Upgrade iPhone 14 Pro Max to iPhone 16 Pro Max?? Wait for iPhone 17???

[Sandtrap]

Thinking about upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Or...Wait for iPhone 17??

Anyone have experience with the new iPhone 16 series?

Thoughts on the new features?

What is Apple Intelligence?

Is it AI on an iPhone?

Which iPhone do you have?
What do you like about it?

What does it do that other iPhones don't do, or do better than other iPhones?

Thoughts?

My iPhone 14 Pro Max is used a lot every day, especially the camera, and playing downloaded music to playlists, plus regular app use. No gaming.

Note:
$1,868 direct from Apple with 1TB memory and Apple Care with theft/loss 2 years.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: ($500 trade in value at Apple).

cost is not a factor due to the hedonic treadmill and lifestyle creep in retirement

Thanks
j

[Dottie57]

First available in stores on Sept 20, 2024 - 2 days ago.


Maybe in a month you could get more repliecs.

Or, just go ahead and get it if you want. You are on the treadmill!

[the_wiki]

If you have to ask why you should want or need it, I don’t think you do.

[Waiting_for_Godot]

I had a perfectly good iPhone 7 Plus that they stopped supporting. I reluctantly upgraded when my bank started yelling at me about upgrading to the latest iOS for security purposes to the 14 Pro Max. My plan is to hold until they stop supporting it, so as to reward Apple’s planned obsolescence tactics as little as possible.

I assume Apple intelligence is not particularly impressive or useful, but it’s worth looking into reviews about. I haven’t heard of any other significant changes beyond that.

[carolo]

If cost isn’t a factor I’d upgrade for photo quality since you expressed an interest. (I’m still on a 10 Pro Max, so not speaking from personal experience. My son was a photographer for the Navy, had grown up in the darkroom learning that side of it from his Dad…but he ditched the film cameras, the digital cameras, lenses and yet gets incredible photos with just his iPhone. Son upgrades annually!)

[jebmke]

The reviews I have seen and heard have been mediocre. Marginal changes from 15.

Disclosure: I’m on 12-mini year 4 and have no plans to change that. I keep stuff til it no longer works. I will wait for reports on iOS 18.1.1 before leaving 17.x.

[ThankYouJack]

Here's a comparison - https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/?m ... 12-pro-max

I have a 12 pro max and 14 pro max and don't think there's much of a difference other than minor things. The 16 doesn't seem like a big enough jump for me to bother.

Where's your iPhone 14 going? If you're going to keep it in a drawer, I might think about the clutter and environmental impact of buying new, not needed stuff. If you're going to donate it, I'd be in favor of upgrading.

[jocdoc]

I have an iphone 13.would wait until apple reveals what it's AI features can do for me. I may be all hype. If the AI features is something important to me than I might upgrade with next years iphone. I never buy version one of anything. I let them work out the bugs/features first.

[TomatoTomahto]

Sandtrap, I have seen that you take wonderful photos. If Apple has made improvements to the camera, it would be a good tool in your hands. Buy it if you want it, and it sounds as though you do.

[hudson]

Thinking about upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Anyone have experience with the new iPhone 16 series?

Thoughts on the new features?

What is Apple Intelligence?

Is it AI on an iPhone?

Which iPhone do you have?
What do you like about it?

What does it do that other iPhones don't do, or do better than other iPhones?

Thoughts?

My iPhone 14 Pro Max is used a lot every day, especially the camera, and playing downloaded music to playlists, plus regular app use. No gaming.

Note:
$1,868 direct from Apple with 1TB memory and Apple Care with theft/loss 2 years.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: ($500 trade in value at Apple).

cost is not a factor due to the hedonic treadmill and lifestyle creep in retirement

Thanks
j

I have a 14 pro-max with apple care.
I'm not upgrading to the 16 pro-max.
Why?
My 14 pro-max is running fine especially since I sent it to apple to fix a broken crystal. The replacement phone had 100% battery....so it's like new.
I haven't read that the 16 has anything that I want or need.
Ai? I don't know or understand what that can do for me.

In the past, I bought new to get better water resistance; then again to be able to text in the backcountry when there is no signal.
The 16 doesn't have anything that makes me want to bite.

The biggest attraction is that if I got a new phone, my wife would get my old phone, and another family member would get my wife's phone. Right now, I don't see any big problems with those phones (actually powerful multi-use computers+). For battery or crystal problems, I don't hesitate to send older iPhones to Apple and just pay the price to solve battery or crystal problems. Apple's turn around time is impressive.

Bottom Line: I'll likely go at least one more year with my 14 pro-max unless something compelling comes up.

[Sandtrap]

Sandtrap, I have seen that you take wonderful photos. If Apple has made improvements to the camera, it would be a good tool in your hands. Buy it if you want it, and it sounds as though you do.

Thanks for the photo compliment.
Though I have various pricey photo gear, I find myself using the impressive camera on my iPhone 14 Pro Max on a daily basis for everything. IE: why write down the serial number that DW needs off of something I can barely see when I can take a picture and text the image to her? Like that.

But, I'm not sure if the iPhone 16 "improvements" would be noticeable enough to be worth the upgrade.

thanks
j

[Catalina25]

Thinking about upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Thoughts?

I'm from the, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp, so personally, I wouldn't do the upgrade.

But as an Apple shareholder, I say you absolutely need to upgrade as that ancient POS phone you're using is simply pure garbage. Honestly, how can you even use that thing in public? Additionally, you should demand/humiliate all your family, friends, and any strangers to do the same even if they have to take out a loan or stop saving for retirement.

[bombcar]

The 5x camera is nice. Real nice when you need it.

And USB-C is nicer than you’d expect.

I’d say it’s worth it if you can get a good deal/discount and/or trade-in.

I won’t be upgrading from the 15 Pro Max which I went for for USB-C but like the camera.

The 15 Pro Max may be discounted now and can also do all the AI junk.

[bambambigelow]

I just did this upgrade and it’s awesome! Is it life changing ? No. But apple gave me like $450 for my old iPhone so definitely do a trade-in. The bezels, alone, are so thin. It’s a really beautiful device. The battery life is the best yet and the cameras are great. It’s not “necessary” to upgrade but not every purchase in life has to be made that way. I’m glad I did

[hoofaman]

Thinking about upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Anyone have experience with the new iPhone 16 series?

Thoughts on the new features?

What is Apple Intelligence?

Is it AI on an iPhone?

Which iPhone do you have?
What do you like about it?

What does it do that other iPhones don't do, or do better than other iPhones?

Thoughts?

My iPhone 14 Pro Max is used a lot every day, especially the camera, and playing downloaded music to playlists, plus regular app use. No gaming.

Note:
$1,868 direct from Apple with 1TB memory and Apple Care with theft/loss 2 years.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: ($500 trade in value at Apple).

cost is not a factor due to the hedonic treadmill and lifestyle creep in retirement

Thanks
j

The screen is better (and bigger in the case of Pro Max), camera improvements, the battery is better, and it has a newer processor inside. Those are the things I look for when I'm upgrading, USB-C charger is also nice

Apple Intelligence is vaporware at the moment, I am sure they will put something out eventually... I'm just not expecting any value from that aspect of the device personally.

Why 1TB of storage? I always go with the minimal storage option personally, what are you using all that local storage for?

[Sandtrap]

Thinking about upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Anyone have experience with the new iPhone 16 series?

Thoughts on the new features?

What is Apple Intelligence?

Is it AI on an iPhone?

Which iPhone do you have?
What do you like about it?

What does it do that other iPhones don't do, or do better than other iPhones?

Thoughts?

My iPhone 14 Pro Max is used a lot every day, especially the camera, and playing downloaded music to playlists, plus regular app use. No gaming.

Note:
$1,868 direct from Apple with 1TB memory and Apple Care with theft/loss 2 years.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: ($500 trade in value at Apple).

cost is not a factor due to the hedonic treadmill and lifestyle creep in retirement

Thanks
j

The screen is better (and bigger in the case of Pro Max), camera improvements, the battery is better, and it has a newer processor inside. Those are the things I look for when I'm upgrading, USB-C charger is also nice

Apple Intelligence is vaporware at the moment, I am sure they will put something out eventually... I'm just not expecting any value from that aspect of the device personally.

Why 1TB of storage? I always go with the minimal storage option personally, what are you using all that local storage for?

storage for
camera images full files
music on board no streaming
etc

thanks
j

[climber2020]

Apple Intelligence is a software thing and isn't even out yet. Likely sometime in 2025.

The only significant camera upgrade is the 48 mp ultrawide. Telephoto is the same as last year's and the main camera (24 mm) is the same as the one in the 14 Pro/Max. From a purely camera perspective, this year's update is pretty meh.

[LiveSimple]

Thinking about upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
cost is not a factor due to the hedonic treadmill and lifestyle creep in retirement

Thanks
j

You thought about it so get iPhone 16 Pro Max

Will be in Apple store next week for iPhone 16 Pro Max. from iPhone 12 Pro Max

Alo thinking to get a Mac book pro \ air, smaller size just for travel and so....may be this is next year

Only our consumerism will keep our VTI performant well...

[Youngblood]

Our order is in for two iPhone 16's. One is 16 pro. The camera will be a huge upgrade from the 13 pro.
Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Enjoy!

[MorgansRun]

Apple Intelligence is going to be released as a slow drip with new features monthly (i think) starting with iOS 18.1 starting in October. How useful will it actually be? Who knows, but I’ll get to play around with it on my 15 Pro Max.

[tm3]

My own uncharacteristically-nonthrifty-arbitrary-and-perhaps-too-emotional decision regarding iPhones is to upgrade every other model. That's where you are with the 14 and 16, so go for it!

[hudson]

My own uncharacteristically-nonthrifty-arbitrary-and-perhaps-too-emotional decision regarding iPhones is to upgrade every other model. That's where you are with the 14 and 16, so go for it!

That's exactly what I did until the iPhone 14. My feeling that it is much improved over old iPhones. It's the Toyota of phone-computers. I think it's good for longer. But I'm tempted to pull the trigger anyway.

[HooCares]

Early reviews:

Vastly better battery life than 15 series, which had better battery life than 14 series.

14 series not compatible with Apple Intelligence but that doesn’t exist yet so no other real advantages IMO.

I would not waste money on 1tb storage, especially if you trade into Apple. They do not give you a penny extra on trade in for a 1tb model vs a 256gb model. Much better option is to get 2TB iCloud storage family plan. The phone manages everything. I have only 100gb used on my 15 pro and over 500gb floating up in iCloud which I have had to spend 0 time thinking about.

[stan1]

Apple is offering 14 Pro Max owners a $500 trade in on a new 16 Pro Max. The "new every two" approach to get some resale value back is reasonable for people who like new things.

The guessers think the 17 Pro might have a much improved front facing selfie camera if that matters and maybe a new (more expensive) ultra thin model.

Apple AI will be very experimental, and even the initial iOS 18 updates with it are trickling out in multiple releases over the first six months. No reason to get a new phone because of it at this time and no earth-shattering new feature that will change your life.

It will be a long time before some AI capability is useful to me. For example, in 2025 you should be able to ask Siri "when will Mary's flight arrive at LAX" and it will look through your email and text messages from Mary to find the flight number then join that with current flight status to let you know an answer. However, being a generally skeptical type I would not trust it and would prefer to type in the flight number myself using data from a source I trust. I have a long way to go before I am willing to let any AI decide which data source has the best data quality, or understand that Mary was originally on one flight but then was rebooked on a different flight last week.

[Sandtrap]

Our order is in for two iPhone 16's. One is 16 pro. The camera will be a huge upgrade from the 13 pro.
Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Enjoy!

Wow!

Are you ordering direct from Apple online?
Do you trade in your iPhones on the Apple site?

j

[stan1]

Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Although it is not the most important feature, the new Apple watch does have the oxygen sensor locked down. Supposedly the sensor is there but disabled until Apple and Masimo ever come to terms on their intellectual property infringement lawsuit. Unclear what Apple's plans are on this since they haven't settled.

I will also be tracking the hearing features of the Air Pods Pro line. That is one area where "smarter" AI-aided signal processing should have an obvious benefit over time in scenarios like the noisy restaurant.

[jebmke]

Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Although it is not the most important feature, the new Apple watch does have the oxygen sensor locked down. Supposedly the sensor is there but disabled until Apple and Masimo ever come to terms on their intellectual property infringement lawsuit. Unclear what Apple's plans are on this since they haven't settled.

I will also be tracking the hearing features of the Air Pods Pro line. That is one area where "smarter" AI-aided signal processing should have an obvious benefit over time in scenarios like the noisy restaurant.

I saw something about the "near hearing aid quality" of the new air pods. Not a big fan of airpods "legs." Do these things work without your phone being nearby? I know my Jabra earbuds do not -- not that I'd need them without my phone. hearing "aids" on the other hand, I'd need to function without a phone present.

[Sandtrap]

Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Although it is not the most important feature, the new Apple watch does have the oxygen sensor locked down. Supposedly the sensor is there but disabled until Apple and Masimo ever come to terms on their intellectual property infringement lawsuit. Unclear what Apple's plans are on this since they haven't settled.

I will also be tracking the hearing features of the Air Pods Pro line. That is one area where "smarter" AI-aided signal processing should have an obvious benefit over time in scenarios like the noisy restaurant.

I saw something about the "near hearing aid quality" of the new air pods. Not a big fan of airpods "legs." Do these things work without your phone being nearby? I know my Jabra earbuds do not -- not that I'd need them without my phone. hearing "aids" on the other hand, I'd need to function without a phone present.

I rotate 2 pairs of the Apple Airpods Pro 2 ANC for the "transparency mode" adjustability feature that works as a "Hearing Aid". I don't want to hear everything all the time, often don't want to hear anything in noisy places, so the ANC helps a lot with that.

j

[rich126]

Personally I never saw any point to the max or pro max phones. I will upgrade since I'm still on an iphone 11 that doesn't support 5G, otherwise I would not upgrade at all. And I know some think 5G is unnecessary but when we travel there are places where my phone can't even do basic google maps and my wife's phone is handling video because she is getting 5G and I'm getting nothing.

Good luck.

[CyclingDuo]

Thinking about upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Anyone have experience with the new iPhone 16 series?

Thoughts on the new features?

What is Apple Intelligence?

Is it AI on an iPhone?

Which iPhone do you have?
What do you like about it?

What does it do that other iPhones don't do, or do better than other iPhones?

Thoughts?

My iPhone 14 Pro Max is used a lot every day, especially the camera, and playing downloaded music to playlists, plus regular app use. No gaming.

Note:
$1,868 direct from Apple with 1TB memory and Apple Care with theft/loss 2 years.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: ($500 trade in value at Apple).

cost is not a factor due to the hedonic treadmill and lifestyle creep in retirement

Thanks
j

Bottom line moving from a 14 Pro Max to a 16 Pro Max: yes, do it!

I get the new Pro Max each and every year. Just traded in my 15 Pro Max for the 16 Pro Max, and experimented with the camera button a bit Friday night. I had a white 14 Pro Max (back in the day), and it was a great phone that I traded in for the 15 Pro Max. Curious why you need 1TB of hard drive? Couldn't you just use the cloud and pay a monthly fee? Seems like you would come out ahead compared to paying so much extra for the larger hard drive. Plus, the trade in value is the same for the phone whether you have a 128GB hard drive, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB.

The new 16 Pro Max is slightly larger (length), and I am looking forward to the AI release. I don't like to run beta, but have seen plenty of others using it and experimented with what has been released thus far to date on their devices. I love the new iPhone mirroring between the Mac and iPhone thanks to the new software updates. I will most utilize some of the new features with photos, email summaries, and improved Siri on the new phone once the software releases are out. I could stand to benefit from the writing tools making my posts shorter - that's for sure.


CyclingDuo

[jebmke]

Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Although it is not the most important feature, the new Apple watch does have the oxygen sensor locked down. Supposedly the sensor is there but disabled until Apple and Masimo ever come to terms on their intellectual property infringement lawsuit. Unclear what Apple's plans are on this since they haven't settled.

I will also be tracking the hearing features of the Air Pods Pro line. That is one area where "smarter" AI-aided signal processing should have an obvious benefit over time in scenarios like the noisy restaurant.

I saw something about the "near hearing aid quality" of the new air pods. Not a big fan of airpods "legs." Do these things work without your phone being nearby? I know my Jabra earbuds do not -- not that I'd need them without my phone. hearing "aids" on the other hand, I'd need to function without a phone present.

I rotate 2 pairs of the Apple Airpods Pro 2 ANC for the "transparency mode" adjustability feature that works as a "Hearing Aid". I don't want to hear everything all the time, often don't want to hear anything in noisy places, so the ANC helps a lot with that.

j

but my question is, if the phone is not present, do they work at all?

[02nz]

Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Although it is not the most important feature, the new Apple watch does have the oxygen sensor locked down. Supposedly the sensor is there but disabled until Apple and Masimo ever come to terms on their intellectual property infringement lawsuit. Unclear what Apple's plans are on this since they haven't settled.

I will also be tracking the hearing features of the Air Pods Pro line. That is one area where "smarter" AI-aided signal processing should have an obvious benefit over time in scenarios like the noisy restaurant.

I saw something about the "near hearing aid quality" of the new air pods. Not a big fan of airpods "legs." Do these things work without your phone being nearby? I know my Jabra earbuds do not -- not that I'd need them without my phone. hearing "aids" on the other hand, I'd need to function without a phone present.

I rotate 2 pairs of the Apple Airpods Pro 2 ANC for the "transparency mode" adjustability feature that works as a "Hearing Aid". I don't want to hear everything all the time, often don't want to hear anything in noisy places, so the ANC helps a lot with that.

j

but my question is, if the phone is not present, do they work at all?

They do. The processing is done by the AirPods Pro using the on-board H2 chip, not by the phone. The phone is only needed for the initial hearing test setup.

[Sandtrap]

Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Although it is not the most important feature, the new Apple watch does have the oxygen sensor locked down. Supposedly the sensor is there but disabled until Apple and Masimo ever come to terms on their intellectual property infringement lawsuit. Unclear what Apple's plans are on this since they haven't settled.

I will also be tracking the hearing features of the Air Pods Pro line. That is one area where "smarter" AI-aided signal processing should have an obvious benefit over time in scenarios like the noisy restaurant.

I saw something about the "near hearing aid quality" of the new air pods. Not a big fan of airpods "legs." Do these things work without your phone being nearby? I know my Jabra earbuds do not -- not that I'd need them without my phone. hearing "aids" on the other hand, I'd need to function without a phone present.

I rotate 2 pairs of the Apple Airpods Pro 2 ANC for the "transparency mode" adjustability feature that works as a "Hearing Aid". I don't want to hear everything all the time, often don't want to hear anything in noisy places, so the ANC helps a lot with that.

j

but my question is, if the phone is not present, do they work at all?

yes.

Airpods Pro 2 (2nd generation).

On iPhone:
Settings
Accessibility
Audio.Visual

iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Headphone Accommodations, and make sure Headphone Accommodations is turned on. Tap Transparency Mode, turn on Custom Transparency Mode, then turn on Ambient Noise Reduction.

This worked well over the past 2 years but my hearing has gotten worse so there's only so much it can do as far as boosting frequencies in transparency node. But ANC is great for an earpod. Almost as good as the non reliable bose ear buds.

j

[02nz]

Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Although it is not the most important feature, the new Apple watch does have the oxygen sensor locked down. Supposedly the sensor is there but disabled until Apple and Masimo ever come to terms on their intellectual property infringement lawsuit. Unclear what Apple's plans are on this since they haven't settled.

I will also be tracking the hearing features of the Air Pods Pro line. That is one area where "smarter" AI-aided signal processing should have an obvious benefit over time in scenarios like the noisy restaurant.

I saw something about the "near hearing aid quality" of the new air pods. Not a big fan of airpods "legs." Do these things work without your phone being nearby? I know my Jabra earbuds do not -- not that I'd need them without my phone. hearing "aids" on the other hand, I'd need to function without a phone present.

To be clear, the new OTC hearing aid function is coming via software update to the AirPods Pro 2, which are not a new product (they've been selling for 2 years now). The function will NOT be available on the newly released AirPods 4, nor the AirPods Max.

[jebmke]

^^ thanks all. Might have to look at them. Maybe I can get used to the weird look.

[stan1]

^^ thanks all. Might have to look at them. Maybe I can get used to the weird look.

I think there will be other options in the coming years as well, but at least for now Apple has the R&D budget to invest in over the counter devices. Fitting may still need a professional in some cases, but if the software can let the user tune the device or even auto-tune it to the specific environment that will be a huge leap over visiting an audiologist for this function.

I always hestiate to ponder the future on this site so this is out there for the future not now, but I'd wonder what improvement could be possible if a group of four people sitting in a noisy restaurant each had a microphone enabled on their device (phone, watch, airpod, shirt collar wearable) that recognized and isolated their own voice. Could the signal processing turn that into a very custom and improved experience for those who need it? Seems like the math should say yes once the sensors can gather, process, and share the data. This is why I'm very glad these types of devices are now available over the counter. The potential for disuptive innovation is there once people can move beyond the present state.

[jebmke]

^^ thanks all. Might have to look at them. Maybe I can get used to the weird look.

I think there will be other options in the coming years as well, but at least for now Apple has the R&D budget to invest in over the counter devices. Fitting may still need a professional in some cases, but if the software can let the user tune the device or even auto-tune it to the specific environment that will be a huge leap over visiting an audiologist for this function.

I always hestiate to ponder the future on this site so this is out there for the future not now, but I'd wonder what improvement could be possible if a group of four people sitting in a noisy restaurant each had a microphone enabled on their device (phone, watch, airpod, shirt collar wearable) that recognized and isolated their own voice. Could the signal processing turn that into a very custom and improved experience for those who need it? Seems like the math should say yes once the sensors can gather, process, and share the data. This is why I'm very glad these types of devices are now available over the counter. The potential for disuptive innovation is there once people can move beyond the present state.

I think, definitely.

A friend of mine is on his second set of cochlear implants. When I get together with him for lunch, I clip a small mic on my shirt, he lays his phone on the table and we have a bit of "cone of silence" -- probably better for him than me since my ears aren't working well and background noise is a real killer.

I miss my hearing most in the spring when bird migration and "observation" is often done strictly by sound. Ignore the possibility that the AI could someday whisper in my ear "this is a Blackpoll" -- I'd be happy just to hear it.

I will be watching reports and feedback - spring is six+ months away so I have some time.

[Sandtrap]

^^ thanks all. Might have to look at them. Maybe I can get used to the weird look.

I think there will be other options in the coming years as well, but at least for now Apple has the R&D budget to invest in over the counter devices. Fitting may still need a professional in some cases, but if the software can let the user tune the device or even auto-tune it to the specific environment that will be a huge leap over visiting an audiologist for this function.

I always hestiate to ponder the future on this site so this is out there for the future not now, but I'd wonder what improvement could be possible if a group of four people sitting in a noisy restaurant each had a microphone enabled on their device (phone, watch, airpod, shirt collar wearable) that recognized and isolated their own voice. Could the signal processing turn that into a very custom and improved experience for those who need it? Seems like the math should say yes once the sensors can gather, process, and share the data. This is why I'm very glad these types of devices are now available over the counter. The potential for disuptive innovation is there once people can move beyond the present state.

I think, definitely.

A friend of mine is on his second set of cochlear implants. When I get together with him for lunch, I clip a small mic on my shirt, he lays his phone on the table and we have a bit of "cone of silence" -- probably better for him than me since my ears aren't working well and background noise is a real killer.

I miss my hearing most in the spring when bird migration and "observation" is often done strictly by sound. Ignore the possibility that the AI could someday whisper in my ear "this is a Blackpoll" -- I'd be happy just to hear it.

I will be watching reports and feedback - spring is six+ months away so I have some time.

After long research into hearing aids and so forth. Finding out about the Apple EarPods Pro 2 ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations to enhance sound was an instant win. Pairing those Apple Earpods to my upgraded iPhone 14, previous a 7, was a great experience that lasted for 2 years up to now.

**If the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has even better ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations, that would be an instant sell. I would get it yesterday.

Does anyone know if this feature is identical/the same from the 14 to 16 or has it gotten even better?

j

[jebmke]

**If the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has even better ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations, that would be an instant sell. I would get it yesterday.

If all the processing is in the buds, I would have thought that the "better ANC etc" would be an iOS upgrade, not the phone itself.

[stan1]

**If the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has even better ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations, that would be an instant sell. I would get it yesterday.

If all the processing is in the buds, I would have thought that the "better ANC etc" would be an iOS upgrade, not the phone itself.

There is "firmware" actually in the AirPods that can be upgraded.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340

[Sandtrap]

**If the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has even better ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations, that would be an instant sell. I would get it yesterday.

If all the processing is in the buds, I would have thought that the "better ANC etc" would be an iOS upgrade, not the phone itself.

There is "firmware" actually in the AirPods that can be upgraded.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340

Interesting link at Apple.
Thanks

Trying to find where to go to get that firmware update, if needed, for the iPods pro 2.
Is it done from the iphone?

Or does it happen automatically when the iPods Pro 2's are in the case and on the charger with wifi available??

j

[jebmke]

**If the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has even better ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations, that would be an instant sell. I would get it yesterday.

If all the processing is in the buds, I would have thought that the "better ANC etc" would be an iOS upgrade, not the phone itself.

There is "firmware" actually in the AirPods that can be upgraded.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340

right; but I would have thought one would not need the latest and greatest new phone to flash the firmware on the pods.

[fogalog]

Thinking about upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Deliveries are only beginning to arrive so personally I would wait a little.

The AI is a red herring, IMHO.

The only reason I would upgrade is for the camera (lens, processing) upgrades - like you, I use mine a lot for pictures, and my SLR is gathering dust in a closet somewhere. I like the idea of the camera button on the side: needing to tap the screen when trying to hold steady with 2 hands is a pain. But I need to play with it a bit in the store first.

Apparently Danny Boyle is shooting his new movie entirely on an iPhone 15. Amazing.

Good luck!

[fogalog]

**If the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has even better ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations, that would be an instant sell. I would get it yesterday.

If all the processing is in the buds, I would have thought that the "better ANC etc" would be an iOS upgrade, not the phone itself.

There is "firmware" actually in the AirPods that can be upgraded.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340

Interesting link at Apple.
Thanks

Trying to find where to go to get that firmware update, if needed, for the iPods pro 2.
Is it done from the iphone?

Or does it happen automatically when the iPods Pro 2's are in the case and on the charger with wifi available??

j

Yes, your airpods firmware upgrade is automatic: leave them plugged into a power source near your also-plugged-in phone.

To see which firmware you have right now, open Settings -> Bluetooth on your phone and click on "i" next to the name of your airpods. The current firmware version is shown in the "Version" field.

[stan1]

**If the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has even better ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations, that would be an instant sell. I would get it yesterday.

If all the processing is in the buds, I would have thought that the "better ANC etc" would be an iOS upgrade, not the phone itself.

There is "firmware" actually in the AirPods that can be upgraded.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340

Interesting link at Apple.
Thanks

Trying to find where to go to get that firmware update, if needed, for the iPods pro 2.
Is it done from the iphone?

Or does it happen automatically when the iPods Pro 2's are in the case and on the charger with wifi available??

j :D

You can force the firmware upgrade if it isn't happening automatically. Plug the case with the headphones into a corded charger (not wireless charging). Put it within Bluetooth range of the phone it is paired with. Open the airpod case. Press the round button on the back for a few seconds, lights will turn from green to blinking white. Close the case and let it do its thing. Head nod recognition and improved voice recognition on calls are new on my older AirPod Pro 2nd generation (with the lightning charger before updated to USB-C).

[Rex66]

Do the att store employees get a commission if you upgrade? Reason I ask is I went in to a store today to just see the phone and the person there badly wanted me to upgrade today

[Sandtrap]

**If the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has even better ANC and "Transparency Mode" customizations, that would be an instant sell. I would get it yesterday.

If all the processing is in the buds, I would have thought that the "better ANC etc" would be an iOS upgrade, not the phone itself.

There is "firmware" actually in the AirPods that can be upgraded.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340

Interesting link at Apple.
Thanks

Trying to find where to go to get that firmware update, if needed, for the iPods pro 2.
Is it done from the iphone?

Or does it happen automatically when the iPods Pro 2's are in the case and on the charger with wifi available??

j

You can force the firmware upgrade if it isn't happening automatically. Plug the case with the headphones into a corded charger (not wireless charging). Put it within Bluetooth range of the phone it is paired with. Open the airpod case. Press the round button on the back for a few seconds, lights will turn from green to blinking white. Close the case and let it do its thing. Head nod recognition and improved voice recognition on calls are new on my older AirPod Pro 2nd generation (with the lightning charger before updated to USB-C).

Okay
Just did my 2 pairs.

Latest firmware versions
AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): 7A302
AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning): 7A302

Also updated the IOS on the iPhone 14 to 17.7
Huge improvement on the "transparency mode" audio customization, etc, features. Incredible clarity.

Huge thanks
j

[Youngblood]

Our order is in for two iPhone 16's. One is 16 pro. The camera will be a huge upgrade from the 13 pro.
Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Enjoy!

Wow!

Are you ordering direct from Apple online?
Do you trade in your iPhones on the Apple site?

j

Yes, trading in series 4 and 7 watches and iphones 11 and 13 pro. I am using my Amazon Prime card because they extend the warranty an additional year.

[Sandtrap]

Our order is in for two iPhone 16's. One is 16 pro. The camera will be a huge upgrade from the 13 pro.
Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Enjoy!

Wow!

Are you ordering direct from Apple online?
Do you trade in your iPhones on the Apple site?

j

Yes, trading in series 4 and 7 watches and iphones 11 and 13 pro. I am using my Amazon Prime card because they extend the warranty an additional year.

Does this mean an additional year added to the 2 year Apple Care as well????

thanks
j

[Youngblood]

Our order is in for two iPhone 16's. One is 16 pro. The camera will be a huge upgrade from the 13 pro.
Also ordered two Apple Watch 10s. One arrived and it is amazing.

Enjoy!

Wow!

Are you ordering direct from Apple online?
Do you trade in your iPhones on the Apple site?

j

Yes, trading in series 4 and 7 watches and iphones 11 and 13 pro. I am using my Amazon Prime card because they extend the warranty an additional year.

Does this mean an additional year added to the 2 year Apple Care as well????

thanks
j

Prime says manufacturer's warranty. So, no.