It’s that time of year again, and as a tech reviewer and photographer, I usually get a new iPhone to have better tech, get camera improvements, be able to make recommendations, and answer your questions. This year was no different. I got the new iPhone 16 Pro.
Let me answer the first question I get when I say what I just said: “Why didn’t you go with the iPhone 16 Pro Max?” People are usually shocked when I say, “I don’t like the bigger phone!” After all, what’s not to like? It’s a bigger screen, usually longer battery life, and a feature or two that the regular “smaller” Pro model doesn’t have. So why wouldn’t I get the 16 Pro Max? Here’s why: I had a 13 Pro Max, and all I remember saying for an entire year was, “I can’t wait till the iPhone 14 Pro comes out so that I can go back down in size.”
I didn’t like the bigger iPhone at all. It wasn’t hand-friendly for one-handed use, and I always felt like I was going to drop it. It was too bulky for my pocket. I just didn’t like it, and I don’t miss it.
At this point, iPhones don’t get big revolutionary features. They get incremental features, which usually leads people to skip a version or two or three. Honestly, I could have probably skipped the iPhone 16 Pro, as my iPhone 15 Pro was just fine, especially now that it has USB-C. However, I do appreciate the 5x zoom in the camera, WiFi 7 support, 48MP wide-angle camera, and the new dedicated camera hardware button (Why did this take so long?). Since the iPhone is the camera I always have with me, it’s always good to get a better camera with each update.
Design and Display
Apple has refined the look of the iPhone 16 Pro, making it thinner with smoother edges for a more comfortable grip. The new titanium frame adds durability without adding bulk, a clear improvement over previous models. The Pro version now comes in a new range of matte finishes that resist fingerprints, keeping the phone looking pristine.
The display has been upgraded to a 6.3-inch ProMotion XDR OLED screen, offering stunning brightness and a higher refresh rate that adapts dynamically to the content. Whether you’re gaming, watching HDR content, or simply browsing, the colors are more vivid, and the detail is extraordinary.
Performance
Powered by the new A18 Bionic chip, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers blazing-fast performance. The upgraded 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, combined with a 16-core Neural Engine, make this the most powerful iPhone yet. Multitasking is smooth, gaming is effortless, and even demanding applications like video editing run without a hitch.
Battery life has also seen an improvement, thanks to the more power-efficient chip. Users can expect an all-day battery even with heavy usage, which is great for those who are constantly on the go.
Camera System
The camera system is one of the iPhone 16 Pro’s biggest selling points. The 48MP main sensor delivers crisp and detailed photos, even in low-light conditions, thanks to its larger aperture. The telephoto lens now features 5x optical zoom, allowing for clearer close-up shots. Apple has also improved the ultra-wide lens for better landscape and macro shots.
The ProRAW format is still a favorite for professional photographers, but even casual users will notice the difference in photo quality. The new AI-powered “Smart Capture” mode automatically adjusts settings based on lighting and subject matter, making it easier to take professional-looking photos without any effort. Not to mention the ability to capture 4K video at 120fps – WOW!
Software and Features
iOS 18 is perfectly optimized for the iPhone 16 Pro, offering smoother transitions, improved privacy features, and better multitasking options. One standout feature is the expanded widget system, which allows for more customization and interactivity directly from the lock screen.
Apple has also introduced enhanced satellite communication capabilities, building on its emergency SOS feature, which is now available in more regions. For travelers or adventurers, this added layer of safety is a welcome addition.
Connectivity and Charging
The iPhone 16 Pro has USB-C charging (which was one of my main reasons for going with the iPhone 15 Pro), offering faster data transfers and more compatibility with other devices. This shift will appeal to users with multiple gadgets needing a universal charging solution.
The phone supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring the fastest possible connections across the board. Whether you’re streaming high-quality video or engaging in an online meeting, connectivity is seamless and reliable.
My Configuration
I upgraded my storage from 512GB to 1TB this time as I wanted room to grow, taking more 48MP photos and capturing more 4K video. I opted for Desert Titanium and put it in my favorite case of all time, the new Pitaka case for the iPhone 16 Pro.
My favorite iPhone case
Every year, I get a new iPhone, and therefore, every year, I get a new iPhone case. For the past 4-5 years, I’ve been using the same case vendor, Pitaka. Pitaka makes a really thin, strong, lightweight case for iPhones, and ever since I got my first one, I’ve loved it and bought a new one for each new phone. This is the one I went with this year.
iOS 18/18.1
Most of the really cool features are in the operating system update, and that means that users of older iPhones get some really cool features, too. I like the new home screen customization capabilities. My favorite is being able to customize the Control Panel that you get when you swipe down from the right side. I’m looking forward to Apple Intellegance in the upcoming iOS 18.1 and all of this works great on iPhone 15 as well.
Apple Home users will appreciate the ability to be able to set your preferred Home hub (we’ve been asking for this for years!)
The Apple Watch Ultra 2
I also usually get a new Apple Watch each year, and this year, I decided to go with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 instead of the NEW Series 10. The only thing that changed in the Ultra 2 from last year’s model was a new black color. So technically, since I went with the titanium color, I’m basically using last year’s model, and that’s fine. It was really a toss-up for me to choose between the new, bigger Series 10 and Ultra 2 (the screen sizes are almost identical). I’m not an extreme sports person, so I never went with the Ultra models when they were introduced. However, the Ultra 2 offers one thing over the Series 10 that really appeals to me and is the main reason that I went Ultra 2 instead of Series 10. Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a rated battery life of 36 hours whereas Series 10 is only 18 hours.
My days can be quite long, especially when I travel across multiple time zones. My Series 9 watch would often die and need recharging before I was done for the day. I never sleep in my watch, so I don’t care about it lasting all night. However, I need it to last all day. You would think that 18 hours would be long enough, but I only got 18 hours on a really good day. I never get the rated battery performance. Even on the Ultra 2, I’m not getting 36 hours, but I am getting all-day battery life, which I needed/wanted. Now, when I go to bed after a really long day, I have at least 20-30% battery left on the Ultra 2. I also like the additional customizable Action button and the new titanium band. I hated all the other Ultra 2 band choices and would have likely gone with a third-party band if Apple didn’t come out with the new Titanium ones.
AirPods Max
This is going to sound weird. I hate over-the-ear headphones! “Then Terry, why on earth would you buy AirPods Max?” I got a pair of the original AirPods Max from work. They sound great and offer seamless connectivity to all my Apple devices. The Active Noise cancellation and battery life is stunning! I fly a lot these days, and my goto AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are great, but the problem is battery life. I barely get four hours of use before putting them in the case for a quick charge. This means that on a cross-country flight, I won’t be able to use them for part of the flight once the battery dies. This happens to me on every long flight.
Why do I hate over-the-ear headphones? They usually give me a headache after an hour or two. As an eyeglass wearer, they press against my glasses, making them uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
Being frustrated by the battery life of the AirPods Pro 2 and liking the two new color choices and USB-C port of the new AirPods Max, I decided to give them another try and do something I never did with the original pair, and that is flying with them. I’m traveling every week through mid-October, so I decided to give the new ones a shot in the environment where I needed them most: in flight! While I could have just used the older ones, I also have transitioned all my mobile devices to USB-C. I don’t want to use any more devices with a Lightning port for charging.
4.5 hours later, I didn’t want to rip them off my head!
My first flight with them was a success. I got what I wanted. I could wear them without getting a headache, I had GREAT Active Noise Cancellation, and when I landed, I still had 79% battery. While I didn’t get a headache, I didn’t want to wear them any longer than needed. The pressure from them after 4.5 hours was noticeable. This isn’t specific to the AirPods Max as I’ve had this problem with Bose, Sony, Beats, etc.
My only disappointment is that, for the asking price ($549), the “case” is weak! It’s not really a case. It’s more of a cover. I also wish they folded in half to take up less space. Bose and Sony headphones cost less and have a real case.
My friends are quick to recommend alternatives, and I’m sure they are great. We could argue over sound quality and active noise cancellation, etc. However, the one thing that the others don’t have is the H1/H2 chip that’s in Apple’s headphones. This chip provides seamless connectivity between Apple devices. I just put them on, and a couple of seconds later, I hear a tone indicating that they have connected to my iPhone. If I open my MacBook Pro and start working, they switch over automatically. If I’m watching something on Apple TV, tvOS offers to connect to them. This is the functionality that I’m not willing to give up when going with a different brand, even if they’re cheaper or have better sound performance.
I was thinking I was going to return them after that first flight, but now I’ve done three cross-country flights with them the whole time, and I can live with the pressure for the other benefits.
Yes, they work with AirFly as well
One of the things I also love using my AirFly Duo on the plane so that I can use any Bluetooth headphones and connect to the in-flight entertainment system. These AirPods Max connected perfectly to my AirFly Duo. Get the AirFly Duo here.
The Bottom Line
None of these upgrades are must-haves for most of my readers. In the case of Apple Watch Ultra 2 and AirPods Max, there’s very little reason to upgrade if you already have a watch and headphones that you’re happy with. If you haven’t upgraded your iPhone for a while, then I would say the 15 Pro is a solid upgrade. If you haven’t gotten a new watch or are looking for over-the-ear headphones and want to stay in the Apple ecosystem, then you should take a look at them. The AirPods Max are overpriced, in my opinion, but they work as advertised.