Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max
The initial reviews for Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are arriving, with most reviewers saying that the improvements are small, or at least will be until Apple Intelligence launches too.
Apple said during the “It’s Glowtime” event that Apple Intelligence features would be rolling out in stages. The first will be in October 2024, for users in the US, with further stages expected in December.
For now, the chief features of the new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max that are getting most attention are the cameras and the chassis.
Chief amongst the camera updates is the fact that both models now get the 5x optical zoom of the tetraprism lens. That was previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Then both new models feature slimmer bezels around the edge of the screen, and they have also fractionally increased the size of each phone’s body. Combined, the two make for a noticeably larger iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max compared to their predecessors.
On YouTube, MKBHD says that the increased size turns the iPhone 16 Pro Max into an “absolutely gigantic phone.”
Despite that change to the chassis, every single review is prefixed by how Apple Intelligence is missing. “The iPhone 16 Pro is one of the most unfinished products Apple has ever shipped,” says The Verge.
“[It’s mostly a set of very nice but ultimately minor changes to the iPhone 15 Pro,” continues the publication. “It’s hard to make the case for an upgrade right now: there is almost no reason to upgrade to the 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max from the 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max.”
Nonetheless, the publication does make the case. “Is it bananas that a smartphone can record 4K video in surround sound?” it asks. “It absolutely is,” it answers.
In a recurring theme, The Verge also addresses an issue of whether the difference between the regular and Pro models is reduced this year. “My short answer is that the Pro camera is meaningfully better,” it concludes.
The Engadget makes mostly similar points. “Until Apple Intelligence arrives, these phones are missing their purpose,” it says.
But this review finds a minor gripe in the otherwise generally well received Camera Control button.
“Not only was it difficult to swipe through different settings when holding the device with one hand, it also reacts to accidental touches and swipes,” says the review.
Gizmodo says that “if you’re due for an upgrade this year, you’ve been dealing with a crusty old iPhone on its last legs, and were thinking of going Pro, then yes, you should consider the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max.” Otherwise, no, there isn’t enough of a difference to warrant updating.
And Engadget’s reviewer says it was bewildering how hard it was to photograph items thrown up in the air — but for a good reason.
“Apple has become so fast that it actually captured the literal moment I tapped the button,” said the reviewer, “instead of the split second after, when the object was in mid-air.”
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are now available to order online, priced from $999 and $1,199 respectively. They will be in Apple Stores worldwide from September 20.
