For those who love large phones, the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are worth the wait. The new models are set to address the needs of users who find the current 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 15 Pro too small by increasing the display size to 6.3 inches, or precisely 6.27 inches. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will expand from 6.7 to 6.86 inches, pushing the boundaries of what we consider a phone versus a tablet.
Display Size and Ergonomics
The changes in display size are accompanied by slight adjustments in the phone’s dimensions. The iPhone 16 Pro will become slightly taller by 3 millimeters and wider by less than 1 millimeter, with an insignificant weight increase of 7 grams. Similarly, the 16 Pro Max will gain 4 millimeters in height and about 1 millimeter in width, without a notable increase in overall bulk. This suggests that the phones may feature thinner bezels, although this is still speculation.
Improved Display Technology
The new iPhones will boast not only larger screens but also superior display technology. The iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to adopt micro-lens OLED display technology, enhancing peak brightness and reducing energy consumption. This technology could potentially make the current models seem dim by comparison. For a more detailed explanation of this technology, be sure to check out our blog post comparing it to the Samsung S24 Ultra.
Design Consistency and New Colors
Despite these internal upgrades, the design of the new iPhone 16 Pro models is expected to remain largely unchanged. They will retain the same titanium frame, rounded edges, and flat glass on both sides. There is no official information on new color options yet, but it is hoped that Apple will introduce a new color variant, potentially replacing the current blue titanium with something fresh like green, red, or purple.
Exciting New Features: The Capture Button
One of the most intriguing rumors is the introduction of a new capture button. This button is expected to be pressure-sensitive, similar to a DSLR camera button, allowing users to focus with a light press and take a shot with a firmer press. Alternatively, it might be touch-sensitive, enabling users to adjust zoom levels by brushing their finger over it. This button is also speculated to integrate with the Vision Pro for spatial video functionalities.
Camera Enhancements
As a camera enthusiast, I am particularly excited about the camera improvements in the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. The main camera is expected to feature an improved 48-megapixel sensor with a stacked design, promising better dynamic range and lower noise. The sensor size increase could enhance background blur and low-light performance. Additionally, the ultra-wide camera is set to receive a 48-megapixel sensor, which would be a significant upgrade, especially for low-light photography.
Performance and Battery Life
The new models will feature the A18 Pro processor with a new thermal design to address the overheating issues found in the iPhone 15 Pro models. Although the battery capacity is expected to increase slightly, the improvement in battery life might not be substantial.
The Role of AI in iPhone 16 Pro
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 16 Pro series will be the integration of advanced AI features. Apple has been working on generative AI for years, and the new AI functionalities are expected to enhance interactions with Siri, create auto-generated playlists in Apple Music, and improve productivity apps like Pages and Keynote. These features will be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models, as the A17 Pro in the 15 Pro lacks the necessary neural cores for on-device AI processing.
Conclusion
In summary, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will undoubtedly bring several upgrades, they may not be a compelling upgrade for current iPhone 15 Pro users. The enhancements, while impressive, are incremental rather than revolutionary. However, for those keen on the latest AI features and camera improvements, the 16 Pro series could be worth the investment. Until Apple officially unveils these models, we can only speculate and hope for some groundbreaking innovations.
For those planning to buy the iPhone 15 Pro, make sure to check out our video on the 15 essential things to do with your new phone. See you there!
