Is It Time for you to upgrade and buy the new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro? These new releases boast considerable enhancements in camera technology and are compatible with the entire suite of Apple Intelligent features. The Pro series showcases larger, brighter displays and an unprecedented battery life span.With the products available to sale on September 20th, and you may still be considering whether it’s worth upgrading. This depends on the model of the phone you are currently using, so I have prepared the following chart information to help you make a decision.
The four new models — iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max — are the same as in last year’s iPhone 15 lineup. All four iPhone 16 models support Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI features Apple showcased at WWDC24. No other models pack enough processing power to handle Apple Intelligence except for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. So if you desperately want Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, the decision might prove simple.
However, there are other things to consider.
Should you buy the new iPhone 16 or 16 Plus?
Want Apple Intelligence? It’s time to upgrade unless you own an iPhone 15 Pro.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If you’re contemplating the purchase of an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus, it’s logical to start by comparing them with the most recent ‘standard’ iPhone models.
- If you possess an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, consider upgrading to an iPhone 16 only if you truly desire Apple Intelligence capabilities. It will enable system-wide writing aids, an enhanced Siri experience, image refinement within the Photos app, visual intelligence from the camera, intelligent summaries, an Image Playground, and Genmoji, among other innovations. This robust new set of machine learning capabilities is exclusive to the latest hardware.
- If you own an iPhone 12, iPhone 13 or the third-generation iPhone SE, get an iPhone 16 or 16 Plus if you can. In addition to Apple Intelligence, you will enjoy significantly improved cameras, battery life and speed. New features in the iPhone 16 models include a higher-resolution Fusion camera and ultrawide camera, the Camera Control button, the Action button, a USB-C connector, precision finding and emergency satellite communication. Unfortunately, if you like your iPhone 12 or 13 mini, you can no longer pick a small smartphone.
- If you own an iPhone 11 or earlier, you should upgrade to the iPhone 16. In addition to everything mentioned above, you will join the world of MagSafe chargers, wallets, batteries and car stands. (Read our roundup of the best MagSafe cables and chargers for iPhone 16 to see what you’re missing.)
Should you buy the new iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 Pro comes with all of the latest and greatest features.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If you’re wondering whether you should buy the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, the comparison starts with older pro models.
- If you still use an iPhone 11 Pro or earlier, you will really love upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro. And if you’re considering jumping up from a regular phone to the pro tier, I’d even recommend it to iPhone 12 and 13 owners.
- If you own the iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro, go for this year’s upgrade if you can. However, your device will probably hold steady for another year if you don’t go for the iPhone 16 Pro.
Upgrading from all these devices, you will gain the upcoming Apple Intelligence features. Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro’s higher-resolution and higher-frame rate cameras, with the new Camera Control feature, will make it easier to take better pictures. The always-on displays on this year’s phones are bigger and brighter, with the Dynamic Island (introduced with iPhone 14 Pro) and ProMotion. And Apple’s powerful new A18 Pro chip will run faster with longer battery life, the company says.
- If you own an iPhone 14 Pro, you already enjoy many of the niceties of this year’s models (Camera Control not included). Only upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro if you really want Apple Intelligence.
- And if you’re rocking an iPhone 15 Pro, you can comfortably sit out this year’s upgrade. That way you can start saving up for next year’s model.
Technology is racing forward, and our smartphones are becoming more powerful and intelligent with each new release. The iPhone 16 series, have introduced a range of exciting new features. From enhanced cameras to smarter AI capabilities, each update is designed to elevate your user experience. But whether to upgrade ultimately depends on your needs and budget. If you’re chasing the latest tech and have the budget for it, then it might be time to consider an upgrade to the iPhone 16 series.