iPhone 16 Pro 16 Pro - WTF Were They Thinking?

[cardfan]

Yep, this one is not worth the upgrade at all from a 15. Look at the comparison on the Apple site, its virtually a carbon copy. Even the chip is basically the same thing. Next year may be better hopefully..

I can usually find a reason to upgrade iPhones. But not this year. The m4 mbp I’ll probably wait and see on.

Could be different if I found Apple intelligence compelling. I did catch the “it’s a free update”. Why throw that in unless they’re implying you’ll be paying for it later. That’s a lot of confidence in something that’s still a joke right now.

 

[Saturn1217]

Anyone else feel like this year was just much more about the regular iPhone instead of the pro for once?

My husband is in the market for a replacement for his iPhone 11 so the iPhone 16 will work great. I’ll be waiting until next year to upgrade my 13 Pro Max (and I’m totally ok with that).

 

[laffnvegas]

I have had a New iPhone every year since they came out with the Pro Max starting with 11 Pro Max, I had a 7 Plus, then skipped X and XS Max. But after watching today's presentation I have decided to skip the 16. I actually found the regular 16 to seem more interesting than the pro, plus liked the colors but over all it is not much different than my 15 pro max. All the new stuff it claimed the 16 pm would do is nothing I would even consider using. Plus the 15pm will have the new updates and do all the new AI stuff. They made it sounds like they were offering more this year for trade in but I looked up my trade of my 14 pm to buy my 15pm it was $650.00 which is the same amount being offered this year and a 2 yr old is being offered $500.00. I will be good with a $500.00 trade in next year. I did order a new Titanium watch and excited about that I am OK not getting a new phone this year.

 

[tothemoonsands]

15 Pro/Pro Max ran hot. Also battery life not great in my experience, although to be fair I use my phone a lot. 15%-19% more battery life and running cooler is a pretty big QoL update in my opinion. It's far from ground breaking and most will recommend not upgrading coming from 15P/PM, but you also have considered trade-in values are maximized in this first iteration...I am on the fence personally. My 15PM runs warmer than I'd like.

 

[UnifiedMelody]

imean my 11 Pro Max screen just had the internal OLED malfunction recently after 5 years and 3 months so this is still a buy for me irregardless.

Give me usb-c anyday, im making the leap. Lighting is dated asf and pointless also, camera/chip are obvious but those are the main ones.

 

[iPhone2019]

The main camera sensor should be 1 inch in size in the 16 Pro and Pro Max models. At least according to their price. Why underwhelm us when they could overwhelm? Apple could release an Ultra model with up-to-date camera hardware though...

 

[london_apple]

Just want to say... I work in production and media, and we use iPhones for a lot of content capture (if it doesn't need to be overly commercial and produced). The way they presented the iPhone camera in music video/shoot setting is a real-life situation 😜 (granted not for anyone on this thread likely, but... it is still meaningful)

 

[Jonas Silver]

I got so turned off by all the rumors the past few weeks I jumped the gun and got a Z Fold6. Yes I still have my 15 Pro Max, for Apple Pay Cash, Apple Card, controlling my Apple TV and home pods. I still have my love for Apple products and own more than I should between myself and the wife. She's fine with whatever phone she has and isn't overly dedicated to a manufacturer or yearly updates but she's also disappointed with this announcement. This year they basically told us you either want your phone predominantly to use as a camera and basically nothing else. We still don't have hifi Bluetooth codecs, no update to the internal dac, no new screen tech outside of size, nothing to improve the overall "smartphone" aspect. Like yes we live in a social media oriented world but the Pro moniker doesn't sllude to professional photographer/videographer. I'm glad I'm trying out android again, it's refreshing. Less battery life, no iMessage (until I set up a BlueBubbles server), and less app cohesiveness and Samsung pass is terrible compared to iCloud keychain. All in all I just had to vent these frustrations, loving apple can dosclude their phone offerings and it took this phone release to realize it.

I was thinking about what I’d need on a phone while I was at the gym. I definitely need high-quality codecs, since I don’t post many pictures on social media. I have a 15 Pro Max with 256GB of storage and 99GB that’s still usable.

 

[Siliconguy]

Well, it's official on the financial page.

"Stocks Bounce After Brutal Week Despite Apple Unveiling A Dud"

Since I get by fine on a 2019 flip phone I'm not up on smart phone things, is it just the camera that is failing to impress? That seem to be most of the grumping on this page.

 

[rafark]

Absolutely nothing special about the Pro models this year, and they don't even keep up with the competition. Even last year's Watch Ultra 2 got the new feature tile board - but the 16 Pro is so boring they couldn't fill one. Half of the presentation spent on contrived movie and music video shoots that don't represent anyone's actual usage - I mean, you can't get those images without at least $100k in outboard gear, but who is spending that on a shoot and using an iPhone?

Still limping along on a 12 Pro, and upgrades to the camera are the one feature that will motivate me to spend on a new iPhone. Despite the rumors, I was desperately hoping Apple would come through and deliver a camera that meets my needs and goes toe to toe with the competition. Alas, we suffer once again at the hands of Apple's bean counters. It's one thing for products to plateau as technology development slows - but this is something else.

Google just released their Pixel 9, with 48mp available at each sensor for increased image quality all around. Yet here we are now with Apple's flagship phone still offering only an aging 12mp sensor for the telephoto lens. What gives?

I use the telephoto all the time, so I was hoping for a significant upgrade to finally justify the cost of a new phone. Google can now deliver a real step up in image quality, so why can't Apple?

I would love to get better pictures out of my wide and ultra-wide cameras, along with stabilization, but I can't justify the cost of a new phone that will continue to leave me disappointed with half the pictures I take. If I want the best image quality available to me right now, it looks like I will have to switch to Google. I don't want that, but I also don't want an expensive new phone that barely improves on my old one.

There is no reason Apple couldn't offer something competitive with Google except for their greed and arrogance - assuming that people will continue buying iPhones regardless of what they actually offer, even if that means missing out on features they could have if Apple was not deliberating withholding. Probably they are correct. But not with me. 12 Pro will soldier on for another year - unless I give my money to Google instead.

And I think this is why they no longer do in person events

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

I know I’m in the minority, but I’m glad they don’t redesign the iPhone every two years. Smartphones are a maturing platform, there’s less scope for big advances than there used to be.

Unless you’re chasing gimmicks, there are just not going to be many big jumps any more.

 

[AndreasBenedikt]

Due to the strong focus on Apple Intelligence, the 16th generation is hardly a real upgrade for me, a person whose everyday language is not English. Since it is not even foreseeable when my language (German) will be supported, it is not worth using the device in English. The personal context from messages, emails, notes etc. is still not understood. Did I understand that correctly?

Camera Control looks like a practical feature to me, I also like 4K 120fps and longer battery life is always overdue. But that's not worth €1,329 - the price for the 256GB version, 128GB is far too little even for me as a non-professional user who likes to take high-resolution pictures and videos.

The good thing (for me): My iPhone 13 Pro will be happy about a new battery (~€80), which in turn will make my bank account happy.

In case anyone wants to hear that: Don't invest too much emotionally in profit-oriented companies. Even if they are serious about improving their customers' lives, they won't do it for free. Tomorrow is a new day, which can be fulfilling even without the latest technology in your pocket, if you set your priorities accordingly.

 

[JulianL]

Our drinking game was a washout tonight. Tim didn’t say once how excited he was.

And he left it to one of the other presenters to say that this is the best iPhone they’ve ever made.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

It’s a good thing that you don’t feel the need to upgrade a four year old phone.

 

[ssledoux]

I’m excited that the regular phone will finally have macro on the camera. I’ll likely be able to skip the pro/pro max when I upgrade again.

I love my 15 pro max, and am not planning on getting anything this year, but macro camera was a main reason I wound up going pro/pro max these last few years. I miss having a lighter weight phone.

 

[nutriousmitten]

Maybe wait for independent reviews.

"Independent"? Most tech review companies don't want to rock the Apple boat too much.
They get their hands slapped enough and then test units start drying up from Apple.

The farthest they can go with criticism is the fact that you don't need to upgrade from the 15, but most everyone else with older phones, should.

 

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

I have had a New iPhone every year since they came out with the Pro Max starting with 11 Pro Max, I had a 7 Plus, then skipped X and XS Max. But after watching today's presentation I have decided to skip the 16. I actually found the regular 16 to seem more interesting than the pro, plus liked the colors but over all it is not much different than my 15 pro max. All the new stuff it claimed the 16 pm would do is nothing I would even consider using. Plus the 15pm will have the new updates and do all the new AI stuff. They made it sounds like they were offering more this year for trade in but I looked up my trade of my 14 pm to buy my 15pm it was $650.00 which is the same amount being offered this year and a 2 yr old is being offered $500.00. I will be good with a $500.00 trade in next year. I did order a new Titanium watch and excited about that I am OK not getting a new phone this year.

Same.

I've upgraded every year since I can remember. There's always been something to persaude me, even if it's a new colour but I'm finding absolutely nothing to justify upgrading this year. I'd be going for the same colour as my 15 Pro too if I was, so even less of a reason.

 

[mj1108]

Wife and I have our 14 Pro's. We skipped the 15 and might just skip the 16. Thinking of just upgrading our watches this year and that's it.

 

[golfnut1982]

Absolutely nothing special about the Pro models this year, and they don't even keep up with the competition. Even last year's Watch Ultra 2 got the new feature tile board - but the 16 Pro is so boring they couldn't fill one. Half of the presentation spent on contrived movie and music video shoots that don't represent anyone's actual usage - I mean, you can't get those images without at least $100k in outboard gear, but who is spending that on a shoot and using an iPhone?

Still limping along on a 12 Pro, and upgrades to the camera are the one feature that will motivate me to spend on a new iPhone. Despite the rumors, I was desperately hoping Apple would come through and deliver a camera that meets my needs and goes toe to toe with the competition. Alas, we suffer once again at the hands of Apple's bean counters. It's one thing for products to plateau as technology development slows - but this is something else.

Google just released their Pixel 9, with 48mp available at each sensor for increased image quality all around. Yet here we are now with Apple's flagship phone still offering only an aging 12mp sensor for the telephoto lens. What gives?

I use the telephoto all the time, so I was hoping for a significant upgrade to finally justify the cost of a new phone. Google can now deliver a real step up in image quality, so why can't Apple?

I would love to get better pictures out of my wide and ultra-wide cameras, along with stabilization, but I can't justify the cost of a new phone that will continue to leave me disappointed with half the pictures I take. If I want the best image quality available to me right now, it looks like I will have to switch to Google. I don't want that, but I also don't want an expensive new phone that barely improves on my old one.

There is no reason Apple couldn't offer something competitive with Google except for their greed and arrogance - assuming that people will continue buying iPhones regardless of what they actually offer, even if that means missing out on features they could have if Apple was not deliberating withholding. Probably they are correct. But not with me. 12 Pro will soldier on for another year - unless I give my money to Google instead.

Like you said, "limping along"...The 15 and new 16 Pro's are quite a bit better than the 12 Pro. Sorry, but without you actually using them for a while, you sound a bit biased. Go to the Apple Store and check them out. Cameras are really good.

 

[snak-atak]

Absolutely nothing special about the Pro models this year, and they don't even keep up with the competition. Even last year's Watch Ultra 2 got the new feature tile board - but the 16 Pro is so boring they couldn't fill one. Half of the presentation spent on contrived movie and music video shoots that don't represent anyone's actual usage - I mean, you can't get those images without at least $100k in outboard gear, but who is spending that on a shoot and using an iPhone?

Still limping along on a 12 Pro, and upgrades to the camera are the one feature that will motivate me to spend on a new iPhone. Despite the rumors, I was desperately hoping Apple would come through and deliver a camera that meets my needs and goes toe to toe with the competition. Alas, we suffer once again at the hands of Apple's bean counters. It's one thing for products to plateau as technology development slows - but this is something else.

Google just released their Pixel 9, with 48mp available at each sensor for increased image quality all around. Yet here we are now with Apple's flagship phone still offering only an aging 12mp sensor for the telephoto lens. What gives?

I use the telephoto all the time, so I was hoping for a significant upgrade to finally justify the cost of a new phone. Google can now deliver a real step up in image quality, so why can't Apple?

I would love to get better pictures out of my wide and ultra-wide cameras, along with stabilization, but I can't justify the cost of a new phone that will continue to leave me disappointed with half the pictures I take. If I want the best image quality available to me right now, it looks like I will have to switch to Google. I don't want that, but I also don't want an expensive new phone that barely improves on my old one.

There is no reason Apple couldn't offer something competitive with Google except for their greed and arrogance - assuming that people will continue buying iPhones regardless of what they actually offer, even if that means missing out on features they could have if Apple was not deliberating withholding. Probably they are correct. But not with me. 12 Pro will soldier on for another year - unless I give my money to Google instead.

Enjoy your Google Pixel purchase!

 

[Melbourne Park]

I've dropped my iPhone before, so I use a case. I also have some cards in the case. So the colours of a phone mean nothing to me. Or are these new phones all drop proof? I must have missed that as I skipped through all the music and happy people.

The lack of more zoom (still a pretty impressive 120 mm though) was disappointing but predicted. I think they did recess the lenses in this model (the others were exposed I think). I reckon the battery life is a key, and the multi-function button a great idea. I reckon the 48 MP is a deception though as sensors do better for colour and light sensitivity if they are not high pixel counts. What will matter is how they compete with other phones, such as Google's. And no new SE phone is another example that Apple's leadership doesn't like to provide good value.

 

[ShadowGuardian87]

In my opinion last year 15 pro models were worth the upgrade
- titanium body
- USB C
- impressive A17 chip that can run console level games
-5X Zoom camera on pro max models
- Log video recording
- spatial video recording for Apple Vision

This year feels like an S year really. I am an Apple fan but I just don’t feel excited or the need to upgrade this year. The presentation bored me instead of getting me into the hype train like in previous years lol.

 

[lyunmac]

I got so turned off by all the rumors the past few weeks I jumped the gun and got a Z Fold6. Yes I still have my 15 Pro Max, for Apple Pay Cash, Apple Card, controlling my Apple TV and home pods. I still have my love for Apple products and own more than I should between myself and the wife. She's fine with whatever phone she has and isn't overly dedicated to a manufacturer or yearly updates but she's also disappointed with this announcement. This year they basically told us you either want your phone predominantly to use as a camera and basically nothing else. We still don't have hifi Bluetooth codecs, no update to the internal dac, no new screen tech outside of size, nothing to improve the overall "smartphone" aspect. Like yes we live in a social media oriented world but the Pro moniker doesn't sllude to professional photographer/videographer. I'm glad I'm trying out android again, it's refreshing. Less battery life, no iMessage (until I set up a BlueBubbles server), and less app cohesiveness and Samsung pass is terrible compared to iCloud keychain. All in all I just had to vent these frustrations, loving apple can dosclude their phone offerings and it took this phone release to realize it.

You won't even need blue bubbles app with iOS 18 introducing rcs into the messaging app. With this feature I don't have any need to switch back to iOS permanently for personal device. I still have my blue 15PM from work and my Android devices for personal.

 

[ShadowGuardian87]

Worst Apple iPhone launch ever and I mean it, no brighter displays no faster wired charging, I’m a pro photographer but I use real pro gear never used iPhone for pro shoots, there’s like nothing new they are so lazy they only updated the max headphones because the eu timing, they just don’t bother anymore

I would say the worst iPhone is probably the iPhone XS and XS max. Just a lackluster S year for the iPhone X.

 

[lyunmac]

13 series was great while the 14 seemed like an S series. The 15 series change the look slightly and made it lighter while the 16 seems like a other S series. There's no need to upgrade if you have a 14 or 15, even a 13 series. Tbh phones have reached a plateau. There's no need to give Apple your money to have the latest even if you're a die hard fan and have cash to spend. Hit Apple where it hurts, in the wallet. Who here actually uses all the new features introduced every year? We all use it to take photos that no one even see, social media and regular finance and food apps. They're basic apps that don't need a new processor to open them barely faster.