iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Buyer's Guide

[decypher44]

And ZERO reasons to upgrade

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Only new feature I am interested is the USB-C. Most likely I am going to keep the 13 Pro and hope that iOS18 fixes my boredom of iPhones.

USB-C and the satellite messaging features for me, as maybe it would allow me to cancel my inReach subscription.

Not quite ready to trust my life Apple's implementation yet, though, so I'll keep hanging on to my 13 Pro and Garmin until further notice.

 

[Kevin2055]

The iPhone 16 Pro is set to succeed 2023's iPhone 15 Pro, introducing over 30 new features and improvements to Apple's high-end smartphones. With many users adopting two-year upgrade cycles, plenty of iPhone 14 Pro owners will be looking to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro, so this guide breaks down every major difference you should be aware of between the two generations based on rumors.

In 2022, Apple unveiled the iPhone 14 Pro as the successor to the popular iPhone 13 Pro, introducing an always-on display, the Dynamic Island, a 48-megapixel camera, the A16 Bionic chip, longer battery life, and more. Two years later, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to offer at least 60 upgrades. All of the changes the iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to feature compared to their 2022 predecessor are listed below, using information from reliable sources that we have previously covered here on MacRumors. We will continue to update this article as more rumors emerge prior to Apple's "It's glowtime" event on Monday, September 9.

Design

The design of the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to be a relatively significant evolution over the iPhone 14 Pro, iterating on the titanium frame and slightly rounded edges introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models last year.

iPhone 14 Pro	iPhone 16 Pro
Surgical-grade stainless steel chassis	Aerospace-grade titanium chassis
Glossy frame with squared-off edges	Brushed frame with contoured edges
Ring/Silent switch	Action button
Thermal design with copper heatsink and black foil battery casing	New thermal design with graphene heatsink and metal battery casing
	More repairable design
Lightning port	USB-C port
Space Black, Silver, Gold, and Deep Purple color options	Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium color options

Dimensions

To accommodate larger displays, both iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to grow in height and width. In addition to last year's increase in depth, the devices are due to be considerably larger, but with a notable reduction in weight thanks to the adoption of a titanium frame.

iPhone 14 Pro	iPhone 16 Pro
7.85mm depth	8.25mm depth (0.4mm thicker)
iPhone 14 Pro: 147.5mm height iPhone 14 Pro Max: 160.7mm height	iPhone 16 Pro: 149.6mm height iPhone 16 Pro Max: 163.0mm height
iPhone 14 Pro: 71.5mm width iPhone 14 Pro Max: 77.6mm width	iPhone 16 Pro: 71.45mm width iPhone 16 Pro Max: 77.58mm width
iPhone 14 Pro: 206g weight iPhone 14 Pro Max: 240g weight	iPhone 16 Pro: 194g weight iPhone 16 Pro Max: 225g weight

Displays

Both iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature larger displays than their predecessors, pushing the iPhone 16 Pro Max to be the biggest iPhone ever offered. There are also reportedly improvements to the underlying OLED technology in store, in addition to last year's slimmer bezels, making for a noticeable overall display upgrade.

iPhone 14 Pro	iPhone 16 Pro
6.1- or 6.7-inch display	6.3- or 6.9-inch display
	Slimmer borders around the display
	More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology

Performance

The iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to bring notable improvements in processing power, including a 3nm Apple silicon chip and 33% more memory.

iPhone 14 Pro	iPhone 16 Pro
A16 Bionic chip (TSMC's "N4P" 5nm process)	A18 chip (TSMC's "N3E" enhanced 3nm process)
16-core Neural Engine	Enhanced neural Engine with "significantly" more cores to support Apple Intelligence more effectively
	Dedicated AV1 decoder
6GB memory	8GB memory

Connectivity

Connectivity is also due to get a significant upgrade on the iPhone 16 Pro, bolstering the device's 5G, Wi-Fi, Thread, and Ultra Wideband specifications.

iPhone 14 Pro	iPhone 16 Pro
Snapdragon X65 5G modem	Snapdragon X75 5G modem
Wi‑Fi 6 connectivity	Wi‑Fi 7 connectivity
	Thread networking technology
First-generation Ultra Wideband chip	Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip (connects from 3x further away)
	Precision Finding for Find My friends

Cameras

The iPhone 16 Pro models are slated to receive a range of substantial camera enhancements, such as a larger main camera sensor, a 48-megapixel sensor on the ultra wide camera, and a dedicated hardware button for photography and videography on the side of the device... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: 60 Upgrades to Expect

Well, 3X to 5X zoom may be a downgrade for many.

 

[littlejohn74]

Amateur photographer, talented enough that 3 friends have blown up shots of mine into 20 x 30 and 30 X 40 metal prints; all were landscape shots. One using my Nikon z7 II and the other two my iPhone 14 Pro. I use a full size tripod for all my shots . For me the 16 pro is a huge upgrade (assuming rumored specs are correct): smaller, lighter, usb c, and way better camera, especially for landscapes. 12 to 48 jump in wide is HUGE. If I get lucky, my 16 pro will arrive the day before I head from CA to Canada where I am getting dropped into the middle of the Canadian Rockies by helicopter. I'll spend 4 days taking 100s of shots. PLEASE Fed Ex show up on my door on the 20th !!!

 

[bbeagle]

And ZERO reasons to upgrade

Not zero.

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. all offer a free iPhone 16 if you trade in an iPhone 14. If you still have an old iPhone 13 it's only worth about $350.

So if you trade in your iPhone every 2 years, you'll never pay. Keep a device more than 2 years, you'll have to pay a lot of money to get a new one.

 

[carrrrrlos]

Thanks for this. In the 14Pro camp myself. Actually still debating now after this review. While many may think these are significant improvements, they seem like just more baby steps. Sure, bigger, faster, seems to be the trend. Do I need Ai, a bigger screen, and titanium to continue to check emails, edit reels, and take decent photos though? Probably not. The USBc port may be my biggest reason to switch tbh.

 

[C_Topher]

with the difference in screen size, going from my limping 11 Pro to 16 Pro will be like going to a Max

 

[krakenrelease]

For about a decade, cellphones just kept getting smaller and smaller, until the keys got impossible to type on. Then came the touchscreen phones, and the shrinking trend reversed. Now it seems evey generation of every phone, iOS, Android or whatever, has to be larger than the last.

What I'm waiting for is the SE that is rumored to debut in 2025, to replace the 2020 SE I have now. As an avid bicyclist, I need a phone small enough to fit sideways in one of my jersey's back pockets. That way, it doesn't fall out when hitting a bump or other surface imperfection. Best case, it lands on a soft surface and isn't damaged. Bad case, hits pavement and breaks. Worst case, you don't notice it fell out, and the wrong person finds it.

You don't need a new phone..... an arm wrist band would be a good, cheap, investment.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

You don't need a new phone..... an arm wrist band would be a good, cheap, investment.

Those suck.

I mount my phone on my handlebars or put it in my tool bag.

 

[richinaus]

“With many users adopting two-year upgrade cycles, plenty of iPhone 14 Pro owners will be looking to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro later this year…”

I stopped doing this nonsense many years ago, after doing yearly upgrade cycles. Wife, and I, upgraded from the iPhone 8 Plus, to the 14 Pro Max. We expect to use these phones for a few years. Even the two year “upgrades” aren't impactful enough anymore.

I was just thinking the same thing having done yearly updates previously. Will wait 3 -4 years this time round from my 14pro.

 

[Warped9]

The "Apple Intelligence" features will be used by everyone. For one example I just tried out the "clean up" feature in Photos. Trivial to use, and something that will be used millions of times a day.

Edit: I just noticed that the post this replies to was from before the "AI" was announced. Presumably the poster will soften that opinion.

Since Apple AI features will only be available (supposedly) on iPhone 16 and later models a lot of it will be meaningless to owners of older phones. I, for one, couldn’t care less, but some will feel compelled to upgrade earlier than planned to get the AI features.

I suspect it won’t really impact their lives much in any meaningful way. It’s still just a damned phone.

 

[Mr.JARE_ee]

This is the single most used device for me.. I am willing to spend the money. I understand not wanting to upgrade every single year.. but I am definitely on the 2 year cycle as per Article.

Excited for the new changes (bigger screen + improved battery?) and Camera Button!

I am thinking I will not enjoy a slimer ultra version (17) and most likely sacrifice battery life.

 

[victorvictoria]

I admit I laughed hard at this:

‌iPhone 14‌ Pro	‌iPhone 16 Pro‌
Surgical-grade stainless steel chassis	Aerospace-grade titanium chassis

I never considered doing surgery on anyone with my phone before, but I never expected I could one day send it in deep space.

I waited 5 years to get a 15 Pro max. I think I can wait 5 more years for the next upgrade... unless I get abducted by aliens. Then surgery and aerospace grade stuff might come in handy, but I think I might have other issues at this point.

That's what I'd call a probing insight!

 

[chineseguy38]

totally agree, I'm one of those upgrading every 5-6 years, we however have to see how the AI is going to fit into iOS, it might be the next interesting "wow" thing

The whole Apple AI thing is such a rush job. I'm sure there'll be full of bugs and issues.

 

[SteveWex]

“With many users adopting two-year upgrade cycles, plenty of iPhone 14 Pro owners will be looking to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro later this year…”

I stopped doing this nonsense many years ago, after doing yearly upgrade cycles. Wife, and I, upgraded from the iPhone 8 Plus, to the 14 Pro Max. We expect to use these phones for a few years. Even the two year “upgrades” aren't impactful enough anymore.

Agreed. I don't see the point in annual upgrades. Before my 12 mini my 6 Plus was fine, and I only changed up due to the battery giving up. Even then I almost went for a battery swap.
I reckon maybe an 18 or a 19 will be my next, and it will have been out a year already before I buy it.

 

[Newbie67]

For the first time since the original iPhone launched, im not enticed at all to upgrade from the 14 pro to whatever comes out next.

I know I’m in the minority when I say this, but I’m waiting for the fold. If Apple decided to never release one, once this 13 pro is unusable, I’ll figure out what’s next then.

I agree 100%

 

[Levithescienceguy]

Yawn, boring. Sticking with 14 Pro and don't really care if my next phone is an iPhone or not at this point.

I'm upgrading my 14 Pro to the 16 Pro for two reasons: AI features, including better Siri, and a lighter chassis. My current phone hurts my wrist after I've been holding it for a while.

 

[Artsketch]

High-resolution photos with fine details in 48 MP ProRAW are very important to me. After the disappointment with the 15 Pro, I switched back to a 14 Pro for this reason. Unfortunately, the two cameras were very rarely compared in 48 MP ProRAW and only the 24 MP of the 15 Pro was hyped. It doesn't look like the 16 Pro will get a new main camera, only that of the 15 Pro. So there is no reason for me to switch to the 16 Pro.

 

[bettaboy123]

I’m thinking of going from 14 Pro to 16 Pro Max. I like my current phone a lot but I got water inside the camera module a couple weeks back (that evaporated out… for now) and I’m sick of this being my only device that doesn’t use USB C. I use a GoPro for cycling and hiking content all the time, and my GoPro also doubles a bike camera (to mostly successfully deter antisocial behavior) My SD - Lightning adaptor crapped out and now I’m just annoyed that I can’t use my USB C hub that works great. Managing my SD card storage on my phone would be much better, as I completely fill all 512 GB about weekly. It was easier to just be able to go through the days footage on my phone

I also take a lot of photos, and do more reading on my phone, which is getting harder with my eyes. With the Max only being 20g heavier and 6mm wider than my current phone, for that much bigger of a screen and an improved camera, it might be worth it. The camera button sounds like a very nice addition and I can think of a couple shortcuts the Action Button would be great for. I also need to bump up to 512GB of storage this time, and I’m switching carriers anyways. So there will be some great incentives for it.

 

[jfeathe]

I still cannot get over the Apple keeping the 16 Pro at 8GB RAM. Whatever the newest technology turns out to be, whether that’s AI 2.0 or something new, the 16 Pro will not be able to run it just like the 14 Pro and 15 can’t run Apple AI. The 14 Pro and 15 are exceedingly capable phones with impressive specs everywhere except RAM. Apple is now face-to-face with an era of new technologies where optimized architecture can only get you so far. While the 16 Pro will be a marvelous piece of technology highly capable of everything within iOS 18, I fear just one or two years down the line that the 16 Pro will be hamstrung like the 14 Pro and 15 unable to get a complete update or, at best, receiving a hobbled version of the what the 17 Pro or 18 Pro offers.

 

[aw1998]

Well, it's good to know that someone on this board has the inside information to determine that.

It has been extensively reported on by multiple credible sources that the next generation iPhone SE will reuse iPhone 14 chassis. At this point, it’s about as close to confirmed as you can get before being officially announced.

 

[Trausner]

Give it another year.

Probably a good idea. My battery is still at 80%, Thanks

 

[alexandr]

Probably a good idea. My battery is still at 80%, Thanks

Hey, if it works for you — it works for you!

 

[HazeAndHahmahneez]

I have also moved to a 3 year upgrade cycle. While I will likely upgrade to the 16 Pro, I am very hesitant due to the Dynamic Island.

Don’t be, it’s a game changer. Those annoying iOS popups are now relegated to the top of screen where island is at. It’s so great! Plus tapping on it to quickly switch the apps is awesome. Also, while on calls seeing the voice register for both ppl is so trippy.

Dynamic Island is the truth, I promise. Even if/when we get Apple all screen, I’ll still hope we can do some sort of island deal. I love the look of it, even if there’s content playing and I blow it up full screen….of course full screen is the best but island is betta than the notch and I was skeptical at first, as well, before diving in. I always have and still do truly love the look of the notch.

I have recorded spatial video from the iPhone15 for the Vision Pro. Quality is good. I have also recorded spatial video from the Vision Pro itself. The video from the Vision Pro is not as good as the one from the iphone15. The iPhone16 should have 4k recording at 120 for spatial video. It is easier to make a video that is smooth and lacks jerkiness on the iPhone than on the Vision Pro.

You lucky duck you. Spatial Apple vision demo is bananas just as I expected it to be. Everybody is sleepin on spatial…I can see some shows/movies getting spatial stuff down the road and 15 pro max is the origin of it all for iPhone users…

And I had ZERO idea vision can take spatial video that’s wild…tell me more I want to know all I can about spatial/vision stuff!!!

The Dynamic Island, sitting further down on the phone, rather than flush with the borders , is much more intrusive.

Yes and no. It goes away. I now like the look of content on that far little slim edge…but yes full. Screen is the next logical step…please no punch hole like ugly androids. Yughck…

iPhone 15 was "fairly significant" of an upgrade from the 14?

Who approves this drivel?

Nobody since it’s not drivel…spatial video/picture taking, lighta frame, you sir, are asleep at the wheel.

Just had to replace my iPhone 14 Pro Max due to a faulty charging port under AppleCare. So now I have a fresh 100% capacity battery I’ll be keeping this another year. Skipping for 2 year upgrade cycle for the first time ever.

Don’t. Good resale value for your awesome 14 pro max plus you get in on spatial vids/pics and down the road when Apple vision is less expensive you can see all your content properly and your mind’ll be blown away. No BS

They are heavier than the old ‘brick’ style nokias and ericssons from the early 2000’s

Yeah but not by a ton yet you get a ton more features…

I’ll keep my 8 Plus 😎

Funny you say that. That’s like top tier iPhone stuff since it still has finger id and can be unlocked in pocket before taking it out etc. I went from 8 plus to 12 pro (thinking it’d be much bigga screen when in fact it was slimma, so should’ve got 12 P Max….). Then from 12 pro to 14 pro max. Skipped 15 and looking forward to 16 pro max spatial video/pics….im telling you now’s the time to upgrade….Light frame like 15 but I’m sure they worked out a lot of those reported heating issues…

I bought a Huawei P30 Pro back in 2019, It came with USB-C,5X Optical Zoom, Dual login options, Dual SIM with dual app options. Fast forward 5 years and where is Apple today..? 5 years later the original battery still beats the battery on my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the camera Zoom lens also beats it. I own both..

P30 pro is that a phone? An android spy device? If so Is this some sort of sick joke? Are you seriously joking right now?….

Lol.. why upgrade from 14 to 16? useless.

I'm upgrading when we have fingerprint under the glass.
I hate face ID in most cases.

Face ID is the truth 95% of the time…Touch ID more like 75% (wet hands equaled no bueno more Touch ID, 4 real)…

Both would be perfect…..

Well the camera ZIT on the back is just as horrible as before. No end to this madness. Whenever I pick up my iP14PM I try to avoid looking at the back. Even though the finish is beautiful and love the look of the white glass...then you see this obnoxious huge camera lens just destroying the aesthetics completely. 🤮

Nah, don’t be like that…the camera look is iconic… unlike samsung/android phones that look like alien/spider eyes all creepy and disgusting and haphazardly….if only the camera were in the middle on iPhones so it laid down easier..

I think the upgrade will be more meaningful for owners of the 13 Pro and older.

If nothing else, I'm looking forward to the titanium design, USB-C, and the "island" meaning that annoying "Low Battery" notification no longer occupies your entire display.

Yup. Island does great work with system notifications. Plus those like me with 14 pro max and older get spatial video/pics!

I hope all this is ram is usable by the rest of the OS, for those of us that plan on disabling all the AI "features".

Still not anything compelling enough to move on from 13 Pro. New and shiny doesn't do anything for me.

I’m telling you, you are sleeping hard on spatial content taking. Absolute comatose.

Yawn, boring. Sticking with 14 Pro and don't really care if my next phone is an iPhone or not at this point.

You’re missing heaving on spatial video/pictures. Plus you’re thinking of an android???… yeah, that’s a no go on all of that, sir.

I'd love to upgrade from my 13 Pro, but may just replace the battery and get another year or two out of it. Still a great phone and I don't think it's missing anything I really need. Also, I'm probably in the minority, but I prefer the look of the notch over the dynamic island.

Dynamic is the truth I promise, as well as spatial content taking. Don’t sleep, get 16 pro (or max).

Couldn’t agree more. It’s like they took a marketing 101 class and decided to call it innovation. Rounded corners and a new finish? Groundbreaking! Meanwhile, the real improvements are either minor or come with trade-offs, like the “fancy” titanium that doubles as a hand warmer. Sometimes, sticking with the tried and true like the 14 Pro is the smarter move imo.

No it’s a dumb move, candidly…

I'll wait and see what the impact of "Apple Intelligence" is in the real world. Still happy with my 14 Pro Max. With my battery max still at 95%, I'll likely wait until the 17PM. My 12.9" iPP from 2020 will likely get updated later this year.

You’re sleeping on spatial content, I promise.

TLDR: Nothing big

Honestly, mobile phones have reached a maturity, and I have reached an age, where nothing seems like a big enough jump to get me to upgrade my iPhone 14PM.

Yes, I’m a heavy user, but no, the A18 isn’t going to benefit me much.

Go do Apple vision demo and see what spatial content is all
About…you’re speaking nonsense, I’m afraid : (

Dad, mom, 3 kids. Have 14P. Wife have 15P. We’re using for pro video without need for anything very fancy (no bird photo or macro/night/…). Everything on tripod, with pro lighting. I still have my Canon 1DX and 5D3. Other than lenses and ISO, everything else is blown away by our current phones. With color correction and proper grading, I don’t care about the sensor quality that much.

I would normally skip a generation or two, but having a 15 or 16 means the same USB-C ecosystem for both. Then, it’s trickle down economics for older phones to kids, so it’s not lost. Youngest has a 8+, it’s getting old no matter for modern apps/games.

On 14 to 16, I am seriously considering the 16 Pro Max for the first time for the better optics, while I’m at it, even if I am more a Mini guy in general.

Teach your children about airplane mode and get them in the habit at a young age. Right now I’m typing but in airplane mode

As an iPhone 7 user I waited for the notch to be smaller and pulled the trigger on the iPhone 13 pro. That being said, I'll probably wait until the Dynamic Island gets smaller to upgrade from 13 pro.

Don’t forget about how you’re missing out Big time on spatial content taking!

I am still rocking a 12 pro max at 84% battery health. I have no interest in the 16 pro max’s boring colours, & AI.

Thus I am holding out for the 17 pro max, with the hopeful rumoured design changes, increased ram, triple 48pm lens and better cooling structure.

Ok but that’s another yr of no spatial content in your photos library : (

I was considering it but my kids are 12 and 13 and I ain't poisoning their brains with devices.
When they are 16 then I will look into it.

!!! I love you! We need to spread the word. If it were solely ip to me, any and all children of mine would have very limited access to a smart phone until they’re 18 (25 ideal but let’s be realistic here)… I say 25 cuz that’s abt the age I heard when done fully developing….then it’s all downhill lol

Normally I would be sticking with my 14 pro max for 2-3 more years, but my wife has an iPhone X that has become barely usable. I may use it as a good excuse to hand over my 14pro max to her and get a brand new 16pro max

Nah you no try should have 15 pro or newer for spatial content taking, I promise you it’ll be worth it down the road!

Amateur photographer, talented enough that 3 friends have blown up shots of mine into 20 x 30 and 30 X 40 metal prints; all were landscape shots. One using my Nikon z7 II and the other two my iPhone 14 Pro. I use a full size tripod for all my shots . For me the 16 pro is a huge upgrade (assuming rumored specs are correct): smaller, lighter, usb c, and way better camera, especially for landscapes. 12 to 48 jump in wide is HUGE. If I get lucky, my 16 pro will arrive the day before I head from CA to Canada where I am getting dropped into the middle of the Canadian Rockies by helicopter. I'll spend 4 days taking 100s of shots. PLEASE Fed Ex show up on my door on the 20th !!!

Here’s to hoping you get your phone in time. Post pics here on MR!!!

What tripod do you use for your awesome Apple iPhone??

Thanks for this. In the 14Pro camp myself. Actually still debating now after this review. While many may think these are significant improvements, they seem like just more baby steps. Sure, bigger, faster, seems to be the trend. Do I need Ai, a bigger screen, and titanium to continue to check emails, edit reels, and take decent photos though? Probably not. The USBc port may be my biggest reason to switch tbh.

That and spatial content taking..

This is the single most used device for me.. I am willing to spend the money. I understand not wanting to upgrade every single year.. but I am definitely on the 2 year cycle as per Article.

Excited for the new changes (bigger screen + improved battery?) and Camera Button!

I am thinking I will not enjoy a slimer ultra version (17) and most likely sacrifice battery life.

Well said. I. Agree with your prognostication on a slim variation. They’re slim
Enough and since the 15 they’re lighter so any slimmer just seems not compelling enough.

Agreed. I don't see the point in annual upgrades. Before my 12 mini my 6 Plus was fine, and I only changed up due to the battery giving up. Even then I almost went for a battery swap.
I reckon maybe an 18 or a 19 will be my next, and it will have been out a year already before I buy it.

It’s been a year almost since spatial content taking has been available for Apple users so you’re not too far behind the ball (like me and many others). Don’t wait for no damn 18 to go on sale lol

Spatial is the future and the future is now so go get that 16 pro or betta yet pro max. My boy from HS is like 6’5 and 200 something and is a jujitsu freak and he loves the pro. I’m 5 foot nothin with trump hands and absolutely love 14 pro max. Any smaller and it feels like a teeny toy ::shrugs::

 

[WarmWinterHat]

You’re sleeping on spatial content, I promise.

Even the couple people I know with a Vision Pro don't care about spatial content, and my good buddy with one hasn't even turned his on since June.

I barely take video anyway, and prefer photos and reading. Spatial video is yawn.. 🥱