iPhone 16 Series: What You Need To Know (Before You Buy)

Are you thinking about upgrading to the latest iPhone? You’ve come to the right place!

For once, we’ve actually got quite a few things to talk about. I get the impression that Apple is sick of people holding onto their iPhones for years and years, so it really pulled out all the stops with this lineup.

From the Pro models to the base models, there’s plenty of updates, new features, and tweaks in place, so let’s dig in and find out what makes Apple’s iPhone 16 such a notable update over 2023’s iPhone 15 series.

What’s New in the iPhone 16 Series?

Unlike the last few years, Apple has actually put together a rather exciting lineup of phones with updates and changes implemented across the board – not just on the Pro models. 

The base models (the ones that most people will end up using) received plenty of attention this year with notable updates to the camera module, the chipset, and the physical design with the inclusion of the Action Button. 

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iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: The Base Models

iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Plus Camera Updates

Apple has made some exciting updates to the cameras on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, adding features that make even the base models more powerful for photography lovers.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, why it matters, and what it means for those who use the entry-level iPhones.

New iPhone 16 Camera Features / Upgrades

Ultra-Wide Lens: Improved Aperture and Low-Light Performance

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus still feature two rear cameras—a primary wide lens and an ultra-wide lens—but the ultra-wide has been upgraded. The aperture has been bumped up from f/2.4 to f/2.2.

Why does this matter? A larger aperture allows more light to hit the sensor, meaning your low-light shots will be clearer and have less grain.

Whether you’re snapping pictures at night or in dim indoor settings, the new ultra-wide lens will give you better results without needing the flash.

Macro Support: New for Base Models

For the first time, Apple has brought macro photography to the entry-level iPhone models.

With this feature, you can now get up close to your subjects—think flowers, insects, or even intricate details—while capturing sharp, focused images.

This is a big win for users who want creative photography options without shelling out for the Pro models.

The 48MP Primary Camera Stays Strong

Apple hasn’t changed the primary 48MP sensor, but that’s not a bad thing. It retains its f/1.6 aperture, which is great for capturing sharp, detailed photos with excellent depth of field.

This camera has already proven itself in previous models, and now it’s optimized for Apple’s image processing to produce high-quality photos every time.

Why These Updates Matter

For anyone using an iPhone for casual or everyday photography, these upgrades bring more flexibility and power without having to upgrade to the Pro models.

Improved low-light performance means better shots indoors and at night, while macro support gives base iPhone users more creative control.

Whether you’re capturing a family event or experimenting with new angles and subjects, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus now have the tools to deliver more professional-looking results.

What It Means for Base Model iPhone Users

These changes make the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus much more capable than their predecessors.

The ultra-wide lens improvements and the addition of macro support bring the base models closer in capability to the Pro line, without the hefty price tag.

If you’ve always wanted to take better low-light shots or explore macro photography, these models make it easier than ever without the need for extra gear or third-party apps.

Is It Worth Upgrading?

If you’re coming from an iPhone 14 or older, you’ll notice a significant jump in performance, camera quality, and overall user experience.

Apple’s really gone to town on its base models, adding a myriad of features and updates that most people – including myself – simply were not expecting. 

The camera is dramatically improved, the battery is better and it charges faster. Add in its new larger display, Apple Intelligence, and a significantly updated chipset and Apple’s base model iPhone has never looked more appealing. 

And the best part? There’s no price increase. Talk about a baller move. Kudos, Apple. You’ve played Google and Samsung like a fiddle…

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iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: The Flagship Models

iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max Camera Updates

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max bring serious upgrades to photography and videography, and if we’re being honest: this is the ONLY reason people by Pro models anyway…

So, what’s cooking with the camera tech in this year’s Pro and Pro Max models?

Here’s all the core, new updates and features you’ll find inside Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro, including why they matter and what you can do with them…

Faster 48MP Main Camera – Capture More in Less Time

The iPhone 16 Pro keeps its 48MP quad-pixel sensor from the iPhone 15, but with a major improvement: the sensor now reads out data twice as fast.

What does this mean for you? Faster image capture and better performance in high-action shots or video.

This speed boost allows for more frames per second, sharper details, and potentially better HDR photos as more data can be processed in less time.

Whether you’re filming a fast-moving subject or taking burst photos, this is a significant upgrade.

Ultra-Wide Camera Gets a Major Boost

The ultra-wide camera on both Pro models has been supercharged to a 48MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, up from the previous 12MP.

It’s a big leap in detail and low-light capability, making wide-angle shots clearer and more vibrant even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Plus, with the addition of autofocus, macro photography is now even sharper and more precise.

Whether you’re capturing expansive landscapes or zooming in on fine details, this upgrade enhances the versatility of the ultra-wide lens.

5x Telephoto Lens Now on Both Models

The 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, is now available on both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.

This means you can capture stunning, zoomed-in shots with great clarity, without sacrificing image quality.

For portrait lovers, while the 3x zoom is gone, the 5x lens provides new creative opportunities with a tighter focus and crisper details from further distances.

Why These Camera Upgrades Matter

The iPhone 16 Pro series is no longer just about size. With identical camera systems on both the Pro and Pro Max, users no longer have to choose between a compact device and superior photography features.

This shift makes the iPhone 16 Pro lineup more accessible for photography enthusiasts who prefer a smaller form factor without compromising on camera performance.

New Features for Photography and Video Enthusiasts

What It Means for Pro iPhone Users

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max deliver significant upgrades for both photography and videography which is big news for content creators that use and rely on iPhone.

The faster main sensor, enhanced ultra-wide camera, and improved telephoto lens are all significant updates (even when compared to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max models).

Normally, I wouldn’t say there was a case for upgrading after 12 months. But I can definitely see plenty of pro-user iPhone 15 Pro guys and gals switching up to the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 2024.

Is It Worth Upgrading?

For photography and videography enthusiasts, power users, or anyone who wants the absolute best iPhone experience, the Pro models pack in a metric sh*t tonne of updates. Way more than I expected to see.

The improved camera system, larger displays, and A18 Pro chip make these devices not only clear leaders in the current smartphone market, but also make a compelling case for existing iPhone 15 users to upgrade as well.

I definitely DID NOT see that coming….

Apple Intelligence: The Future of iPhone

AI, whether you like it or not, is here to stay. Big Tech is all in on the technology, so we’re all just going to have to like it or lump it. 

Apple was fairly late to the AI party with Apple Intelligence, and it is having all kinds of regulatory issues getting it rolled out in the UK and Europe, but it is coming inside iOS 18 and it WILL be available inside the iPhone 16 series models. 

So, what’s the big deal with Apple Intelligence? Here’s the spark notes version: 

• Improved writing tools with rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing capabilities.
• Enhanced photo editing features powered by on-device AI.
• More natural and contextually aware Siri interactions.
• Ability to create custom “Genmoji” based on text descriptions or photos.
• Integration with third-party AI tools like ChatGPT (coming later).

Battery Life and Charging

For me, this is one of the BIGGEST updates inside the iPhone 16 series. I positively HATE and DETEST how slow my iPhone charges. It’s 2024, it shouldn’t take two hours to fully charge my phone – it’s ridiculous, no other company other than Apple could get away with this kind of thing. 

But, finally… there is a fix. Apple has now addressed this issue after more than a decade, bringing faster wired and wireless charging to ALL of its iPhone 16 models. 

It’s also bumped the battery performance too, so you’ll get longer between charges that you did on the iPhone 15 series.  

Here’s what you can expect re: battery performance on the iPhone 16 series models:

• iPhone 16: Up to 22 hours of video playback
• iPhone 16 Plus: Up to 27 hours of video playback
• iPhone 16 Pro: Up to 27 hours of video playback
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 33 hours of video playback

All models support fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W.

Should You Upgrade?

This is kind of a loaded question because it is predicated on so many different factors. 

I’ve unpacked most it inside this post: Should You Upgrade To The iPhone 16? Yes, If You Fit This Criteria. 

But the spark notes version, if you cannot be bothered to read the other post, looks something like this: 

• If you’re using an iPhone 13 or older, the iPhone 16 series offers significant improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and features that make it a worthy upgrade.
• Even iPhone 14 users might find the new Apple Intelligence features and improved cameras tempting.
• For iPhone 15 users, the decision largely depends on how much you value the latest features.

The new A18 chips, Apple Intelligence, and camera improvements (especially on the Pro models) could justify an upgrade for power users or photography enthusiasts.

I’m currently running an iPhone 13 (with 85% in Battery Health). I’ve had it three years and the battery life is REALLY starting to wane, so, yes, I think I will be upgrading to the iPhone 16 Plus later this year.

If you’re in the same boat, I don’t think there’s been a more compelling iPhone launch in recent memory, so it’s a great time to upgrade your ageing iPhone.