The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the largest iPhone Apple has ever made, and it offers the longest ever battery life on an iPhone. It also has the highest starting price tag of any iPhone (it starts at $1,199 and goes up very quickly from there). Some would never consider a Pro Max model because of the size alone; and that was before Apple increased the screen size this year. But for me, after spending a year with a smaller iPhone, I have returned once again to the largest iPhone model and have not looked back.
With a couple of exceptions, I have been using larger phones since the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014. Battery life has always been a prime consideration for me, and I appreciate the bigger speaker and bigger screen for Braille Screen Input (a feature that allows someone who is blind to type in braille on their touchscreen). But I have not always used larger devices; I tried (but sadly returned) an iPhone 13 mini in 2021, and last year, I went with the iPhone 15 Pro instead of the 15 Pro Max. I told myself that I wanted the iPhone 15 Pro because it was smaller and easier to handle, and that battery technology had improved such that I didn’t need a big phone to get through the day. Both of those things were true (I never once drained the battery and, if memory serves correctly, I never went below 20% in a day). Concerns about battery life (either real or imagined) aside, there was a lot I liked about the iPhone 15 Pro.
If I’m honest, though, the real reason I went with the iPhone 15 Pro last year was because Apple dropped the 128 GB storage option for the Pro Max and thus, the starting price of the Pro Max model was $200 higher than that of the Pro model; and I did not want to be seen by my coworkers and in my social circle as that guy who bought a $1,199 phone. Paying $1,199 for a phone wasn’t ‘cool’ then, and it isn’t any ‘cooler’ now. But my year with the iPhone 15 Pro reenforced what matters most to me in a phone: battery life and the sense of security that it gives me.
There is a lot to like with all of the iPhone 16 models: support for Apple Intelligence, a new Camera Control Button, and increased battery life across the board. And for the first time in recent years, the lower-cost models also have significant feature parity with their Pro counterparts—which is great for consumers and makes more technology accessible to more people.
This post started out as just a review of my experience using the iPhone 16 Pro Max. But as it evolved, I realized that I had a lot to say about the iPhone 16 line in general and what devices people should buy for particular use cases and scenarios. So in a way, this post is less about my experience using the largest iPhone ever known to man (I had to use that line at least once) and more about assessing and comparing Apple’s current-generation iPhone offerings in practical, everyday terms.
A Quick Note Regarding Sources
Apple provides the technical specifications for all four iPhone 16 models on its website:
Unless otherwise linked-to, all technical information I reference in this review was gathered from the above-linked pages.
Size, Weight, and Feel
In 2024, Apple increased the screen sizes on the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, but in use the iPhone 16 Pro Max does not feel significantly larger than what I remember from previous Pro Max models. The device is 6.42 inches (133 millimeters) high and 3.06 inches (77.6 millimeters) wide and weighs 7.99 ounces (227 grams). In comparison, the iPhone 16 Plus is 6.33 inches (160.9 millimeters) high and 3.06 inches (77.8 millimeters) wide and weighs 7.03 ounces (199 grams); the iPhone 16 Pro is 5.89 inches (149.6 millimeters) high and 2.81 inches (71.5 millimeters) wide and weighs 7.03 ounces (199 grams); and the iPhone 16 is 5.81 inches (147.6 millimeters) high and 2.82 inches (71.6 millimeters) wide and weighs 6.00 ounces (170 grams). Interestingly, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Plus both weigh 7.03 ounces (199 grams), though the iPhone 16 Plus is significantly bigger.
Screen sizes are measured diagonally, and are as follows: iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.9 inches; iPhone 16 Plus, 6.7 inches; iPhone 16 Pro, 6.3 inches; and iPhone 16, 6.1 inches.
In terms of weight, when handling the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I felt anecdotally that it was lighter than the last large phone I have significant experience with, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. But it was not until doing research for this review that I discovered this was more than just a year-old memory: The iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs 8.47 ounces.
One thing that did jump out to me that was rather unexpected, was how much of a presence the iPhone 16 Pro Max was in my pocket the first few times I carried it. Perhaps it is that I came from a year with the smaller Pro model, as I do remember marveling at how small and lightweight that phone was the first few times I put it in my pocket. ('Small' and 'lightweight' are relative terms: when thinking of small phones, the 2021 iPhone 13 Mini takes the cake here—a device I really wanted to love but for its understandably poor battery life.) Or perhaps it is that the slightly larger size of this year’s model felt that much bigger. Regardless, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is definitely not a phone you will forget you are carrying—especially if you are new to a Pro Max or Plus model.
Performance
The primary way I measure performance of a device is by how quickly VoiceOver (the built-in screen reader standard on all Apple devices) responds to touch gestures and, to a lesser extent, how quickly apps and screens load.
For the first time in recent years, Apple has included the same-generation processor and same 8GB of ram across all four iPhone 16 models. Recent non-Pro iPhone models, such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, included the processor from the previous year’s Pro models; it could arguably be said that users buying the non-Pro iPhones were actually buying the previous year’s technology repackaged with a current-generation name. But that is not the case this year, and this is wonderful for consumers.
So what does all this mean? In practical terms, Apple’s including the same-generation processor and ram across all of its iPhone 16 line means that, in all but the most demanding use cases, users should expect the same high level of performance across the board.
Regarding older devices, one of my constant gripes about Apple’s software strategy has been that installing an annual major software release usually means accepting a certain amount of decreased performance, both with VoiceOver and in general. However, this has gotten markedly better in recent years, with this year perhaps being the best yet. When comparing my previous iPhone 15 Pro running multiple variants of iOS 18 to the iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.0 and 18.0.1, I noticed only the very slightest of increases in device responsiveness—and that was really only when I was consciously thinking about it. So, unless you are coming from a non-Pro iPhone 15 or earlier, you should not expect to notice any appreciable improvements in performance.
Speaker and Sound
If I had one complaint about the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it would be the speakers.
The speakers on the iPhone 16 Pro Max can put out very full and impressive sound, but they do not always do so. At lower volumes, there is almost no bass or high end. The sound is flat and uninspired, especially considering the device’s size. This is in contrast to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro, which put out impressively good bass even at low volumes.
Turn the volume up, however, and the sound profile starts to change: there is much more base and high end, but the middle range decreases noticeably. And that is not all: The audio seems to ‘flutter’ almost imperceptibly between the top and bottom speaker, most noticeable when holding the device in Landscape orientation. And sometimes, out of nowhere, the middle range will increase (and the sound will be fuller) at high volumes for the briefest of moments, before going back to the way it was before.
For some reason, when there is a call on speakerphone, the sound is full and robust in all of the ranges; and one can finally hear what the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s speakers can truly do. And it is impressive.
All of the above leads me to think that Apple is doing some pretty serious audio processing on these devices, and it does not sound good at all. Will the vast majority of users notice? No. Will the vast majority of users care? No. But the fact that the speakers sound great on calls and less-than when not, suggests that it is software-related (and fixable by Apple, should they wish to devote resources to doing so).
Battery Life
For myself as someone who is blind, one of the biggest advantages to having a larger iPhone is the increased battery life, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max definitely does not disappoint.
In my daily usage, the lowest I recall getting the phone in a little over three weeks of ownership was 53% in any given day. This was with the screen brightness set to 0%, Screen Curtain enabled, Auto Brightness disabled, but no changes made to Background App Refresh etc. There were a couple days when I had the display brightness set to 50% and Screen Curtain disabled, and I noticed no significant difference in battery life than with the above-mentioned settings enabled.
While it isn't the best comparison, for what it's worth, on the iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 18 with Background App Refresh disabled, I was regularly finishing the day in the 40’s% if not lower.
When comparing battery life of the iPhone 16 Pro Max to other iPhone 16 models, estimates are proportional to device size; with the iPhone 16 Pro Max offering the highest estimated battery life, followed by the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16, respectively. Apple says that the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers up to 33 hours of video playback, up to 29 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 105 hours of audio playback. The iPhone 16 Plus and 16 Pro both offer up to 27 hours of video playback, but the iPhone 16 Plus offers up to 24 hours of streamed video playback and up to 100 hours of audio playback; whereas the iPhone 16 Pro offers up to 22 hours of streamed video playback and up to 85 hours of audio playback. The iPhone 16 offers up to 22 hours of video playback, up to 18 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 80 hours of audio playback.
Camera Control
Camera Control is a new feature on all iPhone 16 models that allows one to take a picture and access other camera functionality with a new dedicated button; rather than using on-screen controls. Located on the right side of the device below the Side Button, the Camera Control offers a range of functionality and settings customizations.
Though some people in the blind/low vision community are quite accomplished at photography, I am not one of them; so I cannot offer a firsthand opinion on the utility of the Camera Control, except for one very particular use case (discussed below). For an in-depth review of camera functionality on the iPhone 16 Pro models, I recommend this iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max Review for Photographers by Chris Niccolls with PetaPixel.
While a majority of the Camera Control functionality falls way outside of my use case, there is one small but important feature that I think has tremendous potential for people who are blind or who have low vision: integration with third-party apps.
Camera Control can be used to take pictures in third-party apps, as I found out when taking a picture using Be My AI in the Be My Eyes app. (For those unaware, Be My AI allows a person who is blind to take a picture and have that picture described using artificial intelligence.) Instead of opening up Be My Eyes and locating the ‘Take Picture’ button, I can simply open Be My Eyes, press the Camera Control button, and off I go. I sincerely hope developers of AI description apps implement deeper support for Camera Control into their apps, as there is a lot one could do. Imagine if one could open up one's preferred image description app and take a picture and have that picture described, just by pressing and holding the Camera Control Button?
And What About Apple Intelligence?
One of the headline features of Apple’s iPhone 16 line-up is Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of features powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Apple Intelligence offers a lot of promise: Notification Summaries will give you a quick overview of notifications; Siri’s capabilities will improve; Writing Tools will allow you to refine the tone of your communications; Visual Intelligence will allow you to take a picture of something in your environment and get relevant information about it; and Chat GPT will be integrated right into iOS, among other new features.
Except... None of the Apple Intelligence features are available right now, and the first set of features won’t be available until later this month. The early iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max reviews I read called out Apple on this point—after all, the iPhone 16 line was shipped without what is arguably its biggest new feature. But I have a different take.
I am of the opinion that more than any other product, AI-based features are not something that should be rushed to market. Apple can and should take as long as is necessary to perfect Apple Intelligence, as there are a lot of potential downsides to AI-powered tools that Apple owes its customers to address as completely as possible.
AI is a tool that, in the right hands and with proper use and expectations, can make tasks easier. But AI is not superhuman and it never will be. AI tools can and do make mistakes; the best AI tool is only as good as the training/programming it receives. And because AI does not always get things right, it is imperative that users have realistic expectations and that Apple does everything possible to make sure that Apple Intelligence avoids the (sometimes very embarrassing) pitfalls.
Despite my very significant reservations about AI tools in general, I nevertheless think Apple Intelligence will be a game-changer and will revolutionize how people use their Apple devices. Apple Intelligence will be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, all iPhone 16 devices, all Macs and iPads with an M1 processor or later, and the just-announced iPad Mini 7.
Which iPhone Should I Buy?
For those looking to upgrade their iPhone to one of this year's models, below are my thoughts. I present the following with the caveat that I have not spent any time with the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, or 16 Pro. I am basing my recommendations on using last year’s iPhone 15 Pro, the performance difference that I noticed between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and my best educated guess given the technical specifications of the iPhone 16 devices.
If ever there was a year to choose a non-Pro iPhone, 2024 is it. As I mentioned previously, Apple has made a lot of the new features and hardware upgrades available across all four iPhone 16 devices. All iPhone 16 models share the same-generation processor (A18 in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max) and the same amount of ram. Given that these key specifications are the same, I would expect VoiceOver and general performance to be the same across devices in everyday use. Put another way: I feel comfortable recommending the regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models to people when I would never have done so in years past. (After publication, a reader pointed out a couple considerations I missed regarding improved GPS performance and the LiDAR scanner; and how these can improve the outdoor navigation experience for people who are blind. While I don't have firsthand experience with either of these features so cannot offer an informed opinion, their comment and perspective is definitely worth a read and consideration if either of these features are important to you.)
Regarding other device features, all iPhone 16 models include the new Camera Control button. However, if having the best-possible camera is important to you, you should probably consider one of the Pro models. All iPhone 16 models also now include the Action Button, a multifunction button which replaces the Ring/Silent Switch on older iPhones.
If you want the absolute best battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the clear choice. If you want good battery life on a budget, go with the iPhone 16 Plus. And if you want the best combination of battery life and device size, go with the iPhone 16 Pro. I made the iPhone 15 Pro work this past year, and that’s saying something.
For those upgrading from an older iPhone—particularly if you haven’t upgraded within the last three-four years—there are some things you need to be aware of.
All iPhone models have made the switch to USB-C connectivity, and Lightning accessories and cables will not work without dongles. USB-C ports and cables are now quite common, so it is very likely that you may have USB-C cables and accessories already.
Apple includes a short USB-C cable in the box with iPhone 16 devices, but as has been the case in recent years, a power adapter is not included. Apple explains on the purchasing page for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max that not including a power adapter or EarPods in the box is part of its efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. I have some questions about this approach, particularly as it relates to the user experience for everyday users who just need something that will work out of the box. And while I appreciate Apple’s attention to creation care and think that is important, I am of the opinion that a product (especially a premium product at a premium price) should include everything necessary to make it ‘go’—and that includes a way to quickly and conveniently charge the device.
Regardless of your (or my) feelings on whether or not a power adapter should be included, the bottom line is that there is no power adapter in the box of any of the iPhone 16 models; and unless you already have a USB-C adapter available or plug your phone into your computer to charge it, you will need to purchase one. If purchasing a power adapter, I recommend a 30W or higher model; so that you can take advantage of the fastest-possible charging speeds both when charging via USB-C cable and when charging wirelessly.
When setting up a new phone, Apple has made the process significantly easier in recent years, thanks to Quick Start. In my experience assisting people with these things, the easiest option is to do a wireless device-to-device transfer of your data. Other options include restoring from an iCloud backup; restoring from an encrypted backup taken on either a Mac or PC (which has the advantages of preserving all of your app passwords); or setting up the device as brand new and only bringing in your contacts, photos, messages, and other data stored in iCloud.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black and start at U.S. $799 for the iPhone 16 and U.S. $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max come in black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium and start at U.S. $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and U.S. $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
What are your thoughts on the iPhone 16 models? Are you upgrading this year? Do you have questions that I didn’t answer? Let me know in the comments!
Comments
Sound on iPhone 16 Pro Max
Thank you so much for mentioning sound in your post. I got my 16 Pro Max Saturday, and this morning, I had a moment where I almost considered going into an Xfinity store to try a test device, just to make sure there was nothing wrong with my phone. After reading your post, I now know it's not just my phone. Which is partially a relief, and partially frustrating. I heard the sound quality of the 15 Pro Max because a friend has one, and the sound quality on my 16 Pro Max is disappointing compared with that phone. I love everything else about the phone. The fact I got it for a few hundred dollars off thanks to an Xfinity rewards deal, is the main reason I'm keeping it. But with a phone this size and for this price, I expected better sound.
Ye old equalizer
It used to be that we could use the EQ from the music app to augment the speakers. Of course this was way back when, like maybe iOS 5 or six if memory serves.
I so miss those days, my old iPhone 4S, and 5S seriously had some of the best sounding speakers back then. 🤓
I messaged Be My Eyes
I sent an email to Be My Eyes. I suggested that they find a way to make the camera control button on the new phones work with their app somehow. I received a message back and needed to explain further what I meant and how it's different from the action button, and I was told my suggestion would be sent along to the developers. I'm hopeful that soon we'll have that functionality.
Not a fan
First and foremost, good review, however I am not a fan of the 16 Pro Max. I’m not usually one to complain. However, when testing it out in the store, one of my fingers would always hit that stupid camera button lol. Unfortunately, that new button with all of its touch capabilities is right around the place where I’m constantly grabbing my phone so I’m constantly adjusting it… Not a fan of that feature. Even my partner who is fully cited found that button to be more of a nuisance than a help. Apple Intelligence doesn’t really make a big difference because if you have the 15 Pro Max model, you’re able to use Apple Intelligence. I have the 15 Pro Max and I’m on the developer beta so I do have access to Apple Intelligence features, which and all honesty is not all it’s cracked up to be. In all honesty, the lineup is really not worth it. Looks like I don’t have to mention the audio issues here as it’s been brought up already.
Some thoughts
A good review, although youmissed a few points. Firstly, the Pro models feature GPS operating on two frequencies, which is important for navigation apps for blind users. The second point is LiDAR, which allows, among other things, detecting doors or acting as a simple obstacle detector. Considering this, the 16/16+ models are still not something that can be unequivocally recommended to a blind person who wants to take full advantage of all modern possibilities for efficient outdoor navigation.
@Stephen
I am super curious as a 15 Pro Max owner.
May I know how does Visual intelligence work on 15 Pro Max? Does it get mapped to Action button?
Thanks @IPhoneski
Hi IPhoneski,
I appreciate your feedback and you make some good points. I don't have firsthand experience with the LiDAR-powered features so didn't discuss them in the review; and I forgot all about the improved GPS functionality on the Pro models. I have added a link to your comment, as well as a brief explanation, to the section where I make device recommendations. Thank you again!
Apple is extremely deceptive and petty
It’s crucial to recognize that Apple operates like any other corporation, with its primary goals being profit and efficiency. Their focus on short-term investments often means their priorities don’t include their employees or customers. Any appearance of Apple’s generosity—like equipping all new iPhones with the same processor and hardware—isn’t about making customers happy. It’s a calculated move based on Apple’s strategy. For instance, they released the iPhone 15 last year, knowing it would become essentially obsolete with the next major update, yet they didn’t inform customers. That’s deceptive, especially when people are paying over $1,000 for a device. It’s the kind of omission that would be considered fraud if a consumer did it on an insurance claim or any other transaction. But Apple gets away with it due to its immense power and influence.
Now that Apple has clearly outpaced competitors like Samsung, their updates have become lackluster. The phones they release each year are often only slight variations of models that have been in development for six or seven years. Gone are the days when each new model, like the iPhone 5, 6, 7, or X, brought substantial improvements. Today’s updates feel minor, almost uninspired.
They probably integrated AI because Siri hasn’t improved much, despite being around for so long. It’s not as effective as it should be. What we really need is a strong competitor—maybe someone like Elon Musk—who can challenge Apple’s dominance in the market. Without that, consumers will keep paying $1,200 a year for incremental upgrades. Sure, you might notice a speed boost when you first get a new phone, but after a short while, that feeling fades, and the device ends up feeling slow again.
Hope sound issues get fixed
One of the main two reasons I went ahead and bought the 16 Pro Max was for the better speakers than my 14 Pro, and the battery life.
This reminds me of similar issues I had with my iPhone 14 Pro when I got it after it had came out.
Up until maybe around iOS 16.2, all of the audio was very compressed, and sounded pretty bad in my opinion.
I reported it to Apple, and within the next couple of updates, it was fixed. The speakers in my current 14 Pro sound a little bit more bassier than my old iPhone 13 Pro I had before. I have tried the iPhone 16 Pro Max in store, and I noticed something was up with the audio. I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I knew something was up with the audio.
I’m guessing that Apple will fix this audio issue in a future update. Like you mentioned, audio sounded fine in calls, so I too guess it is a software issue rather than a hardware issue.
My 16 Pro Max doesn’t get here until around October 28 to November 4. Once I get it, I could post some recordings of the speakers if anyone is interested.
The price point
I don’t know why the price point of the 16 Pro Max matters to anyone. If you can afford it especially today with three year long financing where it’s only like $30 a month on your phone bill, or if you have a good job and can pay for the whole thing out of pocket. If you choose, that’s not cool or uncool it just is what it is. People should not look at you as ostentatious because you want the top of the line model and they shouldn’t judge you if you can’t afford it either. Apple is out of the reach of large sections of the Blind community for the newest latest and greatest because of socioeconomics, it is also entirely within the reach of Members of this community who have really good high paying jobs. It doesn’t matter which category you fall into we are all in this together.
Ezcleg
If you have to ask for the price, you can not afforded. Got the 16 pro max from Verizon. $30. Went from the 13 pro to it. Happy with it.
Size Matters
Yeah, I know. It's a truly non-techy, non-economic reason, but physical size can be a deal breaker for some of us. Any phone I buy must fit in front pockets of what I like to wear. I'm usually in jeans or professional wear. An occasional fashion choice varies from the norm, but the phone needs to be close to my constant glucose meter and sometimes it's tricky with my 14 Pro. Soooo ... whether I like it or not, I won't be getting the largest phone ever known to humankind.
I am planning to slip a iPhone 16 Pro into my pocket soon. It should fit, I think.
And, yes, if you're wondering, this is fully intended as comic relief.