhone 16 If Apple wants its AI tech to run on every single iPhone 16 device, the company will need to offer powerful hardware across the board. Leaks suggest this will be the case: the base iPhone 16 is said to have an A18 processor with 8GB of RAM, while the Pro configuration will house 12GB of RAM. Memory is crucial when trying to meet AI demands, but even AI aside, I would love to see how well the iPhone 16 series runs with more memory. I've also been wanting to see iPhones sport more muscle, and the A18 might just deliver. Even if you don't care about the Capture button or the new Siri, more memory and a faster processor can't hurt.