iPhone 16 Series: A Comprehensive Comparison and Upgrade Analysis

Every iPhone 16 model compared: Should you buy the standard, Plus, Pro, or Max?

Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 series with camera improvements and larger displays, but which one is right for you? Here's how each model compares. Apple unveiled its latest handsets earlier this week, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While the lineup embodies Apple's push for larger displays, improved performance, and significant camera upgrades, all models have key differences that you should consider going into this year's buying cycle. Also: 4 ways I reuse my old iPhones instead of trading them in - including with robots The entire lineup features support for Apple Intelligence, Apple's artificial intelligence (AI) tools that will be released for some iPhone models with iOS 18 over the next few months. Aside from the iPhone 16, the only iPhones compatible with Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, other features make the iPhone 16 lineup a good choice for an upgrade. Here's how you can choose the best one for you: Thankfully, you won't have to buy the largest, most expensive iPhone to access the Apple Intelligence features, as all four iPhone 16 models will support Apple's new AI tools. Apple Intelligence requires an A17 chip or newer and at least 8GB of RAM. The iPhone 16 features the A18 Pro chip to support AI processes and more advanced machine learning tasks. Also: iPhone 16 hands-on: So packed with features, I almost forgot about its Pro model Apple Intelligence requires considerable processing power, largely dependent on RAM capacity. Higher RAM capacity allows natural language processing (NLP) and AI-powered photo editing. The A18 chip is built with second-generation 3nm technology, a six-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, and is 30% faster than the iPhone 15's CPU while using 35% less power than the A16 Bionic chip. The iPhone 16 also has an upgraded neural engine for more efficient AI task processing. The neural engine powers AI tasks like voice commands, image recognition, and predictive text. All the new iPhone 16 models will feature a capture button that works as a shortcut for the camera function. The touch-sensitive capture button will let users control the focus, zoom, and camera trigger with different gestures. This dedicated capture button is new to the iPhone experience and is available on the base model, which is noteworthy. Also: Four reasons I'm not upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro from my iPhone 14 The iPhone 16 will also get the Action button, which was introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max in place of the mute switch. The iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7-inch screen, which is still large, just the same size as the iPhone 15 Plus, but slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 Pro Max screen. It also supports Apple Intelligence and features the A17 chip and some RAM enhancements. Also: Buying an Apple Watch Series 10? Consider these 3 features before upgrading The iPhone 16 Plus features midrange pricing at $899, sitting squarely between the base and Pro versions. For a lower price, you can get the enhanced performance featured in the iPhone 15 Pro models last year and the same capture button available in the iPhone 16 Pro models. The iPhone 16 Pro models feature the best camera systems of any iPhone, but you don't have to splurge for the Pro Max to enjoy them. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 48-MP ultra-wide camera, up from 12 MP on the iPhone 15 and 14 Pro models. The new lineup brings the iPhone 16's UW camera in line with the main sensor, which is expected to reduce noise and improve image quality significantly Also: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to buy the smaller iPhone 16 Pro over the Max this year Aside from a new camera layout, the iPhone 16 Pro has more image capture features that make it appealing for photography enthusiasts, including a 5X optical zoom, new and improved camera sensors, 4K video support at 120fps (including slo-mo) and spatial video recording. You can enjoy your pictures in the larger 6.3-inch display, up from the 6.1-inch screen in the older Pro models, and choose a model with up to 2TB of storage. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus both support Wi-Fi 6E, but the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max also support Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 translates into faster speeds, lower latency, and more efficient spectrum use, which is beneficial for high-demand tasks like online gaming, video conferencing, streaming 8K video, virtual reality (VR), and downloading large files. The iPhone 16 Pro supports up to 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe wireless charging. While the iPhone 16 Pro's battery is only about 2.5% larger than the iPhone 15 Pro, the charging speeds are a definite upgrade from the iPhone 15's 15W charging with MagSafe and 27W with wired chargers. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a huge display, growing to 6.9 inches with the update. It features thinner bezels than previous models to maximize real estate display and a slightly taller frame for more space. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also has a larger 4,676 mAh battery, about 5.7% larger than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. If 5.7% does not sound like a big difference, think of how often your phone dies and how badly you wish you could have a few extra battery percentage points. Also: 7 Apple products you shouldn't buy right now The 4,676 mAh battery on the iPhone 16 Pro Max is still smaller than I hoped, especially considering that the direct competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Ultra, has a 5,000 mAh battery. We'll see what we can expect from the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

iPhone 16 Pro: 7 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip

Apple tends to save its biggest upgrades for its Pro phones, and this year's iPhone 16 Pro models are no exception. From bigger screens to overhauled camera hardware, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max pack in a number of enhancements -- and that's before we even consider the Apple Intelligence features coming via a software update next month. The new phones certainly make a good first impression as you can see in our iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max hands-on. But should you really commit $999 or more to buying either phone once iPhone 16 pre-orders begin on September 13? Because we've spent some time with both iPhone 16 Pro models after attending Apple's launch event, we have some insight on what's appealing about the new phones and where they don't impress as much. Here's why you should consider buying the iPhone 16 Pro, along with a few reasons why you might want to give this year's update a pass. If you believe that bigger is better, you're going to get a kick out of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which now feature respective screen sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches. That latter size is the biggest ever screen offered on an iPhone. Those new screen sizes build upon the 6.1- and 6.7- inch panels that Apple has used on its Pro models for years. However, the boost in screen space hasn't meant a corresponding increase in size, since Apple also shrunk the bezels around the display to free up more room. As a result, the iPhone 16 Pro is only 0.12 inches taller and 0.03 inches wider than its predecessor. The increase in iPhone 16 Pro Max dimensions is similarly modest. Cameras are one of the most important feature on any phone, and Apple made sure that the ones on the iPhone 16 Pro models got plenty of attention. In the case of the iPhone 16 Pro, specifically, every lens undergoes some sort of improvement. The biggest change involves the iPhone 16 Pro's telephoto camera, which adopts the tetraprism design Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. As a result, the iPhone 16 Pro now offers a 5x optical zoom matching what the Pro Max model can do. Changes to the main camera and ultrawide camera affect both new models. Apple now uses a new Fusion sensor for the main camera, with the primary benefit being a faster shutter speed since the sensor can read data faster. Meanwhile the ultrawide lens gets a boost from a 12MP sensor on older iPhone Pros to a 48MP sensor here, which should result in more detailed photos. iPhones typically rank high among the best camera phones, and you'd have to imagine that the iPhone 16 Pro stands a good chance of joining that list if the improved camera hardware delivers the promised benefits. Anyone whose job or hobby centers around video production won't have to think too long about whether to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple made a number of changes to the video capture capabilities of its iPhone 16 Pro models that should make life a lot easier on videographers. You can now shoot 4K 120fps video in HDR at either full speed or in slow motion with the iPhone 16 Pro. And you'll be able to adjust video speeds after the fact, just like you can adjust the background blur on a portrait shot. On the audio front, the iPhone 16 Pro sports four mics for capturing spatial audio when you're recording video. An Audio Mix feature lets you adjust sound to emphasize the person in the shot or amplify any background noise. My colleague Jeff Parsons calls the iPhone 16 Pro a game-changer for video capture, and when you consider all of the features Apple has added to this year's Pro models, that may be underselling it. We're not done talking camera features, as Apple added a new Camera Control button across the iPhone 16 lineup. It provides an easier way to launch the Camera app and capture photos and videos -- just press the button on the side of the phone to activate the camera and press it again to take a photo. Pro phone users will appreciate the ability to control the telephoto lens zoom with a light press of the Camera Control button. A double light press lets you toggle between different camera settings like exposure or depth of field, adjusting those with a slide. And Apple promises a software update later this year to automatically lock focus and exposure from the Camera Control button to let you reframe the shot without losing focus on your subject. Mastering the different presses and swipes might involve a learning curve, as Mark Spoonauer learned in his Camera Control hands-on time. But it's a promising addition that figures to give mobile photographers more flexibility in how they operate the iPhone 16 Pro's cameras. A new round of iPhone updates means a new chipset running the show, and it sounds like the A18 Pro inside the iPhone 16 Pro models could be quite formidable. It's got an extra core in its GPU compared to the A18 system-on-chip in the standard iPhone 16, so the Pro models should deliver better performance in graphically intensive apps. Apple promises a 15% faster CPU and 20% faster GPU compared to last year's iPhone 15 Pro. The speed gains should be even more pronounced if you're upgrading from an older iPhone. The A18 Pro is also more power efficient, too, which should help the iPhone 16 Pro models deliver better battery life than before -- a bold claim considering how long the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasts on a charge. There's also a 16-core neural engine that's a part of the A18 Pro silicon, which helps run all those Apple Intelligence features Apple's planning to add via a software update. Because of all that computing power, the bulk of Apple's AI-driven features will be contained on your phone, keeping that data safe from prying eyes. We take it for granted that iPhones are built to last, thanks to factors like an IP68 water-resistance rating that keeps Apple's handsets safe from water damage at up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. But Apple made specific changes to the iPhone 16 models to further keep them out of harm's way. Specifically, the Ceramic Shield on the new iPhones has gotten an update, with Apple saying this latest-generation version of its protective coating is 50% tougher than before. When you're paying iPhone Pro prices for your smartphone, you definitely want one that's more likely to survive a tumble. A year ago, Apple boosted the price on its Pro Max model by $100, setting off an unfortunate trend among the top phone makers. Samsung enacted a similar price hike for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, while OnePlus and Google upped the cost of some of their top flagships, too. At least Apple is breaking the cycle of higher prices with the iPhone 16 release. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have the same starting prices as last year's models, which is incentive enough to jump on the upgrade train. Let's start with some good news. The new iPhones now support 25W MagSafe charging, which is an improvement over previous models. That's a positive change, even if you wind up having to buy a new MagSafe accessory to take advantage of those improved speeds. Less positive? Wired charging speeds remain at 20W, where they've been stuck since the iPhone 12. We say this a lot whenever there's a new iPhone launch, but it's only because it remains true -- at a time when Android makers offer super-fast charging speeds to making topping off batteries a snap, the iPhone continues to live life in the slow lane, even after making the switch from a Lightning port to USB-C. Perhaps one day Apple will get around to improving wired charging for its phones, but the iPhone 16 release day is not that time. Putting Pro in a product's name introduces certain expectations, one of which is the belief that you should get ample amounts of storage in your premium device. The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers on this front, with a 256GB capacity for its $1,199 starting price, maintaining a change Apple made with last year's model. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro still starts with 128GB of capacity -- which seems paltry when considering the $999 Apple demands for this model. It doesn't help that adding storage doesn't come cheaply at Apple. You'd have to pay an additional $100 to bump up the iPhone 16 Pro's capacity to 256GB. Contrast that with the Galaxy S24, where upgrading from the 128GB base model to a 256GB version costs a mere $60. (You don't have to worry about such an upgrade with the Galaxy S24 Plus -- the $999 version comes with the 256GB of storage Apple should include on its Pro model.) We can't give a definitive verdict on Apple Intelligence features just yet, because outside of a developer beta, they don't exist yet. Apple's not going to make them available to all users until an October software update. So one of the marquee additions to the iPhone 16 Pro will be missing in action when the phone goes on sale September 20. That's less of a concern if you view Apple Intelligence as a welcome, if not necessarily vital, addition to your smartphone. But if the promised AI features are your primary reason to consider an upgrade, you might want to hold off on the iPhone 16 purchase until you see just how polished the new features are. That could mean waiting a few months or as long as a full year, at which time the iPhone 17 models will be arriving. There's definitely a lot to like about the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, particularly if you're most interested in things like camera performance and battery life -- two of the main drivers of whether to get a new phone. We need to complete our iPhone 16 Pro testing, but on paper, the new models look like they'll deliver solid photos and last a long time on a charge. And they'll do at that with a bigger screen. It's Apple Intelligence that figures to be the biggest thing standing in the way of an easy upgrade decision -- not because the AI features don't look impressive. We've certainly like what we've seen from demos, but we don't know how that will translate into real-world use. And that uncertainty may be enough to convince some would-be upgraders to press pause for now.

Should you upgrade to iPhone 16? Here are ZDNET editors' top reasons for and against

ICYMI: Apple launched the new iPhone 16 lineup on Monday, along with several other new products and software developments, including AirPods 4, the Apple Watch Series 10, and new upgrades to the AirPods Pro 2 model to create clinical-grade hearing aids. And while you're probably expecting ZDNET's team of tech experts to say that we're all hopping on the iPhone 16 bandwagon thanks to flashy promises of Apple Intelligence, a new camera control button, and an upgraded design, you'd be wrong. Despite many of us extensively covering the development of flagship tech (especially smartphones) over the years with a fervent passion and interest, outside of our work, we're probably a lot like you. Also: 4 ways I reuse my old iPhones instead of trading them in - including with robots We're always looking for deals on top products, weighing the pros and cons before upgrading or buying new ones, and looking for the best long-term value in our tech. So maybe you're surprised to learn that despite covering the latest phone launches, from the iPhone 16 to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, some of us are still comfortably using our iPhone 12s, 13s, and 14s -- and aren't necessarily all in on buying a new model. Here are the top reasons why we are (or aren't) upgrading to the iPhone 16 in the coming months, including considerations of Apple Intelligence, camera features, and preorder or trade-in offers that are just too good to pass up. Perhaps one of the most important features of any smartphone these days is the camera, so it is no surprise that camera quality is a big consideration for ZDNET editors. It probably is for you, too. The iPhone 16 lineup includes a new Camera Control feature that works in landscape or portrait mode with a button on the side of the iPhone. In addition, you can lightly press the button to show camera functions you can choose from, such as zoom, exposure, or focal lengths, by swiping between the options. Also: Why the iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's biggest Pro upgrade in years, and I can't wait to buy one The Camera Control uses Apple's Visual Intelligence to let you capture a photo of things around you, like a poster or a restaurant, then uses iPhone's AI capability to search for it to give you more information -- similar to the Google Lens feature found on Android phones. Unlike last year, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max both contain the same camera, it's most impressive yet. These models have a new 48MP fusion camera, an updated 48MP ultrawide camera, and the same 5x optical zoom capable 12MP telephoto camera. Users can snap 48MP macro shots and shoot 4K Dolby Vision videos at up to 120fps (including slow-mo videos), making these phones great for creators and photographers. Several ZDNET editors are ready to upgrade because of this camera alone, especially ZDNET's Sabrina Ortiz, who has a great disdain for the camera on her iPhone 14 Pro. Also: I want to be excited about the iPhone 16's new camera button, but can't (for now) "I have the biggest one-sided beef in the world with the iPhone 14. I can give you material for years. Primarily because the camera is the worst thing I ever experienced on an iPhone. Even the base iPhone 16 model looks way better," Ortiz says. I told you we're really all just like you. Some ZDNET tech experts are ready to jump to the new iPhone 16 thanks to great carrier and trade-in offers on the models and are even more enthusiastic if they're ready for an upgrade. ZDNET contributor Ed Bott is planning to upgrade his iPhone 12 Pro Max for a new iPhone for his wife. "I am planning to upgrade because it is worth $800 as a trade-in at T-Mobile. I will give the new phone to my wife and will use her iPhone 14 Pro Max, which is a secondary phone for me. The iPhone 12 Pro Max still works great, but the trade-in value is too good to pass up," Bott says. Similarly, staff writer Allison Murray is ready for an upgrade from her iPhone 12 Pro and is content with the new base iPhone 16's offerings to make the flip. Also: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade to Apple's latest model? And if you're looking to change carriers, like managing editor Alison DeNisco Rayome, some of the trade-in offers make it hard to resist. "I still have the 13, and the trade-in deals are making it worth it for me to upgrade to the 16 (plus we want to switch carriers, so even better)," she says. Verizon and T-Mobile have similar offers right now, and they're pretty sweet. At T-Mobile, new and existing customers can get a free iPhone 16 Pro with a trade-in on the Go5G Next plan, or up to $1,000 off on any iPhone 16 model. Okay, this one comes as no surprise. There was bound to be some of us upgrading because well, we do work in tech after all, and what better way to cover Apple's iPhones than actually owning the new model yourself? So while this may not be an applicable reason for some, for those in tech it is sometimes justifiable. ZDNET contributor Lance Whitney says he usually upgrades every two years but will be upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro from a 14 Pro largely due to the larger screen, camera, and AI features, but also because of the work he specializes in. "As a writer, I always hope to be able to write about the new iPhone I buy to help justify the cost," Whitney says. Similarly, ZDNET's David Gewirtz is making the jump mostly on account of working in tech. "I'll probably order sometime this month. [I'm] not at all enthused by the 16. If it weren't for this gig, I'd probably wait to upgrade until new iOS updates won't install anymore," Gewirtz says. Also: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Should you upgrade to the latest model? ZDNET's Jason Perlow is bumping up for similar reasons. "I am upgrading from my 15 Pro Max to a 16 Pro Max because I am on the iPhone Upgrade Program, and as I cover developments with Apple, it is a business expense and [ultimately] it's trading one loan payment for another. No other reason, although the camera improvements seem nice. I debated skipping, but there wasn't much of a downside," he says. Apple's biggest flexes over the last few months have been their Apple Intelligence and AI features, which the iPhone 16 is the guinea pig for. While some of these new AI features are undeniably cool, like the new Camera Control, enhanced Siri features, and more, the features are still limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and above and rolling out only in beta over the next few weeks. Essentially, this is Apple's first iPhone marketed with an AI push, and like everything in tech, there's bound to be some kinks that have to be worked out. ZDNET's Kyle Kucharski just isn't on board with paying to upgrade for unpolished AI features. "The trade-in deals are tempting but as many writers have stated, the [iPhone 16] ultimately feels like a stepping stone. I'm betting that waiting one more year (which won't be hard given the fact that my 12 still works well) will be more impactful," he says. Also: iOS 18 update: Every iPhone model that will support Apple's new AI features (for now) Jason Perlow is on the same page. "Let's not diminish the product for what it is: the iPhone 16 is undeniably great hardware. But unless you're using a old phone -- like my colleague David Gewirtz's iPhone 12, which is four generations behind -- you should strongly consider skipping this generation. Why? Because Apple Intelligence, while promising, is still in its infancy," Perlow wrote in one of his recent pieces. As reviews editor Kyle Kucharski says, it's never a good idea to blindly update your mobile tech every year without thinking. You've got to have at least one good reason to payout for a new model when the one you have is working perfectly fine. Also: The 7 best iOS 18 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhile Staff writer Maria Diaz thinks the same. "I have the iPhone 14 Pro Max and am still happy with it. It performs just as well as when I got it. I wish the camera were better (but the BlackMagic app helps a lot with this) and I would like the convenience of a USB-C port, but it's still working well enough that I don't feel compelled at all to get an iPhone 16. I'm holding out for next year, at least," Diaz says. Kucharski is on the same page. "I still have the 12, and the bottom line: it still works fine," he says. Sometimes it's the most obvious factors that influence our choices. The expense and hassle of coordinating a new phone may not be in some people's budgets just yet (literally and figuratively). I'm in this department. It would be really cool to have that shiny, beautiful, and gloriously pink iPhone 16, but my iPhone 14 Pro works completely fine (even though its battery grinds my gears), and I have no good reason to upgrade beyond wanting a pink phone. It would be an added expense on both my wallet and my time (setting up a new phone is not a one-day process; change my mind). Plus, I usually keep my phones until they crap out anyway, so an upgrade right now is just not in the cards. ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is still on the fence, but we agree on one thing. "It's a ton of money," he says. If you decide to upgrade to Apple's latest iPhone model, there are a few things to know. Preorders for the iPhone 16 start at 5:00 a.m. PDT on Friday, September 16 at Apple and cellular carriers. The phones will be released to the public on September 20.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Is It Worth an Upgrade?

Quick LinksiPhone 16 Pro Is Slightly Bigger and Wider The iPhone 16 Pro Has a Slightly Larger Display Introducing the A18 Pro Apple Silicon iPhone 16 Pro Gets a New Telephoto and Ultrawide Sensor The iPhone 16 Pro Gets a Battery Boost Both Phones Support Apple Intelligence The Price Remains the Same Key Takeaways iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly bigger display, a new Camera Control button, a faster A18 Pro chip, a better camera system, and 25W MagSafe charging for a starting price of $999. The iPhone 15 can be found for $899 and features many of the same features including an always-on ProMotion display, programmable Action button, USB-C port, and titanium finish. Both models will support AI features in the form of Apple Intelligence, set to launch in October with the iOS 18.1 update. The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a few notable upgrades over last year's model, but Apple's new AI features are available on both models. So is it worth upgrading from your iPhone 15 Pro? Let's find out. iPhone 16 Pro Is Slightly Bigger and Wider While both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro look alike, there are a few differences. First, the iPhone 16 Pro is slightly taller and a tad wider than the iPhone 15 Pro. The additional millimeters add space for a larger screen. And yes, the iPhone 16 Pro is 12 grams heavier than its predecessor. Like its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro is also available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, and Natural Titanium. However, Apple has also added a Desert Titanium finish to the mix, which wasn't an option with the previous version. While both phones have an Action Button, the iPhone 16 Pro features the new Camera Control button, which is on the same side as the power button. As the name suggests, the button helps users access the Camera app and Apple's Visual Intelligence feature with a press or slide. Last but not least, you get the second generation of Ceramic Shield front glass, which is about 50% tougher than the one on the iPhone 15 Pro. Beyond these four differences, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro share a myriad of similarities. Both phones have a Dynamic Island on the front, with symmetrical bezels on all sides (these are slightly thinner on the iPhone 16 Pro). There's a square-shaped camera module on the back with a matte-finish glass panel, and IP68 dust and water resistance. The iPhone 16 Pro Has a Slightly Larger Display As mentioned, the slightly taller and wider dimensions of the iPhone 16 Pro alongside the thinner bezels make room for a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR screen. This seems noticeably bigger than the otherwise similar 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR screen on the iPhone 15 Pro. However, that is the extent of the changes that Apple has made to the iPhone 16 Pro's screen, as all the other specifications, like the panel technology (OLED), resolution, peak brightness, and high refresh rate (ProMotion display), are the same as those on the iPhone 15 Pro. Both models support the always-on display with the only difference being that the iPhone 16 Pro's screen can go down to a single nit of minimum brightness. Introducing the A18 Pro Apple Silicon The iPhone 16 Pro runs on the new A18 Pro chipset, which is based on the second-generation three-nanometer fabrication technology with smaller yet faster transistors that help increase performance and efficiency at the same time. With a new six-core CPU that features two performance cores and four efficiency cores, the iPhone 16 Pro can run the "same workload as the previous generation 15% faster while using 20% less power." The next-generation machine-learning accelerators have been optimized for Apple Intelligence, offering high-throughput and low-latency computations. Then there's a new six-core GPU that is "up to 20% faster than the previous generation" and supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for even better graphics in 3D games. The chipset also has a new 16-core Neural Engine for handling on-device Apple Intelligence workloads. Apple also includes a new heat dissipation system on the iPhone 16 Pro, which helps sustain peak performance for prolonged usage. However, the A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro is no slouch either. Even though the processor dates back to 2023, it will pack enough horsepower to run the latest Apple Intelligence features. iPhone 16 Pro Gets a New Telephoto and Ultrawide Sensor Both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro feature a 48MP primary camera, which shoots stunning pictures in all scenarios. This year's Pro model comes with a new 48MP ultrawide camera for sharper, more detailed landscape shots. The sensor, like the 12MP ultrawide sensor on the iPhone 15 Pro, can also capture macro shots. Another significant upgrade is the inclusion of the 12MP 5x telephoto camera on the iPhone 16 Pro, which provides a better zoom range (up to 25x digital zoom) than the 12MP 3x telephoto sensor on the iPhone 15 Pro (up to 15x digital zoom). The iPhone 16 Pro also takes video recording up a notch by letting you shoot 4K videos at up to 120 fps with the primary camera. You also get an option to adjust the playback speed after recording the video. For professionals who are into videography, the iPhone 16 Pro can record ProRes video in 4K at 120 fps (even going straight to an external storage device). Additionally, you get wind noise reduction and Audio Mix sound optimization on the newer handset. The iPhone 15 Pro, on the other hand, can "only" record 4K videos at 60 fps and ProRes videos in 4K at 60 fps. Nonetheless, it shares many features with the newer model, like the Cinematic Mode, Action Mode, and the 12MP TrueDepth front camera, which can record 4K videos at 60 fps on both devices. Clearly, the iPhone 16 Pro offers significant upgrades in the camera department, including the aforementioned Camera Control button that unlocks new ways of capturing photos and recording videos. The iPhone 16 Pro Gets a Battery Boost With the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple improves on the battery life by a few hours. Last year, the iPhone 15 Pro was rated to provide up to 23 hours of video playback. This year, the iPhone 16 Pro can deliver up to 27 hours of video playback. Like the regular iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Pro also supports 25W MagSafe wireless charging (with a 30W adapter or higher), which is the same as the maximum wired charging speed on the iPhone 15 Pro. Both Phones Support Apple Intelligence Both phones support iOS 18 and will be capable of running the Apple's AI features, known as Apple Intelligence. Regarding software support, the iPhone 16 Pro, like the 15 Pro before it, should get all the latest iOS versions and features for at least five years but probably longer. The Price Remains the Same The iPhone 16 Pro with 128GB of storage costs $999. Pre-orders begin September 13, while the iPhone will hit stores on September 20. While Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro at $999, it is currently available for $899 at Best Buy. If you wait for a while, you should be able to find a better deal during the holiday sale season. iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB $999 - $999 - 256GB $1,099 $1,199 $1,099 $1,199 512GB $1,299 $1,399 $1,299 $1,399 1TB $1,499 $1,599 $1,499 $1,599 Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on what you use your iPhone for and how important it is to have the latest features. If you're a regular user who purchased the iPhone 15 Pro at the retail price when it launched, you already have about 80% features of the iPhone 16 Pro. If the remaining 20% of features (the A18 Pro chipset, the Camera Control button, two new camera sensors, and a longer-lasting battery that supports 25W MagSafe charging) are worth it, then you have your answer. While these features are amazing, they aren't something you can't live without if you already own an iPhone 15 Pro. Apple iPhone 16 Pro A version of Apple's newest iPhone with a larger screen featuring a camera button, a programmable action button, and artificial intelligence features. See at Apple Apple iPhone 15 Pro The Apple iPhone 15 Pro features a titanium design with Action button, A17 Pro chip, USB-C port, and a 48MP camera. See at AppleSee at VerizonSee at T-Mobile

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: How do the new models compare?

We compare the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, looking at max specs, price, size and more to help you decide which iPhone 16 model is best for you. On September 9, 2024, Apple pulled back the covers on its latest generation of iPhones, ushering in the age of the iPhone 16. As with the previous lineup, you get four models to choose from: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here, we'll compare the standard iPhone 16 and its Pro counterpart to find out whether the extra money is worth spending. If it's the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max you are deciding between, those handsets share the same features as their smaller counterpart-only the screen sizes are different-so the information below will apply to that decision as well. To find out how the new iPhone 16 compares to the previous generation read our comparison of the iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16. While the two devices do look fairly similar, there are some notable differences. The most obvious being the more colorful options on the iPhone 16 compared to the more business-like metallic finishes of the iPhone 16 Pro range. The iPhone 16 features a color-infused glass back design that comes in Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, Black and White. Alternatively, it's a microblasted textured finish on the Pro models, offering Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium and Desert Titanium (the latter being new for 2024, with 2023's Blue Titanium option consigned to history). The materials are also a key difference between the two handsets (and have always been a distinction). The iPhone 16 features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, whereas the Pro models is encased in titanium, as was the case with the previous generation. The other key difference is the presence of three camera lenses on the back of the iPhone 16 Pro, compared to two on the iPhone 16, this has always been a key differentiator between the pro and standard iPhones (while the iPhone SE has just one lens on the back). All the above differences have been the case for many generations, but for 2024 there is a more significant distinction: The iPhone 16 Pro models now have larger displays than their non-pro counterparts. Apple has increased the screen size on both the Pro and Pro Max. The Pro screen is 6.3-inches, up from 6.1-inches, while the Pro Max screen is 6.9-inches, up from 6.7-inches. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus stick to the older screen sizes of 6.1-inched and 6.7-inches. Apple has managed to achieve this new screen size in the pro models by reducing the bezels rather than increasing the size of the handset, however, the pro models are still bigger and heavier than the standard iPhone 16 (although the width is so minutely smaller on the Pros that is perfectly highlights the difference between measuring in millimeters compared to inches). That extra heft doesn't only come from the larger panel, the inclusion of an extra camera module, as well as the different materials makes a big difference. But 30g is quite a lot in terms of a phone, so if you were hoping for a lightweight device, then the Pro might already have ruled itself out of contention. The customizable Action button that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro devices now makes an appearance on the iPhone 16. In addition to that, Apple has introduced a new Camera Control button on all four new phones, which we'll cover in the camera section below. All four iPhones feature the same IP68 water and dustproofing ratings, and all come with the now standard USB-C charging port, although, as in 2023, the Pro model upgrades to USB 3 for faster transfer speeds. As mentioned already, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max come with larger screens than the non-pro models, but there are some common factors. They're all Super Retina XDR panels with OLED, HDR, True Tone, Wide color, 1,000 nits max brightness (typical), 1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR), and 2,000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), plus a new 1 nits minimum brightness. Only the Pro models get an Always-On display so that the time and selected information is always shown, and ProMotion (120hz) refresh rate to make scrolling buttery smooth. Resolutions are relatively the same, when you factor in the size difference, with the two sporting the following specs: All the 2024 iPhones feature the same updated Ceramic Shield technology to protect the screen from scratches or breakages. The differences between the pro and standard iPhones for 2024 are perhaps less pronounced than in previous years. The larger screens on the pro models are probably the biggest point in favor of the pro models. As you can see from the table below, most of the changes relate to the cameras, which we will discuss in the next section. It's in the camera department where the most obvious differences appear. The iPhone 16 has a dual-lens rear camera system (48Mp f/1.6 Fusion and 12Mp f/2.2 Ultra wide) but Apple has added some software trickery so that the Fusion camera shoots at 24Mp and 48Mp, giving you a cropped image that retains high levels of details and creates essentially two focal lengths. The upgraded Ultra Wide lens also comes with autofocus now and can shoot macro images. These two lenses combine to offer 0.5x, 1x and 2x optical zoom options. The arrangement of the cameras has also changed, with the lenses now positioned vertically rather than diagonally. This is to allow for the taking of stereoscopic images needed for the new Spatial Capture feature, which will create images that can be used with Apple Vision Pro. As you can see from the above table, the Pro camera is superior. As is traditional, the Pro model has a three lens array on the rear module. This is made up of a 48Mp f/1.78 Fusion, 48Mp f/2.2 Ultra Wide, and 12Mp f/2.8 Telephoto. The latter has 5x optical zoom capabilities that we first saw on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but which now appears on the smaller Pro model in the new generation. Overall the iPhone 16 Pro offers 0.5x, 1x, 2x and 5x optical zoom options. For this generation it gains a second 48MP camera for Ultra Wide and the ability to take 48MP macro photos. Macro photography had previously only been available on the pro iPhones, but in 2024 it arrived on the iPhone 16 too (though not at 48MP). The aperture settings are also better on the Pro. Note that where in the past the Pro Max would have a superior camera, this is no longer the case: the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have identical cameras. There's also the new second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilisation on the Pro, while the standard iPhone gets the (still impressive) first-generation version. All the 2024 iPhones come with Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5 for photos, Photonic Engine, Night Mode (although only the Pro has Night Mode Portraits), Portrait Lighting, True Tone Flash (where the Pro is adaptive whereas the standard iPhone 16 is not), the latest generation of Photographic styles, Spatial photos, and Anti-reflective lens coating to reduce glare (the iPhone 16 is only on the Fusion camera). So, from a photographic point of view, the iPhone 16 has some brilliant features and will capture fantastic images, but the iPhone 16 Pro has more firepower at its disposal. Video marks the biggest departure. The iPhone 16 can shoot 4K/60fps, which is more than enough for most people. There's also the Action Mode to keep jittery footage smooth, Spatial Video, Macro, Slo-Mo at 1080p/240fps, Time-Lapse, and plenty of other cool features, the majority of which will never be used, as the video will be for shooting footage of the kids at birthday parties or quick holiday panoramas to show the folks back home. And there's nothing wrong with that, as this is how normal people use video recording on their phones. So, the iPhone 16 is a perfect option. Should you want to start a film career though, then the expanded features on the iPhone 16 Pro will be of great interest. ProRes goes from 4K/60fps on the iPhone 15 Pro to 4K/120fps, bringing Cinematic Slo-mo to the iPhone. You still get the Log video recording and the Academy color Encoding system, so you can work on colorization, plus there's now what Apple calls a studio-quality four-mic array for capturing audio. Not only that, you can also remix the audio to remove or change the prominence of audio elements like off-screen talking thanks to the Audio Mix feature (which also works on the iPhone 16). If cameras are your thing, and video in particular, then the iPhone 16 Pro is the one you want. One new feature the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro both share is the Camera Control button. This is similar to the later iterations of the Home button, in that it uses a Taptic Engine to simulate the feeling that it is being pressed. Tapping the Camera Control button instantly launches the camera, so you can quickly capture images. The surface is also touch sensitive so it can be used to adjust settings by sliding your finger along it. All of this makes the experience feel much more akin to a classic camera with all the dials for exposure, aperture or ISO under your fingers. Apple also announced that focus tracking for images would be made available in a software update in the coming months. With this, you'd soft-press the button to select the subject in focus, then be able to reframe the shot with the subject still tracked until you press the button again to capture the photo. Apple bestows new processors on the iPhone 16 range, as you'd expect, with an A18 in the standard models and the A18 Pro in, well, you've guessed it. Both chipsets feature a new 16-core neural engine, 6-core CPU (2 performance and 4 efficiency cores), 6-core GPU, all built on a 3nm process. While these chips improve performance and efficiency over their forebears, it's unclear how they compare to each other, as Apple hasn't announced any direct comparative figures. We do know that the A18 Pro has additional features, such as dedicated sections for ProMotion Display support, Always-On display support, faster USB 3 speeds, and ProRes video recording, but whether that will be useful to most people is unclear. They're both the fastest chips you can get on iPhones, and are purpose built to support Apple Intelligence, which runs on all the iPhone 16 lineup. You can read more about the Apple Intelligence features to see what the fuss is all about, but briefly it's something of a big deal, as the AI capabilities are baked-in to iOS 18, making it possible to improve your writing, find photos just by describing what's happening in them, interact with Siri is a far more productive way, plus various photo editing and clever additional video features. Thanks to the more efficient silicon in both devices, they score impressive battery life improvements over the models they replace. Using video playback as the metric, the iPhone 16 boasts up to 22 hours, which is two more than the iPhone 15, but the iPhone 16 Pro takes the lead with a whopping 27-hour maximum, which is a four-hour improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro. Impressive indeed. 2024's iPhones make some compelling arguments for upgrading. The improved cameras, battery life, and performance are all strong reasons, but it's Apple Intelligence that is the most intriguing. If Apple can deliver on the promise, then this might be a turning point towards how iPhones will look and behave for the next decade. Between the two devices themselves, there are differences, but as with the standard iPhone vs Pro debate, it really comes down to what you want to do with your iPhone. If it's a light and compact design with great cameras, plenty of power, and which will last you for a good few years, then the iPhone 16 is the obvious choice. Those who are happy to spend more and really want to get serious with video content should look towards the iPhone 16 Pro. We're not convinced that the additional features will be much use to your everyday user, but that's why there's a Pro in the name.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro: Is the latest model worth the upgrade?

Apple's new iPhone 16 Pro has some notable improvements, but do they warrant upgrading from the now two-year-old iPhone 14 Pro? Here's how to decide. This week, Apple held its annual iPhone event to debut the iPhone 16 line and other devices. All the artificial intelligence (AI) features Apple unveiled may be very tempting, but is the iPhone 16 enough of an upgrade to warrant a new $1,000+ payment? Also: iPhone 16 Pro hands-on: My 3 favorite things about this ridiculously overpowered supercomputer As an iPhone 14 Pro Max user, I'm not convinced that the new AI-enabled iPhone 16 Pro is worth the upgrade for me. But the USB-C charging, the action button, or new camera features may make the upgrade worthwhile to you. If you're trying to decide, read on to learn why you should upgrade or why it may be worth holding off until the iPhone 17. Apple's artificial intelligence push, aptly named Apple Intelligence, will be available over the coming months on the iPhone 16 lineup, but it's not coming to the iPhone 14 Pro. Though the iPhone 14 Pro will get iOS 18, it'll soon be short on AI features, rendering it outdated. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with the latest AI features or already use other AI tools in your day-to-day life, the iPhone 16 Pro is likely a worthy upgrade. Also: The 5 best iPhone 16 Pro features that enthusiasts will care about To run smoothly, the Apple Intelligence features require an A17 chip or newer and at least 8GB of RAM, but the iPhone 14 Pro has the A16 chip and only 6GB of RAM. The iPhone 16 Pro features an A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, making it a perfect device to run Apple's AI features. Apple has thinned out the iPhone 16 Pro's bezels to the bare minimum and stretched the Pro models' displays to 6.3 and 6.9 inches for the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, respectively. This gives users more screen real estate to watch videos, play games, view and edit documents, and read shared screens on video conferences. Also: 7 Apple products you shouldn't buy right now The larger smartphone also means that the iPhone 16 Pro has a larger battery than the 14 Pro, at 3,355 mAh compared to 3,200 mAh. But even without the welcome battery upgrade, the new Pro models support faster charging than ever. The iPhone 16 Pro supports 40W wired charging and 20W of MagSafe charging, so if you find the iPhone 14 Pro's charging slow, it could be time to upgrade. The iPhone 16 Pro features some of the best camera enhancements, including the improved ultrawide camera. The UW camera moved to align with a larger, improved Sony sensor, so it's going from a measly 12MP to 48MP. Also: The iPhone 16's new camera button is the feature I'm most excited about. Here's how it works If you love taking photos with your smartphone, the camera upgrades alone may be enough to upgrade to an iPhone 16 Pro. The optical zoom is now 5x, an upgrade from the iPhone 14 Pro's 3x zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro will also feature Apple's new capture button, which lets you control the camera with gestures, like moving your finger and tapping the touch-enabled button. Even with the Apple Intelligence features, the iPhone 16 seems to be an incremental design change rather than a revamp; the design and functionality aren't a radical departure from the iPhone 14 Pro. If you're content with the look, feel, and performance of your iPhone 14, getting the iPhone 16 Pro likely won't feel like a huge upgrade, especially since many of the AI features will come later. Also: iPhone 14 Pro review: More innovation for the same price as the iPhone 13 Pro Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 may feature more dramatic design and functionality updates, making it a worthwhile jump. Besides, upgrading after two generations can be costly, which brings me to my next point. One of the biggest reasons to hold off on an upgrade is financial. The iPhone 14 Pro started at $900 at launch, which isn't pocket change. Most buyers choose a 12-, 18-, or 24-month financing option through a carrier or Apple on a new iPhone. If you're one of them and you just finished paying off your iPhone 14 Pro and feel like you're not financially ready to commit to another payment plan, it may be worth passing on the new iPhone 16 Pro. As an iPhone 14 Pro Max user, I'm still pretty happy with how my iPhone performs, its battery life, and charging time. While USB-C charging would be convenient, I don't see myself springing for the new iPhone 16 Pro, though I may go for the iPhone 17 when it's launched.

'Should I upgrade to iPhone 16?' Only do it if you fall into these 5 categories

iPhone 16 Plus showcased at the Apple 'Glowtime' event. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Apple just dropped the iPhone 16 at the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" event on Monday -- and curious consumers are asking, "Should I upgrade?" There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends. While the iPhone 16 lineup -- which includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max -- got unveiled with a handful of new features, the question is, do they benefit you? I'm going to break down five categories of consumers who will gain the most advantage from upgrading for both the entry-level iPhone 16 variants and iPhone 16 Pro models. This way, you can determine if you should make the purchase plunge -- or wait until the iPhone 17. Before I dive into the niches that will benefit from an iPhone 16 upgrade, it's important to note that the new iOS 18 update will officially roll out to iPhone users on Sept. 16. However, this new update isn't rolling out to everyone. That said, if you have anything older than iPhone XR, including iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, iPhone X, and iPhone 8, and more, you'd be better off upgrading -- Apple's new updates will no longer support your phone moving forward. If you have the original iPhone SE, you should consider upgrading, too. It will not be supported by iOS 18. Having a phone that supports regular iOS updates means that your device remains protected from security vulnerabilities -- and you'll get the latest-and-greatest software features Apple has to offer. Plus, if you have an iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max or newer, you can benefit from Apple Intelligence, the company's new suite of AI features. Want to know what you'd be missing with the next major update? Check out some of the wildest features coming out of iOS 18. Now that we got that out of the way, let's dive into which consumers will benefit from upgrading the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The entry-level models in the new iPhone 16 lineup are arguably the most attractive they've ever been in years. Apple typically reserves a lot of the fun new features for the upper-tier models. For example, last year, with the iPhone 15 series, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models got the cool new "Action Button," a customizable side button that lets you assign apps and other features to it so you can conveniently launch them. For the iPhone 16, Apple debuted the new Camera Control button. But this time, Apple didn't make this cool new perk exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. You can find it across all iPhone 16 models. The new Camera Control not only provides instant access to picture taking and video capture, but it lets you quickly do things like zooming in, swapping to the ultrawide lens, changing Photographic Styles, and more, with simple gestures. (To learn more about Camera Control, check out our hands-on experience with it.) As mentioned, only 2023's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max had the Action Button, but now you can find it on the iPhone 16. You can assign one of your favorite apps, whether its Gmail, Calendar, Slack, Instagram, or TikTok, to the Action Button, allowing you to access it with just a press of a button. The updated Ceramic Shield on the new iPhone 16 models is, according to Apple, 50% tougher than the original variant that debuted on the iPhone 12. Plus, the company claims that the new-generation Ceramic Shield has twice the durability of other smartphone glass displays. So if you have a cracked screen, and you tend to have butterfingers, consider upgrading to the iPhone 16. You'll get a brand new, uncracked screen -- and it should be more resistant to your clumsiness (within reason, of course.) Apple announced Apple Intelligence for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but the entire iPhone 16 lineup is getting Apple Intelligence, too. Enjoy perks like creating your own AI-created emoji with a text prompt, a new-and-improved Siri, summarized notifications, the Clean Up tool, and more. It looks like Apple finally heard our feedback to quit all the pastel-esque, subtle colorways for the iPhone. (Mashable's Elizabeth de Luna begged Apple to roll out a deep pink color, and it looks like she got her wish.) The iPhone 16 comes in Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink, and as someone who has seen these colors in person, they're as gorgeous as they sound. The iPhone 16 also comes in White and Black; perfect for those who like their phone colors as exciting as a tax form. (And yes, that was sarcasm.) With the iPhone 16 Pro models, you get all the aforementioned features, as well as some updated camera features (i.e., new 48MP ultrawide sensor), improved studio-quality mics, and more. In my opinion, the iPhone 16 Pro models are a tougher sell for Apple. Why? The audiences that will benefit from the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are more niche. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a whopping 6.9-inch display. For reference, I know of tablets that have 7-inch screens. (Hence why I jokingly called the iPhone 16 Pro Max a phablet in my hands-on). You may be thinking, "If the iPhone 16 Pro Max's display is nearly 7 inches big, will it feel awkward in my hands?" The answer is no. I clutched the iPhone 16 Pro Max around my fingers and it felt natural and ergonomic, settling into the contours of my hand with ease. It also has ultra-thin bezels, giving you more screen real estate than ever. If a long battery runtime is one of the biggest selling points for you, you'll likely get some satisfaction with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. According to Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life ever seen on an iPhone. (But of course, we'll have to test these claims to know for sure.) For reference, the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasted nearly 15 hours when we tested it in-house. This phone was the battery life champ for months -- until the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL knocked it off its throne. The content creator space (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram) is competitive. If your videos aren't sharp, it'll be difficult to build an audience. As such, you'll benefit from the fact that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max can now shoot 4K videos at 120Hz. This means that you'll get higher-quality videos that appear smoother and zippier to your followers. Plus, editing your videos to get that cool slow-mo effect is easier than ever on the Pro models. Let's say you record a video and there's too much going on in the background: wind, side conversations, and the rustling of leaves. The iPhone 16 Pro models are capable of reducing unwanted noise, thanks to an easy-to-use slider lets you turn down the background cacophony to your liking. In the Voice Memos app, if you have an existing recording, you can layer another track on top of it. For example, if you want to sing on top of a previously recorded beat, you can do that by simply adding another layer and hitting record.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: What's the Best of the Best?

Quick LinksBoth Models Get Slightly Updated Colors Bigger Displays Means Heavier iPhones Both Pros Now Have the 5x Telephoto Lens The Pro Max Has a Bigger Battery Both Models Have an A18 Pro Chip Apple Intelligence All The Way The Pro Max Costs $100 More for Equivalent Storage Key Takeaways Both iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max share the vast majority of features including an A18 Pro chip, 5x telephoto camera, new features like Camera Control, and software compatibility with Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch screen, quoted 27 hours of video playback, and starts at $999 for the 128GB model. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch screen, quoted 33 hours of video playback, and starts at $1,199 for the 256GB model (with no 128GB option available). If you're considering upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, comparing screens, cameras, internals, design, batteries, prices, and other factors can go a long way. Here's how to pick between the best iPhones that money can buy. Both Models Get Slightly Updated Colors Like 2023's iPhone 15 Pros, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max use grade 5 titanium for the housing. Apple says this is a much stronger and scratch-resistant titanium alloy than its competitors. The Pros have always had different color options than standard iPhones, and the 2024 lineup is no different. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are available in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium. Apple has said that this year's Black Titanium is a darker version of last year's Black Titanium, while White Titanium is now a bit brighter. Natural Titanium has stayed the same as last year, but gold-like Desert Titanium is a brand-new colorway. We recommend checking these colors out at a store because Apple's press images don't do them justice. Also, how great would it be if the flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max came in at least one exclusive color? I want people to know I'm rocking the most powerful model by color alone! Of course, color won't matter much if you plan on using a case all the time. We understand some people will go naked. But because these Pros don't come cheap, a case is always a sound idea. For comparison's sake, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in a wide range of vibrant choices -- Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black -- whereas standard iPhone 15 models are offered in Blue, Yellow, Green, Pink, and Black. Bigger Displays Means Heavier iPhones This year's Pros have bigger Super Retina XDR displays, with the iPhone 16 Pro going from 6.1 to 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max from 6.7 to 6.9 inches. These are Apple's largest iPhones with the thinnest borders ever. Like before, these are Always-On screens (with upgraded Ceramic Shield protection) and Apple's 120Hz ProMotion dynamic refresh technology. Bigger OLED panels pack in more pixels than before so the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have slightly higher resolutions than last year's models but the density of these displays remains unchanged. Unfortunately, you'll have to buy new cases because the iPhone 16 Pros are a bit wider and taller to accommodate larger displays. Thinness hasn't changed (8.25mm), but the new Pros are heavier than their predecessors. The iPhone 16 Pro weighs 7.03 ounces (199 grams), and the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 7.99 ounces (227 grams). This is perhaps the biggest sticking point to keep in mind when you're comparing the Pro and the Pro Max. You'll get more screen real estate with the Pro Max, but you'll pay for it in weight and heft. You'll have to decide for yourself whether the bigger display is worth it. Both Pros Now Have the 5x Telephoto Lens The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have the same camera features, including the telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom across both models. In 2023, the 5x telephoto lens was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The new Camera Control hardware button provides DSLR-like shutter features and is also available on non-Pro models. The main camera, now called the Fusion camera (previously Wide camera), has a faster sensor with no shutter delay -- even when shooting in RAW. It can now capture 4K video at twice the frame rate at 120fps in HDR Dolby Vision (with automatic wind removal and spatial audio capture) in Apple ProRes and Log directly to an external storage device. The ultra-wide camera used for macro photography and wide shots is now 48MP instead of 12MP. Since cameras are the same on the Pros, photographers and videographers can now opt for a more affordable iPhone 16 Pro without sacrificing that 5x telephoto lens. The Pro Max Has a Bigger Battery Apple says the iPhone 16 Pros provide "the best battery life ever." Compared with its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro gets four extra hours of video playback (27 hours), two more hours of streaming (22 hours), and ten more hours of audio playback (85 hours). The iPhone 16 Pro Max gets four extra hours of video playback (33 hours), four more hours of streaming (29 hours), and ten additional hours of audio playback (105 hours) than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The new Pros might be worth upgrading for these battery gains alone, but if you want the absolute best battery life then the iPhone 16 Pro Max with its 33-hour quoted video playback time dwarfs the iPhone 16 Pro's 27 by six whole hours. That's almost a workday's worth of use! Like older models, both new Pros support wireless charging via MagSafe, Qi2, and Qi wireless charging protocols. New to both models this year is 25W wireless charging over MagSafe (when paired with a 30W+ adapter). Fast charging (up to 50% charge in 30 minutes) over the built-in USB-C connector requires a 20W or higher charger. Both Models Have an A18 Pro Chip The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max use the same A18 Pro chip, built on TSMC's second-generation 3nm technology. Compared with the regular A18 powering the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the A18 Pro brings an extra GPU core and 20% better-sustained performance when gaming or using other demanding apps. Also, Apple has addressed overheating concerns plaguing last year's A17 Pro. Like 2023's A17 Pro, this year's A18 Pro has a six-core CPU with two performance cores, four efficiency cores, and improved machine learning accelerators. The A18 Pro speeds up ray tracing in games by 20% over the A17 Pro and enables 2x faster ProRes video encoding. Coupled with the 16-core Neural Engine for AI neural networks, the A18 Pro runs Apple Intelligence 50% faster vs. the iPhone 15 Pros. Apple Intelligence All The Way Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will have iOS 18 preinstalled, with Apple Intelligence arriving alongside the iOS 18.1 update in October. Apple Intelligence enables generative AI features such as Writing Tools. More will come in updates later in 2024 and 2025, including image generation called Image Playground, AI emoji called Genmoji, Siri improvements, and more. The Pro Max Costs $100 More for Equivalent Storage The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 for 128GB of storage, with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions available at $1,099, $1,299, and $1,499 respectively. The iPhone 16 Pro Max can be had in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities for $1,199, $1,399, and $1,599, respectively. These are the same price and storage capacities as the iPhone 15 Pros last year. Storage is one of Apple's strongest weapons for upselling shoppers to pricier models. But if you need an iPhone 16 Pro for its cameras, you'd be wise to pick the most spacious model the budget allows. You can always connect external storage to either model via USB-C (at USB 3.0 speeds) to shoot 4K ProRes video directly to disk. Storage iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB $799 $899 $999 - 256GB $899 $999 $1,199 $1,199 512GB $1,099 $1,199 $1,299 $1,399 1TB - - $1,499 $1,599 The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have the same software capabilities and almost no crucial hardware differences. Some folks preferred the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year due to its 5x telephoto camera but there is no need to make that trade-off in 2024. The only differences this year are the screen size, the battery life, and the price Whether you go Pro or Pro Max depends on your budget (with the Pro Max starting at $100 more for the same 256GB storage configuration) and your preference for display size and pocket space. Apple iPhone 16 Apple's newest iPhone featuring a camera button, programmable action button, and artificial intelligence features. See at Apple Apple iPhone 16 Pro A version of Apple's newest iPhone with a larger screen featuring a camera button, a programmable action button, and artificial intelligence features. See at Apple

Should You Wait for the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro?

Key Takeaways The iPhone 17 may have 120Hz always-on displays, a better selfie camera, and tougher glass. The iPhone 17 Pro may boast under-panel Face ID, a 48MP telephoto lens, plus base-level iPhone improvements. Also expected next year is a slimmer iPhone 17 Air, and for Apple to drop the larger Plus-sized iPhone (but keep the Pro Max). With the iPhone 16 finally upon us, it's only logical that you might wonder what's next for Apple's do-everything smartphone. While only Apple knows for sure, let's look at the rumors and ponder whether it's better to wait for next year's models. iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Rumors It's worth considering that, a year out from release, rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 are to be taken with a very big grain of salt. Even though Apple will already have a very good idea of what these models will look like, leaks don't usually pick up pace until well into the production process. A New Slim iPhone Perhaps the most interesting iPhone 17 rumor at present is talk of a new "Slim" iPhone model. MacRumors cites analyst Jeff Pu's comments in a research note with an investment firm, while The Information speaks of a new slimmer model that's potentially priced higher than the iPhone Pro Max. Here's a concept image from Apple Hub on X (Twitter): Longstanding source of Apple rumors Ming-Chi Kuo has refuted some of these claims, instead suggesting that the new slim model would lack a Pro chip, focus on design over hardware, and may even only have a single wide-angle camera. At present, everyone seems to be referring to this as the iPhone 17 Air, which would tie in nicely with Apple's MacBook and iPad branding. 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On Displays Everywhere If you were disappointed to see that the iPhone 16 still lacks a ProMotion 120Hz Always-On Display (AOD), you might be a lot happier with next year's refresh. CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants Ross Young posted on X (Twitter) that Apple is expected to go LTPO-everywhere in 2025. LTPO technology makes these AOD displays possible by allowing Apple to drop the refresh rate right down to greatly reduce power consumption. Rumors suggest Apple will use the same panels in all models, suggesting that all models would get 120Hz support at long last. This doesn't feel farfetched considering many of the iPhone 16's rivals have already moved to higher refresh rate displays. Under-Panel Face ID (iPhone 17 Pro) According to the same rumor sourced to Ross Young is the tantalizing prospect of under-panel Face ID. This suggests that Apple will move most of the sensors required to verify your likeness under the display while leaving a hole for the front-facing camera. This would likely resemble rival devices like the Pixel 9 Pro from Google. If you're not a fan of the Dynamic Island (or are waiting for Apple to shrink the notch as much as possible), 2025's Pro Model might be worth the wait. Interestingly, the same roadmap suggests that it won't be until 2027's iPhone 19 Pro that we see a completely under-panel solution for both sensors and front-facing camera. A 48MP Telephoto Lens (iPhone 17 Pro Max) The largest of Apple's flagship iPhone models has previously been blessed with the best camera (though both models are fairly evenly matched in 2024), which lends credibility to rumors from analyst Jeff Pu that the iPhone 17 Pro Max telephoto lens will finally get a bump to 48-megapixels. This rumor dates back to 2023 as reported by MacRumors. A Better (24MP) Selfie Camera Also sourced to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is a report of a new 24-megapixel front-facing camera coming to all iPhone models in 2025. If you're a big fan of selfies and you can afford to wait, there's a chance that you'll look significantly better next year. Tougher Display Glass One rumor linked to a Weibo leaker called Instant Digital that has been reported by sources like Digital Trends suggests that "the outer glass of the iPhone 17 series will be made into a super-hard anti-reflective layer," which would certainly be nice if true. This is interesting considering Apple's claims that both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro have seen upgrades to the Ceramic Shield on the front of the device. Who knows if Apple plans to improve durability yet again, or whether this feature was moved forward. Until then, you could always just use a screen protector. Goodbye iPhone 17 Plus A July 2024 iPhone 17 report from Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple will sunset the Plus model, with the base, Pro, and Pro Max models remaining. The report says that the Plus model accounts for only 5-10% of sales (though only Apple will really know what these numbers are). If you love those base Plus models, waiting for next year's refresh might not be the smartest plan. The Usual Spec Bumps It should come as absolutely no surprise that Apple will likely debut a new chip in all models of iPhone 17, including the Pro models. It's logical that this would be the A19 family. Now-deleted reports on Weibo via MacRumors suggest that these chips wouldn't yet use TSMC's 2-nanometer process. On top of this, a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip is also expected according to a January 2023 report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. 2024's iPhone models already support Wi-Fi 7, but the chip isn't an Apple design. Pro Features Normally Trickle Down One reliable indicator of features to come, at least as far as the base iPhone models are concerned, is this year's Pro model. The iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's current flagship device, which means it features the latest and greatest features and sells at a premium. There's a proven track record of features trickling down from the Pro models to the base models. Past examples include the Action Button, the Dynamic Island, and improvements to the camera system. Based on the 16 and 16 Pro releases in 2024, we can infer that next year's iPhone 17 could feature: The aforementioned 120Hz ProMotion display (first introduced in the iPhone 13 Pro) A better (possibly 48MP) ultrawide camera The ability to shoot Dolby Vision videos at 120 fps USB 3.0 transfer speeds (first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro) Better microphones for video recording iPhone Upgrades Are Better When You Wait Rumors and trickle-down features are all well and good but, for most of us, a smartphone upgrade only makes sense at the right time. It can be easy to feel underwhelmed by the year-on-year improvements, but this doesn't tell the whole story. A slightly faster chip or a marginally better camera is nice, but by waiting a few years and getting the most out of your iPhone you can experience a more significant improvement in performance, features, and usability. If your iPhone is four years old when you upgrade it, you're far more likely to notice the benefit compared with someone who upgrades every year. Apple supports the iPhone for at least six years per model, with many improvements in iOS upgrades coming to older models. Apple Intelligence is perhaps the biggest exception to this rule (owing to its steep hardware requirements). Apple iPhone 16 Apple's newest iPhone featuring a camera button, programmable action button, and artificial intelligence features. See at Apple Apple iPhone 16 Pro A version of Apple's newest iPhone with a larger screen featuring a camera button, a programmable action button, and artificial intelligence features. See at Apple

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: What Difference Does a Year Make?

Quick LinksSay Goodbye to the Diagonal Camera Placement Size, Weight, and Display Remain Unchanged The iPhone 16 Gets a New A18 Chip Camera Control Is the Other Big New Feature Use 25W MagSafe Charging With the iPhone 16 The iPhone 16 Supports Apple Intelligence The Price Remains the Same Key Takeaways iPhone 16 has new Camera Control and Action buttons, an improved A18 chip, much faster wireless charging, and a better ultrawide camera for Apple's usual $799 launch price. Apple Intelligence is another big feature this year, with the iPhone 16 capable of using Apple's generative AI features and a smarter Siri (something the iPhone 15 cannot do). The iPhone 15 shares many similarities with the iPhone 16 in terms of display, size, weight, and overall feature set and is now available starting at $699. Should you upgrade from the iPhone 15 to the iPhone 16? There are a few big changes that might entice you to do so and plenty of similarities that might convince you to save your money instead. Here's what you need to know. Say Goodbye to the Diagonal Camera Placement The iPhone 16 comes with a vertically arranged camera module, a significant shift from the diagonally arranged camera modules on the recent iPhones. While it gives the handset a new look, loyal iPhone users know that the design resembles the iPhone X that came out in 2018. It makes shooting spatial photos and videos possible, which adds a stereographic 3D effect for viewing on Apple Vision Pro and similar headsets. The iPhone 16 also features the Action Button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models in place of a mute toggle switch. There's also a new Camera Control button on the same side as the power button (more on that later). You can choose from five colors (Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black), with more saturated hues when compared to those of the iPhone 15. The vanilla iPhone 15 has the iconic square-shaped camera cutout that houses two camera sensors placed diagonally. For years, the camera module became a mascot for the lineup. The handset also features color-infused back glass panels in five colors: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink. However, besides the shape of the camera module and the colors, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 share many commonalities. For instance, both models share dimensions, which means that, in theory, you should be able to slap an iPhone 15 case on the iPhone 16 (but you shouldn't, because that would cover the new Camera Control and Action button). There isn't much difference in the handset's weight either, with the iPhone 16 weighing just a gram less than the outgoing model. Both phones have an aluminum frame, an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, and the Dynamic Island. The only other difference is the second-generation Ceramic Shield front glass on the iPhone 16, which is "50% tougher than the first generation." Size, Weight, and Display Remain Unchanged Link Image Apple didn't make any changes to the iPhone 16's display: it's essentially the same 6.1-inch panel as the iPhone 15. Both are based on the same OLED technology, offer identical resolution, and are equally bright as each other. It's a tad disappointing to see Apple sticking with a 60Hz refresh rate on the regular iPhones, as these are the models competing against the vanilla Galaxy S24 (or the Galaxy S25 when it comes out in 2025) and the Pixel 9, both of which support a 120Hz refresh rate. That doesn't mean that the iPhone screens don't appear crisp, detailed, and bright enough under direct sunlight; it's just the enthusiast in me wanting to see a 120Hz screen on a vanilla iPhone (something I tried to manifest when naming five essential upgrades that the iPhone 16 should come with). The iPhone 16 Gets a New A18 Chip With the iPhone 16, Apple introduces the new A18 system-on-a-chip, which features a six-core CPU that is 30% faster and a five-core GPU that is up to 40% faster than the outgoing A16 Bionic. The processor also features an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine that can run machine learning models up to two times faster than the one on the A16 Bionic chip. Featuring the second-generation 3nm technology, the A18 Silicon is also more efficient than the A16 Bionic which means it uses less power while achieving better performance. The iPhone 16 is ready to tackle AAA games with demanding graphics (thanks to hardware-accelerated ray tracing), can render 4K videos faster, and, most importantly, has enough horsepower to run the suite of generative AI features Apple likes to call Apple Intelligence. The newer model also sports a heat dissipation mechanism that delivers up to 30% higher sustained performance. That is not to say that the iPhone 15 isn't a capable smartphone. In fact, the A16 Bionic is still among the most powerful chips on a smartphone, still offering excellent performance compared to the competition. Camera Control Is the Other Big New Feature This year, Apple has rebranded the 48MP primary camera on the iPhone 15 and is calling it the 48MP Fusion camera on the iPhone 16, even though both the sensors share the exact same resolution and stabilization, and the lenses use the same aperture and autofocus technology. Since the sensors have a higher resolution, the iPhones can focus on the central 12MP portion and provide equivalent results to a dedicated 2x telephoto lens. The iPhone 16's 12MP ultrawide camera, however, has a slightly bigger aperture on the iPhone 16 for better low-light performance. Furthermore, it also gains autofocus for capturing macro photographs, something the iPhone 15 can't do. On the front, both phones have the same 12MP TrueDepth camera. The main highlight of the iPhone 16's camera system is not the camera hardware but the Camera Control button, which is also present on the iPhone 16 Pro models. This new button on the side of the phone makes it easier to quickly launch the camera and capture photographs. Apple has designed the button to detect the difference between a soft and a hard click, with upcoming features that will also let it act like a two-stage shutter button on professional cameras. It can also recognize touch inputs, so you can slide over the button to zoom in or out of a screen and switch between different Camera app features. The software-based improvements include new Photographic Styles on the iPhone 16, which provide more tones and mood-based presets than ever before. Another improvement that Apple didn't announce during the event is the ability to record QuickTake videos in a higher resolution (4K at 60 fps) with the iPhone 16, which is a significant upgrade from the iPhone 15 (1080p at 30 fps). The latest iPhone is also able to record better-quality audio. As previously mentioned, the iPhone 16 can record spatial photos and videos for viewing on the Apple Vision Pro. Other features, such as Dolby Vision recording in 4K at up to 60 fps, Cinematic Mode, and Action Mode, work the same on both iPhones. Use 25W MagSafe Charging With the iPhone 16 The iPhone 16 can provide up to 22 hours of video playback on a full charge, which is two hours (or 10%) more than what the iPhone 15 is rated for. However, that isn't as big a change as the support for faster MagSafe charging (25W) on the iPhone 16. In other words, the iPhone 16's wireless charging rate is similar to the iPhone 15's wired charging rate, a major quality-of-life improvement that iPhone users who love wireless charging will appreciate. It is important to mention that 25W wireless charging on the iPhone 16 requires a 30W (or higher) adapter and a compatible MagSafe charger. The iPhone 16 Supports Apple Intelligence While both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 15 will get the iOS 18 update on September 16, 2024, only the iPhone 16 will receive the new Apple Intelligence features. The additional horsepower and a more capable Neural Engine on the iPhone 16 are necessary to run large language models locally on the device. This includes features like text generation, proofreading, image generation, a smarter and more context-aware Siri, and summarized notifications. The iPhone 16 will also offer Visual Intelligence. This visual lookup feature is activated using the Camera Control button and gives users more information about the object in the frame. Point it at a shop, a hotel, an item, or someone's pet, and Visual Intelligence will provide you with additional information. The Price Remains the Same The iPhone 16 costs $799 for the baseline model with 128GB of storage, which is the same as the iPhone 15's launch price. The newer model will be available for pre-order on September 13 and hit stores on September 20. Like every year, Apple has discounted the iPhone 15 by $100, reducing its retail price to $699 for the variant with 128GB of storage. Further, there's a good chance that you can find the iPhone 15 at a higher discount in upcoming sales on third-party e-commerce platforms. iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus 128GB $799 $899 $699 $799 256GB $899 $999 $799 $899 512GB $1,099 $1,199 $999 $1,099 The iPhone 16 offers a multipurpose Action Button, a useful Camera Control button, a more powerful and efficient A18 processor, and faster wireless charging. Further, it also supports Apple Intelligence, which happens to be the company's biggest best against its competition. Leaving the GenAI features aside, there's no groundbreaking feature or innovation that you'd miss by sticking to your iPhone 15. Find out more about whether the iPhone 16 update is worth it for you. Apple iPhone 16 Apple's newest iPhone featuring a camera button, programmable action button, and artificial intelligence features. See at Apple Apple iPhone 15 The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus bring most of the features from the 14 Pro to a more affordable price point, and finally ditch Lightning for a USB Type-C connector. See at AppleSee at Best BuySee at AT&TSee at VerizonSee at T-MobileSee at WalmartSee at TargetSee at Xfinity Mobile

I Can't Justify an iPhone 16 Upgrade (For All the Right Reasons)

Key Takeaways My iPhone 13 Pro's performance is still top-notch, with no noticeable slowdown in the apps I use daily. Even my battery has held up well after three years of heavy use, only dropping to a condition of 89%. Apple Intelligence will be more useful on my Mac anyway, so I have the luxury of waiting for next year's models (including a rumored iPhone 17 Air). Try as I might, I just can't bring myself to buy an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, and it's all Apple's fault. Best of all, I'm not even mad about it. My iPhone 13 Pro Still Flies My iPhone 13 Pro still feels like an absolute monster in terms of performance, and I'm happy to report that I haven't noticed any significant slowdown since it was delivered on launch day in September 2021. In a side-by-side comparison, I'd probably notice a difference. I'm sure Safari would render web pages slightly faster and I'd see better performance in the 3D games that I don't play, but that's not how we use our devices. Benchmarks and direct comparisons have their place, but they don't reflect real-world usage. This is in stark contrast to the last time I upgraded from an iPhone X, which felt like it was chugging hard by my standards (tell that to my mom, who still uses that iPhone daily). The leap from an A11 Bionic-powered iPhone X with its 60Hz display to the 13 Pro with its A15 Bionic and 120Hz display felt revolutionary. To further hammer home the point, the most disappointing aspect of the iPhone 16 is that Apple still hasn't made the leap to 120Hz for all models. You still need to shell out top dollar for an iPhone 16 Pro to get that, and a move back to 60Hz after living with a silky-smooth ProMotion display for three years isn't on the cards. Apple has been making excellent mobile processors that can stand the test of time for years and it marries these with signature well-optimized software. I haven't noticed any major downgrades in performance when moving between iOS versions, something that (anecdotally speaking) plagued older devices. For daily tasks -- text messaging, taking calls, ticking off reminders, checking notes, watching YouTube, and doomscrolling Reddit -- I have no complaints. A New iPhone Doesn't Excite Me (Yet) The same complaints are leveled against every new iPhone release (and they're not without merit). This year's upgrade is pretty boring, don't you think? Smartphones improved rapidly as they gained widespread adoption, then stagnated somewhat in terms of overall design. This is true on other platforms, though it's nice to see Android OEMs taking a few more risks. I still remember the days of upgrading from an iPhone 4 to an iPhone 5s, with its thinner, lighter, and taller design. Then came the 7 Plus, a foray into big phone territory which I don't exactly miss. I then moved to the iPhone X, Apple's vision for the future in 2017, and a design that still survives today. But the iPhone 13 Pro still feels like an iPhone I'd be happy to unbox in 2024. Sure it's missing features like satellite SOS, Crash Detection, USB-C charging, and the new Camera Control and Action buttons, but it still feels doesn't feel outdated when it comes to the user experience. I Can Use Apple Intelligence on My Mac The iPhone 16 marks a leap forward for Apple's embrace of large language models and generative AI features, also known as Apple Intelligence. The company will start to roll out these features in October's iOS 18.1 update. For me, the iPhone is primarily a consumption device and a camera. I'm not going to be generating images or writing large screeds of text on my iPhone. The iPhone might be a do-everything device, but I still avoid composing emails or catching up on Slack conversations and Asana tasks on my iPhone where possible. I wouldn't complain about a smarter Siri (I'm on record complaining about Siri being largely useless), but I've already adjusted to a life where Siri can't be trusted. It's going to take a while for me to unlearn this behavior, and it would likely take real effort too. Contextual assistance across iOS and apps sounds neat, but it's not a feature I'm going to "miss" until I get used to it. The cherry on top is that Apple has already promised to bring Apple Intelligence to its Apple silicon Mac range, of which I have an M1 Max MacBook Pro that I use all day long. I have far more use for these features on my work machine, where I'm more likely to use an assistant to proofread text or extract details from an email I can't find. With Apple Intelligence coming to older Mac models, I can still play with the shiny new AI features without feeling like I need to upgrade my iPhone to do so. My iPhone Is Still in Great Shape After three years of heavy use, iOS reports my iPhone battery condition as 89%, which means it's still capable of "peak" performance. I'm shocked because I've thrashed this thing. I fill up my iCloud storage with 4K Dolby Vision videos, I used my iPhone as a 5G modem for an entire year while moving states, and I stream everything on cellular all the time. My only conclusion is that optimized charging really does work, and that Apple has made progress in terms of battery performance in the last few generations of iPhone. For comparison, my partner's iPhone 11 (which had a new battery fitted by Apple in mid-2023) is already reporting a condition of 90% after just over a year of use. With the exception of the oleophobic coating and a few display scratches caused by putting my iPhone in the same pocket as my keys, this thing looks brand new. It's been in a Quad Lock case since day one, which has chipped and split and wears its battle scars with pride. So instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a new iPhone, I'm going to drop $30 on a new case instead. Support for iOS 18 and Beyond Even if you're rocking a lowly iPhone XR, your device still works with iOS 18 which means another year of updates through to September 2025. Applying the "expect six years of support" rule, my iPhone 13 Pro should see support through to iOS 21 which is due to arrive in 2027. In 2024, Apple confirmed a minimum period of support of five years specifically in relation to the iPhone 15 Pro, a number that the company has exceeded in all iPhone models since the iPhone 6. The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will push this out to nearly seven years and that's before any additional years of security updates. Loss of software support is a compelling reason to upgrade your iPhone since certain features can stop working properly. For example, iPhone models that lack iOS 16 support cannot edit or unsend iMessages or access locked notes. Thankfully, I don't need to worry about that for a while. I'd Rather Wait for Next Year's Model I'm content to wait, so why not? This is made especially compelling by my propensity for four-year upgrades (I have a whole year to psych myself up), and the fact that the rumors surrounding next year's models are heating up. On top of a potential new slim iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 is tipped to get an always-on 120Hz display at last, and the iPhone 17 Pro could come with under-screen Face ID sensors (on top of the usual bump in performance we're accustomed to). Spending a bit more on the iPhone 13 Pro with its superior display and camera system paid off for me. I'd probably be feeling the itch to move on already if I'd gone for the base iPhone 13. This is certainly something to think about as you decide whether or not to upgrade to the iPhone 16 and whether the 16 Pro is the better choice.

iPhone 16 Pro hands-on: My 3 favorite things about this ridiculously overpowered supercomputer

Apple may be known for its slick design and marketing, but it's the company's engineering prowess that powers the iPhone 16 Pro to new heights. I spent several hours with Apple's new flagship iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max on Monday in the Steve Jobs Theater and quickly formed some first impressions. As I do in my iPhone reviews, I always try to keep in mind that most iPhone upgraders are coming from a phone that's at least three years old. And while the first thing lots of buyers may notice is the year's new phone color -- it's Desert Titanium this year, which is actually just a shade of gold -- the thing that most of us barely pay attention to is the latest advances in the brain that powers the iPhone. It's always the case that it unlocks new capabilities, but this year that feels more true than ever with the new A18 Pro. Or at least it powers my favorite new feature -- and a bunch of others that prove how ridiculously powerful this device is. And yes, I'll quit talking about chips and get to my three favorite features. The new Camera Control button is about doing more with the iPhone camera and doing it quickly. This new button sits on the right side of the phone underneath the power button but the Camera Control button is a darker metal and sits more flush to the side of the phone. It's also touch sensitive, which is a feat of engineering. One press opens the camera app. A second press takes a photo. Press and hold and it starts recording video. A light press and a swipe to one side or the other lets you zoom in and out. A double light press and a swipe to either side lets you select different settings from zoom to depth of field to the new photo styles to several other options. Also: Everything Apple announced at its 'Glowtime' event: AI features, AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, more If it sounds a little complicated, it's not. You'll quickly get the hang of it. I tried it and it's is going to be super handy for people who take a ton of photos with the iPhone -- and let's be honest, there are a lot of us because the iPhone is the most used camera in the world. The Camera Control button gives the iPhone a feature no other phone in the world has right now. The Sony Xperia 1 V comes the closest with its dedicated shutter button, but it doesn't do nearly as much. People are going to love this feature. Both of the pro iPhones got bigger screens and thinner bezels this year, which makes them a little taller than last year's pro models. The Pro expands from 6.1 inches to 6.3 and the Max grows from 6.7 inches to 6.9. Both ZDNET reviews editor Kerry Wan and I noticed it immediately in the iPhone 16 demo area -- and we felt happy about it because we both tend to prefer the slightly taller and thinner form factors of most Android devices since it makes them a little easier to operate with one hand. But there was another new physical characteristic of the iPhone 16 Pro models that got me just as excited. The titanium sides have a new finish that feels way more grippy. In fact, it's so grippy that I'm tempted to do the unthinkable and try using it without a case. I'm also tempted to make the smaller 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro rather than the Max my daily driver -- especially since the smaller pro model now has the same camera system as the larger one. The other area where the new A18 Pro chip really shows its power is in the new video and audio recording options available in the iPhone 16 Pro. First, you can now record in 4K at 120 frames per second, which gives you the power to do the kind of super slow motion you only see in big cinematic films. Even just a couple years ago, you would have needed an expensive pro-level camera and a desktop computer with a powerful video card to shoot and edit pro-level 4K120 video. Now you can do it on an iPhone -- and the footage Apple has shown so far looks virtually indistinguishable from pro equipment. Also: iPhone 16 hands-on: So packed with features, I almost forgot about its Pro model Next, Apple also upgraded the audio in the iPhone 16 Pro with what it calls "four studio-quality mics" that are paired with software and AI to do some crazy things I haven't seen on a smartphone before. With the new Audio Mix software you can now edit audio directly on the iPhone 16 Pro, which separates foreground and background sounds and lets you pick from several sound profiles, including a Studio profile that automatically dampens background sounds and a Cinematic profile that makes it sound like a movie edit. It can also now capture Spatial Audio surround sound during video recording (which you can also edit in Audio Mix). And the Voice Memos app is going to use these upgrades for an update later this year that will let you layer two different tracks. These audio features are a great example of where Apple is putting AI to use in practical, behind-the-scenes ways that are going to be a lot more approachable than typing in a chatbot. Apple called the new A18 Pro chip as powerful as high-end desktop PCs, which sounds like a hyperbole but the features mentioned above are convincing enough to make me think it may be at least as powerful as high-end desktops from a couple years ago. We'll run benchmarks when we get our testing devices as well as running some real-world scenarios to measure and compare the performance. Also: Every iPhone 16 model compared: Which new iPhone should you buy? Apple also claims the new A18 Pro chip is much more power efficient and will result in the iPhone 16 Pro Max having the longest battery life of any iPhone yet. We'll also challenge that claim with our own battery tests. The camera system upgrades to a 48 megapixel sensor for the ultrawide camera, which should result in better macro photos and a number of other improvements. We'll be testing that as well in a new set of ZDNET smartphone camera tests. The AI features that Apple mentioned this summer at WWDC, including the newly upgraded Siri, won't arrive until the iOS 18.1 update -- and even then, they'll still be in beta and some of the features won't come until iOS 18.2 or later. But when the AI features do finally arrive, Apple's new flagship supercomputer in your pocket looks like it's going to have the oomph to run them without breaking a sweat.

Why the iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's biggest Pro upgrade in years, and I can't wait to buy one

With the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, Apple seems to have fixed most of the pressing issues with last year's model while adding a handful of useful features. The iPhone 16 Pro packs a slew of upgrades that everyday users will appreciate. Apart from the new powerful and efficient A18 Pro processor, Apple has fixed (at least on paper) some outstanding issues with the new Pro lineup. This makes it one of the biggest Pro iPhone upgrades in years. Also: Everything Apple announced at iPhone 16 event: AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, AI, more Apple's last two standout features on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro were Dynamic Island and Action Button. While Apple has been introducing a hero feature each year, it made the iPhone 14 Pro unergonomic with added weight and a flat edge design. It was fixed to an extent, using Titanium on the iPhone 15 Pro. However, two issues have plagued the Pro iPhones for years that were finally addressed with the 16 Pro. The biggest issues with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro were less-than-average battery life and lens flare, and Apple seems to have focused on those issues with the iPhone 16 Pro series. Apple says the iPhone 16 Pro series has the "best battery life on any iPhone." It's a tall claim, especially given that the battery life on my iPhone 15 Pro has been average at best. I'm a heavy phone user, requiring a charge twice daily. The last time an iPhone offered an all-day battery life (and a bit more) was the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It remains the phone battery life benchmark for me to date. If the iPhone 16 Pro Max can reach anywhere near that experience, it'd be fantastic. Also: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro: Is it worth an upgrade? The new 3nm A18 Pro processor features the same two performance cores and four efficiency cores structure. However, Apple claims to deliver 15% CPU performance and 20% gains in graphics performance while being more efficient than the A17 Pro. I still have doubts about how it'd perform in day-to-day life, but I have high hopes. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup also fixes another iPhone-centric issue: lens flare. Apple didn't talk about it on the event stage, but the new iPhones are equipped with an anti-reflective lens coating, which aims to mitigate this effect when the camera is pointed towards a direct source of light. It has been a prolonged issue that has affected the overall quality of my campfire and Diwali photos, but I'll be putting the anti-reflective lens coating to the test. The iPhone 16 Pro series is the closest professional camera system on a phone that you can get. It has an upgraded camera system with a new 48MP fusion camera, an updated 48MP ultrawide camera, and the same 5x optical zoom capable 12MP telephoto camera on both devices. You can now also click 48MP macro shots and shoot 4K Dolby Vision videos at up to 120fps (including slow-mo videos). Apple claims to offer color grading in real-time with the new Photographic Styles feature. I've used different photographic styles on the previous two iPhones but this is an updated version where you can locally adjust color, highlights, and shadows in real time. Also: I want to be excited about the iPhone 16's new camera button, but can't (for now) The iPhone 16 Pro also adds a new Camera Control button that is more than just a shutter control button. As a traveler, I love this feature already. You can launch the camera with a tap, click a photo, shoot a video, and adjust parameters such as zoom, exposure, depth of field in the Portrait mode, and more with swipes. It cleans up the viewfinder to give you more space for framing your shots. The Camera Control button also includes a "visual intelligence" feature that allows you to learn about objects and places you see by simply snapping a photo of it. It's like a mix of Google Lens and Circle to Search, and will go live with the Apple Intelligence beta in October in the U.S. I've accidentally dropped my iPhone 15 Pro a couple of times -- and it did not end well. While the back wasn't scratched in my one-year caseless test, the Titanium started peeling off around the edges. The iPhone 16 Pro offers Grade 5 Titanium on its build for better durability. Moreover, the Ceramic Shield display is claimed to be 2x tougher than before -- making the new iPhones tougher quite a bit more resilient. I'm also looking forward to using the bigger 6.3-inch display on the iPhone 16 Pro. I like big screens but settled for the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro because Apple's Pro Max iPhones are wider than the competition, which makes them unwieldy. The 6.3-inch display is the perfect form factor. Also: Every iPhone 16 model compared: Which new iPhone should you buy? It's more tempting now because Apple isn't limiting its best camera system to the Pro Max model. Unlike last year, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro feature the same camera system. The bigger size has also allowed Apple to pack in more battery capacity. Apple Intelligence will be at the heart of the iPhone 16 Pro's feature set when it comes out, despite the fact that it will also be available on the iPhone 15 Pro. The hardware on the 16 Pro is quite a step up, however, making it a solid upgrade this year.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cameras -- all the new upgrades explained

There's a lot of overlap between the best camera phones and the best iPhones. Over the years Apple has put a lot of effort into making sure its phones take the best photos possible, offering better hardware and software capabilities on each subsequent iPhone generation. Though it's still early days, the iPhone 16 is definitely no exception. A whole bunch of camera changes are coming to both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro lineups. Apple's managed to offer quite a lot of new stuff this year, and you'll find that certain iPhones won't be getting everything. So to help out we've broken down all the changes coming to the cameras on all 4 of the newly-announced iPhones. Here's what you need to know about camera upgrades on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While the hardware specs for the iPhone 16's camera seem mostly unchanged, Apple has changed the sensor in the main lens and renamed it the "Fusion Camera." Available on all 4 iPhone 16 models, this new hybrid sensor includes a 2x telephoto function, which adds "optical-quality" magnification to that main camera lens with up to 12MP resolution. That could be beneficial to the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus most of all, since they lack the tetraprism telephoto lens that adds 5x optical zoom to both Pro models. However Apple's description of "optical-quality" suggests this 2x zoom is software based. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have what Apple calls a "quad-pixel" sensor behind the main and ultrawide lenses. Existing quad-pixel sensors improve the pixel density on the camera which helps to enhance detail and reduce overall pixelation. There had been speculation that this sensor could also be larger than the one in iPhone 15 Pro phones, but Apple hasn't revealed any specific details about that. The new sensor is faster, reading data twice as fast and offering zero shutter lag. The company also claims that the sensor is what enabled the iPhone 16 Pro to record video in 4K 120fps in slo-mo and Dolby Vision. Resolution isn't everything but there comes a point where having another 12MP camera lens just doesn't sit right with people. So we're happy to see the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max now have a 48MP ultrawide camera lens, for higher resolution photos when you're capturing a larger area. Alone that doesn't mean a lot, but combined with new software and other hardware upgrades, like the quad-pixel lens and autofocus, that should be a significant boost to your camera's repertoire. After missing out on the tetraprism telephoto lens that debuted on iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple is adding that 5x optical magnification to the iPhone 16 Pro. And that means the 3x optical zoom we've seen on so many older iPhones is gone in favor of this next-generation telephoto lens. Or last generation, if you think about it, because this appears to be the exact same 12MP tetraprism lens that debuted last year. So sadly the iPhone 16 Pro Max has had no discernable upgrade to its telephoto hardware. Maybe next year? Apple's adding another button to the iPhone, in the form of the Camera Control button that lives on the bottom right-hand side of the phone. The goal of this button is to give you faster and easier access to various camera features -- including the ability to open up the camera app with a single tap and then take photos with each subsequent tap. A light tap will open up a minimalistic camera interface, and another light tap opens up a menu bar that can be navigated with a swiping gesture. This same swiping gesture lets you zoom in and out. There's even support for Apple Visual intelligence for doing things like looking up restaurant info live, though we don't know when that will actually launch to the public. The ultrawide camera on iPhone 16 and 16 Plus may not be 48MP, but there's still an upgrade in there. All 4 iPhone 16 models now have autofocus on the ultrawide lens, which Apple claims will enable a new macrophotography feature on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. That way you can capture super-close-up photos of stuff in even better detail than you could before. In the case of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, you'll get the ability to take more detailed macro shots. Spatial recording debuted on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max last year, but now Apple has brought the feature over to the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus -- aided by switching the camera layout from a diagonal to vertical profile. The idea here is that the two cameras can work together to add depth to your photos and videos, which can then be enjoyed with a 3D-like effect on Apple Vision Pro. Thanks to the new quad-pixel sensor and the A18 Pro chipset, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max can record video in 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision HDR in a variety of different modes. This includes regular video mode, slow motion and the super-high quality ProRes mode. Though the latter requires you to be connected to an external hard drive via USB-C -- that much hasn't changed since last year. While this feels like the kind of feature that would be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro series, it's actually available on all iPhone 16s. The idea behind Audio Mix is that it makes it easier to record and edit sound, with the goal of making it sound like a more true-to-life studio-quality recording. Machine learning will be able to focus on specific voices while also reducing unwanted noise in the background -- including wind. Just note that you'll get better audio performance from the iPhone 16 Pro series as it features four studio quality mics. The phones also allow for spatial audio recordings, not just for spatial videos but also so you can listen back in a more immersive way. You'll just need a compatible pair of AirPods and an Apple Vision Pro to do so. Visual Intelligence utilizes both the iPhone 16 camera and Apple Intelligence, and allows you to use AI to scan and analyze real world objects. Whether you're looking to search for products, translate text or simply learn more about that restaurant, Visual Intelligence will be able to help using a mix of on-device and cloud-based AI computing. Think of it as a similar feature to Google Lens but taken to the next level. Plus, you'll be able to instantly act on this Visual Intelligence data, such as adding that concert date you see on a flyer directly to your calendar. Photographic styles is a way for users to, in Apple's words, "express their creativity and customize their photos by locally adjusting color, highlights, and shadows in real time". Think of it as an advanced version of a filter, but way more in-depth. Rather than applying a single color or effect to the whole photo, Photographic Styles are supposed to be able to adjust specific colors of pre-selected styles before or after the iPhone takes a photo. The current preset Styles include Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm and Cool, which the iPhone 16 can visualize before you actually take the photo. After that you have the option to adjust tone and warmth to something that you like the look of. And if you decide you don't like the result, you're given the option to reverse all the changes you made and get the original photo back.