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

[hudson]

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

How do the AirPods Pro 2 (2D) compare to hearing aids.
(Mine are new...Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro from Costco)

[Claudia Whitten]

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

Agree with this.

That said, the 14 Pro Max is the heaviest phone I've ever picked up. I'd be looking to lighten my load. But that's me.

[cheesepep]

I've stopped upgrading my iPhone every 1-2 years now. If I do buy, I'll be coming from an iPhone 11 Pro. My phone still works perfectly well, but battery could be better and launching the camera app causes every other app to quit, which is annoying.

[Sandtrap]

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

How do the AirPods Pro 2 (2D) compare to hearing aids.
(Mine are new...Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro from Costco)

In ear hearing aids, customizable and professionally fitted, etc, are outstanding depending on the person and condition.

The AirPods Pro 2 with the newer enhanced transparency mode customization is more of a light "volume and frequency "assist"". But, can't enhance what a person needs in various frequencies due to hearing loss, etc.

For myself, I'm sure "hearing aids" such as yours would benefit me greatly. But, I would not be wearing them very often. And, I really like the ANC feature to "turn off the world" so to speak and listen to my soft music playlists. AFAIK, there's no way to bluetooth an iPhone to hearing aids. Is there?

How do you like the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro?
How much did it cost at Costco?
Did insurance cover it?

j

[oldcomputerguy]

A couple of years ago, I had an iPhone 11, which suited me just fine, and I had no plans to upgrade.

One day, while at a drive-in restaurant, I accidentally spilled some milk shake on it, which worked its way into the ear opening. The result was that, although the phone still functioned, the ear piece was gummed up to an extent that I could no longer hear callers.

I took it to the Apple store, and the guys there said that they couldn't fix it. Since the 11 had no 5G capability, I went ahead and bit the bullet, and bought a new phone.

Although the 14 was out at the time, I chose the 13, as it had all the features I wanted or needed, included 5G coverage, and was cheaper than the 14. I'm still using the 13, and have no issues with it.

I don't have any reason to upgrade to the "latest and greatest", as it will cost more and won't provide me any benefit that my 13 does not provide.

[hudson]

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

How do the AirPods Pro 2 (2D) compare to hearing aids.
(Mine are new...Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro from Costco)

In ear hearing aids, customizable and professionally fitted, etc, are outstanding depending on the person and condition.

The AirPods Pro 2 with the newer enhanced transparency mode customization is more of a light "volume and frequency "assist"". But, can't enhance what a person needs in various frequencies due to hearing loss, etc.

For myself, I'm sure "hearing aids" such as yours would benefit me greatly. But, I would not be wearing them very often. And, I really like the ANC feature to "turn off the world" so to speak and listen to my soft music playlists. AFAIK, there's no way to bluetooth an iPhone to hearing aids. Is there?

How do you like the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro?
How much did it cost at Costco?
Did insurance cover it?

j

The Jabra Enhance Pros do not have noise cancelling...so something that is noise cancelling is attractive. I use earplugs a lot.
When I want noise cancelling, I use over the ear earphones...although I'm tempted by the Airpods. I probably need to get a pair.

The Jabra Enhance Pros are pretty good...in fact amazing compared to my old hearing aids...$1600 out the door.
My insurance said they paid $500, but I haven't seen the check.
I get phone calls through my hearing aids through the iphone. (pretty neat)
I can also listen to XM radio and other apps thorough my iPhone, so yes Bluetooth must work.
It may work through the hearing aids app, EnhancePro. I'm not sure. It does work.
Controlling my hearing through the app is amazing especially in classroom settings or in noisy restaurants.
I should have gotten these earlier.

Do these hearing aids solve everything? no.
I take them out when my wife plays loud music...it hurts.
I take them out when young grandchildren are around because the noises are confusing. I cannot understand what they say without asking them to repeat. Now, I almost never ask adults to repeat. No one asks me anymore, "Where are your hearing aids?!"
I probably could make some adjustments.
I haven't understood language on the television for years. The hearing aids really help with TV.

One more thought. These hearing aids don't fall out as easy as the old hearing aids. There is a locator on the app to help find lost hearing aids.
The Costco warranty and loss replacement features are worth a look.

I've only had these Jabra Enhance Pros for less than a month, so I'm a novice.

[lazydavid]

How do the AirPods Pro 2 (2D) compare to hearing aids.
(Mine are new...Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro from Costco)

No one here will be able to accurately answer that question today, because the hearing aid feature has not been released. It is slated for a "Fall 2024 release" via a firmware update. And since fall runs from yesterday through Dec 22nd, it could be 3 days to 3 months before it can be compared to traditional hearing aids.

[FIRWYW]

You asked what we have. 13 mini and I will hold out as long as I can. I hate how huge phones are now.

As far as camera- I have not seen your pictures. My wife uses a 14pro. For quick shots, it works. BUT, she much prefers her Sony a7r4 if she is going to be shooting something of significance. I didn’t feel the 14 pro was much of a step up to her old phone and you know what you do and like but I would save the $.

[Sandtrap]

How do the AirPods Pro 2 (2D) compare to hearing aids.
(Mine are new...Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro from Costco)

No one here will be able to accurately answer that question today, because the hearing aid feature has not been released. It is slated for a "Fall 2024 release" via a firmware update. And since fall runs from yesterday through Dec 22nd, it could be 3 days to 3 months before it can be compared to traditional hearing aids.

wow!!!
didn't know that
apple's feature could be an industry game changer

huge thanks
j

[Sandtrap]

You asked what we have. 13 mini and I will hold out as long as I can. I hate how huge phones are now.

As far as camera- I have not seen your pictures. My wife uses a 14pro. For quick shots, it works. BUT, she much prefers her Sony a7r4 if she is going to be shooting something of significance. I didn’t feel the 14 pro was much of a step up to her old phone and you know what you do and like but I would save the $.

Cameras
Multiple bodies: Canon 5D mkiv and R5's with full set "L" prime n zooms. DW has the same as a professional photographer.

Cell phone camera is for different uses but I like having one that produces excellent images within that format.

thanks
j

[rockstar]

I usually get 4 years out of my phones these days before staring to have battery issues. No idea what battery drain this new AI feature will have on phones. I’d wait at least three years.

[Dottie57]

Check the camera specs - which is why I am thinking of a new phone

From Apple site
12MP 5x Telephoto: 120 mm, ƒ/2.8 aperture and 20° field of view, 100% Focus Pixels, seven-element lens, 3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization and autofocus, tetraprism design
5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range
Digital zoom up to 25x

If this appeals, go ahead!

[jebmke]

I usually get 4 years out of my phones these days before staring to have battery issues. No idea what battery drain this new AI feature will have on phones. I’d wait at least three years.

I usually get 4-5 also. Surprisingly, I' through 4 years with 12-Mini and it still shows 90%. But maybe it is not correct. I had a car once that had a stuck gas gage that always said full. My "Good News Gas Gage"

[Sandtrap]

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

How do the AirPods Pro 2 (2D) compare to hearing aids.
(Mine are new...Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro from Costco)

In ear hearing aids, customizable and professionally fitted, etc, are outstanding depending on the person and condition.

The AirPods Pro 2 with the newer enhanced transparency mode customization is more of a light "volume and frequency "assist"". But, can't enhance what a person needs in various frequencies due to hearing loss, etc.

For myself, I'm sure "hearing aids" such as yours would benefit me greatly. But, I would not be wearing them very often. And, I really like the ANC feature to "turn off the world" so to speak and listen to my soft music playlists. AFAIK, there's no way to bluetooth an iPhone to hearing aids. Is there?

How do you like the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Micro?
How much did it cost at Costco?
Did insurance cover it?

j

The Jabra Enhance Pros do not have noise cancelling...so something that is noise cancelling is attractive. I use earplugs a lot.
When I want noise cancelling, I use over the ear earphones...although I'm tempted by the Airpods. I probably need to get a pair.

The Jabra Enhance Pros are pretty good...in fact amazing compared to my old hearing aids...$1600 out the door.
My insurance said they paid $500, but I haven't seen the check.
I get phone calls through my hearing aids through the iphone. (pretty neat)
I can also listen to XM radio and other apps thorough my iPhone, so yes Bluetooth must work.
It may work through the hearing aids app, EnhancePro. I'm not sure. It does work.
Controlling my hearing through the app is amazing especially in classroom settings or in noisy restaurants.
I should have gotten these earlier.

Do these hearing aids solve everything? no.
I take them out when my wife plays loud music...it hurts.
I take them out when young grandchildren are around because the noises are confusing. I cannot understand what they say without asking them to repeat. Now, I almost never ask adults to repeat. No one asks me anymore, "Where are your hearing aids?!"
I probably could make some adjustments.
I haven't understood language on the television for years. The hearing aids really help with TV.

One more thought. These hearing aids don't fall out as easy as the old hearing aids. There is a locator on the app to help find lost hearing aids.
The Costco warranty and loss replacement features are worth a look.

I've only had these Jabra Enhance Pros for less than a month, so I'm a novice.

The iPhone APP hearing test called "MiMi" can export audiogram results to "Apple Health". Those results can be used in the "Audio/Visual" "HeadPhone Accomodations" menu of the iPhone to customize the transparency mode boost, turning the Apple Airpods Pro 2 into fairly advanced hearing aids.

***I just did all this with my Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the results are impressive. It's like I have new ears, "Elfin" ears. I can hear better than I have in a very long time.

In a few weeks or by end of year, Apple is going to release the "hearing aid" feature that is a software upgrade that will add that to the iPhone and the Apple bluetooth earbuds, etc.
This is a huge game changer and might dominate most OTC Hearing aids sold now for high prices.

I don't know which iPhones will be able to have this feature enabled.
j

[jebmke]

Apple isn't exactly a low-price point seller - especially if you need an iPhone to configure; perhaps they will rollout a standalone product but that doesn't seem like them. Maybe compared to high end hearing aids but how many people who need hearing aids are going to walk around all day with Airpods in their ears?

[02nz]

Apple isn't exactly a low-price point seller - especially if you need an iPhone to configure; perhaps they will rollout a standalone product but that doesn't seem like them. Maybe compared to high end hearing aids but how many people who need hearing aids are going to walk around all day with Airpods in their ears?

The hearing aid functionality is a no-cost software update to the $250 AirPods Pro (almost always on sale for well under $200). People who buy those are almost always already iPhone owners.

It's perfectly common to see people walking around all day with AirPods, whether you like it or not, and that's one reason why using the AirPods as hearing aids is a big deal - it eliminates the stigma associated with traditional hearing aids. Another reason is that even OTC hearing aids are typically around $800, and prescription ones run 4-5 digits. This isn't targeted at those with severe hearing loss, only mild to moderate, but for many it absolutely is a game-changer.

[Sandtrap]

Apple isn't exactly a low-price point seller - especially if you need an iPhone to configure; perhaps they will rollout a standalone product but that doesn't seem like them. Maybe compared to high end hearing aids but how many people who need hearing aids are going to walk around all day with Airpods in their ears?

The hearing aid functionality is a no-cost software update to the $250 AirPods Pro (almost always on sale for well under $200). People who buy those are almost always already iPhone owners.

It's perfectly common to see people walking around all day with AirPods, whether you like it or not, and that's one reason why using the AirPods as hearing aids is a big deal - it eliminates the stigma associated with traditional hearing aids. Another reason is that even OTC hearing aids are typically around $800, and prescription ones run 4-5 digits. This isn't targeted at those with severe hearing loss, only mild to moderate, but for many it absolutely is a game-changer.

Online at Amazon.com
Sony and Jabra OTC hearing aids
$900 to $1800+

Apple Airpods Pro 2
Already have 2 pairs.
Latest "hearing aid" features via Transparency Mode and custom imported audiogram is incredible.

I'm not sure what version of iPhones can do this. iPhone 14 works.

Youtube: how to turn Apple AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtk-obZIeQ

j

[jebmke]

Apple isn't exactly a low-price point seller - especially if you need an iPhone to configure; perhaps they will rollout a standalone product but that doesn't seem like them. Maybe compared to high end hearing aids but how many people who need hearing aids are going to walk around all day with Airpods in their ears?

The hearing aid functionality is a no-cost software update to the $250 AirPods Pro (almost always on sale for well under $200). People who buy those are almost always already iPhone owners.

It's perfectly common to see people walking around all day with AirPods, whether you like it or not, and that's one reason why using the AirPods as hearing aids is a big deal - it eliminates the stigma associated with traditional hearing aids. Another reason is that even OTC hearing aids are typically around $800, and prescription ones run 4-5 digits. This isn't targeted at those with severe hearing loss, only mild to moderate, but for many it absolutely is a game-changer.

Perhaps it is a demographic difference. My area is twice the normal concentration of older people. I will make a point to observe people walking around and see how the age seems to break. When I am at the audiologist, almost everyone there is old.

[02nz]

Apple isn't exactly a low-price point seller - especially if you need an iPhone to configure; perhaps they will rollout a standalone product but that doesn't seem like them. Maybe compared to high end hearing aids but how many people who need hearing aids are going to walk around all day with Airpods in their ears?

The hearing aid functionality is a no-cost software update to the $250 AirPods Pro (almost always on sale for well under $200). People who buy those are almost always already iPhone owners.

It's perfectly common to see people walking around all day with AirPods, whether you like it or not, and that's one reason why using the AirPods as hearing aids is a big deal - it eliminates the stigma associated with traditional hearing aids. Another reason is that even OTC hearing aids are typically around $800, and prescription ones run 4-5 digits. This isn't targeted at those with severe hearing loss, only mild to moderate, but for many it absolutely is a game-changer.

Perhaps it is a demographic difference. My area is twice the normal concentration of older people. I will make a point to observe people walking around and see how the age seems to break. When I am at the audiologist, almost everyone there is old.

THAT'S EXACTLY THE POINT! A lot of people have mild to moderate hearing loss but aren't 70 years old, aren't going to the audiologist, and aren't willing to wear hearing aids. But for them wearing AirPods is totally normal. For them, getting OTC hearing aid functionality in a device they already have and use, with a hearing test that takes 5 minutes on their iPhone, is a game-changer.

[stan1]

I've stopped upgrading my iPhone every 1-2 years now. If I do buy, I'll be coming from an iPhone 11 Pro. My phone still works perfectly well, but battery could be better and launching the camera app causes every other app to quit, which is annoying.

There's a sweet spot between 1-2 years and 6 years. Resale/trade is minimal after about three years.

I don't put any type of personal electronics into a "buy it for life" model. Batteries run down. Accidents happen and screens get cracked. Apps use increased processor and memory resources. Resources are no longer constrained so software is not optimized. No one packs data into 8 bit words or does fixed point arithmetic like some of us old timers used to do.

[mrb09]

Not a huge thing, but the iPhone 16 has a USB-C connector that allows photos to saved to a USB drive for backup, handy for backup safety when traveling in sketchy internet territory.

I use the USB-C connector on my iPad the other way around, I view and backup selected photos from my mirrorless camera’s SD card using a USB-C card reader.

[novicemoney]

Currently have a 15 pro max. When I got the pro max it was because I wanted the 5x lens which the 15 pro did not have. I read the pro and pro max will both have the 5x lens. So other factors, size, weight, batter life may be the deciding factors on the pro max vs. pro decision. I initially wanted the smaller phone(pro) because of size and weight, but i have since got used to it and actually appreciate the bigger screen and longer battery life. This might not be an issue for you since you are going from pro max to pro max.

Won't be upgrading to the 16, but may consider a future upgrade if apple puts a longer lens on it(maybe 10x?) Just another consideration to confuse the issue

[Sandtrap]

Currently have a 15 pro max. When I got the pro max it was because I wanted the 5x lens which the 15 pro did not have. I read the pro and pro max will both have the 5x lens. So other factors, size, weight, batter life may be the deciding factors on the pro max vs. pro decision. I initially wanted the smaller phone(pro) because of size and weight, but i have since got used to it and actually appreciate the bigger screen and longer battery life. This might not be an issue for you since you are going from pro max to pro max.

Won't be upgrading to the 16, but may consider a future upgrade if apple puts a longer lens on it(maybe 10x?) Just another consideration to confuse the issue

i didn't know there ere differences between the pro and pro max
i've been with the larger screens since the iphone 7 to make it easier on my eyes
thanks
j

[WWJBDo]

Today I received my upgraded 16 Pro with 1TB from a 13 Pro. Too early to say much, but the camera is definitely better (5x on the 16 Pro) than the 13 Pro .
I think they didn't raise prices despite Apple Intelligence because it was not available yet, so I think of it as getting a discount on the new phone. AI will be out soon enough and the better/faster chip set will make a difference.

Battery life is reportedly quite a bit better.
The flashlight is brighter than the 13.

I also bought the new earpods (both Pro and ver4 of regular, as they offer a lot of new features and also use USB-C. I look forward to moving everything to USB-C and ridding myself of the lightning cable.

[rich126]

Today I received my upgraded 16 Pro with 1TB from a 13 Pro. Too early to say much, but the camera is definitely better (5x on the 16 Pro) than the 13 Pro .
I think they didn't raise prices despite Apple Intelligence because it was not available yet, so I think of it as getting a discount on the new phone. AI will be out soon enough and the better/faster chip set will make a difference.

Battery life is reportedly quite a bit better.
The flashlight is brighter than the 13.

I also bought the new earpods (both Pro and ver4 of regular, as they offer a lot of new features and also use USB-C. I look forward to moving everything to USB-C and ridding myself of the lightning cable.

i'm confused what you mean about not raising the price?

Overall there isn't much demand for the new phones based on everything I've read and photos people have sent about lines (none) at stores. One person was told to line up early and even when the store opened, there was no line waiting.

I think they have reached saturation and the newer models don't really provide much for the price. I saw one photographer wishing they had better choices on lenses. Anyhow, enjoy.

[Cheddarhead]

Costco is offering $1,000 for a trade in and a $100 gift card and a $50 credit to your plan if you buy a iPhone 16.

[MTWoodpile]

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

Thoughts on the new features?

Thanks
j

Sandtrap attached link is from Ken Rockwell. Ken has a short take on the recent announcement IPhone 16.

from Ken; https://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/00-new-today.htm

"You might not have noticed, but the camera system in the 16 Pro Max is hugely upgraded because the 0.5x camera is now 48 MP rather than just 12 MP.

While 12 MP is all we need when we actually have 12 MP, we do need this extra resolution when the iPhone crops from the 0.5× camera, which it does very often when shooting macro or at zoom settings from 0.51× to 0.99×.".....

IMO Ken Rockwell is an insightful/helpful pro on tech, vis a vis cameras, as well as photography! and his product reviews are thorough. hth

[Sandtrap]

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

Thoughts on the new features?

Thanks
j

Sandtrap attached link is from Ken Rockwell. Ken has a short take on the recent announcement IPhone 16.

from Ken; https://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/00-new-today.htm

"You might not have noticed, but the camera system in the 16 Pro Max is hugely upgraded because the 0.5x camera is now 48 MP rather than just 12 MP.

While 12 MP is all we need when we actually have 12 MP, we do need this extra resolution when the iPhone crops from the 0.5× camera, which it does very often when shooting macro or at zoom settings from 0.51× to 0.99×.".....

IMO Ken Rockwell is an insightful/helpful pro on tech, vis a vis cameras, as well as photography! and his product reviews are thorough. hth

wow
huge thanks, great info:
Here's the Ken Rockwell review for those that can't get the link engaged. And to help others if they google/search for this info later.

iPhones

Yes, of course I have my 16 Pro Max on order. I've always wanted the biggest screen I can get so I can see what I'm doing, and of course I love the 5× optical camera. Everyone has different preferences, which is why Apple makes so many different models.

You might not have noticed, but the camera system in the 16 Pro Max is hugely upgraded because the 0.5x camera is now 48 MP rather than just 12 MP.

While 12 MP is all we need when we actually have 12 MP, we do need this extra resolution when the iPhone crops from the 0.5× camera, which it does very often when shooting macro or at zoom settings from 0.51× to 0.99×.

Any time we're closer than about 6½ inches (165mm), the only camera that can focus this close is the 0.5×, and then the iPhone crops and digitally zooms-in from the 0.5× camera to get to the other settings like 1× , 2× and 5× at very close distances. The 48 MP camera is going to be great for giving us a huge sharpness boost in macro shots, as well as anything shot wider than 1x.

As my reviews explain, the iPhone is very clever in how it interpolates from a portion of the wider camera every time you zoom out to anything even slightly wider than the 5× or 1× cameras. In other words, everything between 0.51× and 0.99× is cropped and interpolated (digitally zoomed) from the 0.5× camera, everything from 1.01× to 4.99× is cropped and interpolated (digitally zoomed) from the 1× camera, and everything from 5.01× to 25× is cropped and interpolated (digitally zoomed) from the 5× camera.

Apple does a very clever job of interpolating as it digitally zooms. It does an excellent job of vectorizing images so that sharp lines stay sharp, and a great job at faking textures so textures seem to be there as interpolated. I've never heard anyone complain, but I prefer real resolution over interpolated (synthetic) resolution.

I’m also intrigued by the new camera control bar. I've been whining for years about how the various zoom options cover my images as I'm trying to compose, so these going away when using the touch bar should be a big help in shooting.

How much storage do you need? I use a lot because I have a huge legacy movie and music library I've collected before streaming and unlimited data plans were common, and I've never bothered to delete all this or at least prune this from my phone. Normal people today stream everything and thus don't need much, especially if you know how to use cloud services to store everything. The only reason to keep the libraries I have is that I have plenty to watch if I'm out of range of cellular data, which almost never happens today.

Likewise, I pull most of the video I shoot from my iPhone and store it on my Mac. If you like to shoot a lot of video and keep it on your phone, I can see how you could fill up your storage, especially if you insist on shooting at 4K. Again, storing this in the cloud will save you from needing more storage.

Storage is a luxury; look at how much storage you have and how much you have free (Settings > General > About > Capacity and Available), and if you subtract the one from the other that will tell you how much you're using.

People less adept at using cloud services or people who spend more time away from cellular data need more storage, while people who are better at using the cloud and streaming rather than on-phone storage need much less. I have 110,000 photos, 24,000 songs, which consumes a few hundred GB since I don't have them in the cloud.

There is a huge difference in resolution capability between 12 mp and 48 mp.

Huge thanks
j

[telemark]

And another review from a long-time Apple observer:

https://daringfireball.net/2024/09/the_iphones_16

After over a week using several iPhone 16 review units, my summary of Camera Control is that it takes a while to get used to -- I feel like I'm still getting used to it -- but it already feels like something I wouldn't want to do without. It's a great idea, and a bold one.

[YeahBuddy]

The only reason I'm considering upgrading from 14 pro to 16 pro is for video recording my son's football games. I just saw a video of the zoom and it looks much better than my 14 pro. If money was no object, I would just do it like Nike. Especially if you're on your phone a lot or like the best cameras apple has to offer.

[alfaspider]

As a general rule, the pace of improvements in smartphones has slowed. It will be a nice little bump, but not dramatic. I recently went from a 13pro to a 16pro. The camera control is nice, as well as the magsafe wireless charging (the pre-magsafe wireless charging wasn't very reliable), but nothing else feels like a huge upgrade. I used to do 2-year upgrade cycles, but I think 3 years is a similar improvement to what 2-year cycles were 5-10 years ago.

Only thing I would still like to see is getting rid of the "pill" at the top of the screen. I understand they are working on it so there is nothing but a camera pinhole, but it sounds like it's likely still 2-3 years out. I suppose I will get rid of it with the Iphone 19 pro.

[Leesbro63]

OK, I am NOT the original poster, but like them, I considered (and did upgrade) my iPhone 14 ProMax for an iPhone 16 ProMax. The main reason I did it was because my elderly mother's iPhone 11 was about dead and I gave her the 14. The good news is that the transfer process was slick...each phone, next to the older phone, knew to ask if I was trying to move to the newer phone and everything went easily including porting the AT&T phone numbers. My mother loves her new, bigger "Max" phone, although all she does with a phone is call, text and look at photos of her great-grandkids that my adult kids text to her. She should be good for a while.

The not as great news is that the new phone is somewhat of a disappointment. Reminds me of when dad traded his 77 Buick Park Avenue for an 80 Park Avenue that was supposed to be all new. Buick changed the front grille slightly, added a few new colors to choose from and made CB radio an option. And tweaked the hood ornament. But it was the same ol' Buick. In the big scheme of things I generally don't whiz away money on mindless "stuff". So I'm glad I have the latest iPhone and glad ma is now good for a while in the iPhone department too. But I should have waited for the iPhone 17, which, I think I heard, will actually be a whole new phone and not just the same ol' with the new grille and hood ornament.

[hudson]

OK, I am NOT the original poster, but like them, I considered (and did upgrade) my iPhone 14 ProMax for an iPhone 16 ProMax. The main reason I did it was because my elderly mother's iPhone 11 was about dead and I gave her the 14. The good news is that the transfer process was slick...each phone, next to an older phone, knew to ask if I was trying to move to the newer phone and everything went easily including porting the AT&T phone numbers. My mother loves her new, bigger "Max" phone, although all she does with a phone is call, text and look at photos of her great-grandkids that my adult kids text to her. She should be good for a while.

The not as great news is that the new phone is somewhat of a disappointment. Reminds me of when dad traded his 77 Buick Park Avenue for an 80 Park Avenue that was supposed to be all new. Buick changed the front grille slightly, added a few new colors to choose from and made CB radio an option. And tweaked the hood ornament. But it was the same ol' Buick. In the big scheme of things I generally don't whiz away money on mindless "stuff". So I'm glad I have the latest iPhone and glad ma is now good for a while in the iPhone department too. But I should have waited for the iPhone 17, which, I think I heard, will actually be a whole new phone and not just the same ol' with the new grille and hood ornament.

Your mother's "new" 14 Promax is a great device. What does the battery health show?
I have the 14 Promax (with 100% battery...because of a repair by Apple) and will likely keep it another year or two unless I have a situation like yours.
My hand-me-down chain has at least three family members in it.
If one of those folks has an issue that I can't resolve with their phone, I'll order a 16 Promax and do the hand-me-down routine.
I also appreciate the transfer process.

Bottom line: I don't need the 16, but I'm tempted. I'm not going to bite unless I have something to hang my hat on.

[worthit]

Check this out regarding the camera upgrade.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech ... video.html

[Leesbro63]

OK, I am NOT the original poster, but like them, I considered (and did upgrade) my iPhone 14 ProMax for an iPhone 16 ProMax. The main reason I did it was because my elderly mother's iPhone 11 was about dead and I gave her the 14. The good news is that the transfer process was slick...each phone, next to an older phone, knew to ask if I was trying to move to the newer phone and everything went easily including porting the AT&T phone numbers. My mother loves her new, bigger "Max" phone, although all she does with a phone is call, text and look at photos of her great-grandkids that my adult kids text to her. She should be good for a while.

The not as great news is that the new phone is somewhat of a disappointment. Reminds me of when dad traded his 77 Buick Park Avenue for an 80 Park Avenue that was supposed to be all new. Buick changed the front grille slightly, added a few new colors to choose from and made CB radio an option. And tweaked the hood ornament. But it was the same ol' Buick. In the big scheme of things I generally don't whiz away money on mindless "stuff". So I'm glad I have the latest iPhone and glad ma is now good for a while in the iPhone department too. But I should have waited for the iPhone 17, which, I think I heard, will actually be a whole new phone and not just the same ol' with the new grille and hood ornament.

Your mother's "new" 14 Promax is a great device. What does the battery health show?
I have the 14 Promax (with 100% battery...because of a repair by Apple) and will likely keep it another year or two unless I have a situation like yours.
My hand-me-down chain has at least three family members in it.
If one of those folks has an issue that I can't resolve with their phone, I'll order a 16 Promax and do the hand-me-down routine.
I also appreciate the transfer process.

Bottom line: I don't need the 16, but I'm tempted. I'm not going to bite unless I have something to hang my hat on.

I never looked at the battery, but it seemed fine (before I gave it to my mother).

[Sandtrap]

OK, I am NOT the original poster, but like them, I considered (and did upgrade) my iPhone 14 ProMax for an iPhone 16 ProMax. The main reason I did it was because my elderly mother's iPhone 11 was about dead and I gave her the 14. The good news is that the transfer process was slick...each phone, next to the older phone, knew to ask if I was trying to move to the newer phone and everything went easily including porting the AT&T phone numbers. My mother loves her new, bigger "Max" phone, although all she does with a phone is call, text and look at photos of her great-grandkids that my adult kids text to her. She should be good for a while.

The not as great news is that the new phone is somewhat of a disappointment. Reminds me of when dad traded his 77 Buick Park Avenue for an 80 Park Avenue that was supposed to be all new. Buick changed the front grille slightly, added a few new colors to choose from and made CB radio an option. And tweaked the hood ornament. But it was the same ol' Buick. In the big scheme of things I generally don't whiz away money on mindless "stuff". So I'm glad I have the latest iPhone and glad ma is now good for a while in the iPhone department too. But I should have waited for the iPhone 17, which, I think I heard, will actually be a whole new phone and not just the same ol' with the new grille and hood ornament.

iPhone 17 projected to be available??

What will be the differences?

article:
iPhone 17
2025
https://www.techopedia.com/news/iphone-17-release-date

j

[YeahBuddy]

We have decided against the upgrade. The only reason I considered upgrading for me was for the new camera with improved zoom (recording son's high school sports). It's not available for 3-4 weeks so by then, the season is almost over. I can't find any good discounts without adding a new line. So $1,400 (pro max, 512GB) when my phone is fine is a waste of money IMO. Son has the oldest phone, an iPhone 11, that he reports is working great with solid battery health. Maybe next year!

[jebmke]

OK, I am NOT the original poster, but like them, I considered (and did upgrade) my iPhone 14 ProMax for an iPhone 16 ProMax. The main reason I did it was because my elderly mother's iPhone 11 was about dead and I gave her the 14. The good news is that the transfer process was slick...each phone, next to the older phone, knew to ask if I was trying to move to the newer phone and everything went easily including porting the AT&T phone numbers. My mother loves her new, bigger "Max" phone, although all she does with a phone is call, text and look at photos of her great-grandkids that my adult kids text to her. She should be good for a while.

The not as great news is that the new phone is somewhat of a disappointment. Reminds me of when dad traded his 77 Buick Park Avenue for an 80 Park Avenue that was supposed to be all new. Buick changed the front grille slightly, added a few new colors to choose from and made CB radio an option. And tweaked the hood ornament. But it was the same ol' Buick. In the big scheme of things I generally don't whiz away money on mindless "stuff". So I'm glad I have the latest iPhone and glad ma is now good for a while in the iPhone department too. But I should have waited for the iPhone 17, which, I think I heard, will actually be a whole new phone and not just the same ol' with the new grille and hood ornament.

iPhone 17 projected to be available??

What will be the differences?

article:
iPhone 17
2025
https://www.techopedia.com/news/iphone-17-release-date

j

There is always a swirl of speculation around products that are still in early design phase.

I worked for an electronics manufacturer (also did software products too). There was an inviolate rule in sales and marketing: never, ever give a presentation that has features/functions and dates in the same presentation.

[protagonist]

"If iPhone commercials were honest."
Funny but still true:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aseb08zXLeg

[alfaspider]

OK, I am NOT the original poster, but like them, I considered (and did upgrade) my iPhone 14 ProMax for an iPhone 16 ProMax. The main reason I did it was because my elderly mother's iPhone 11 was about dead and I gave her the 14. The good news is that the transfer process was slick...each phone, next to the older phone, knew to ask if I was trying to move to the newer phone and everything went easily including porting the AT&T phone numbers. My mother loves her new, bigger "Max" phone, although all she does with a phone is call, text and look at photos of her great-grandkids that my adult kids text to her. She should be good for a while.

The not as great news is that the new phone is somewhat of a disappointment. Reminds me of when dad traded his 77 Buick Park Avenue for an 80 Park Avenue that was supposed to be all new. Buick changed the front grille slightly, added a few new colors to choose from and made CB radio an option. And tweaked the hood ornament. But it was the same ol' Buick. In the big scheme of things I generally don't whiz away money on mindless "stuff". So I'm glad I have the latest iPhone and glad ma is now good for a while in the iPhone department too. But I should have waited for the iPhone 17, which, I think I heard, will actually be a whole new phone and not just the same ol' with the new grille and hood ornament.

iPhone 17 projected to be available??

What will be the differences?

article:
iPhone 17
2025
https://www.techopedia.com/news/iphone-17-release-date

j

At this stage in the game, I don't think it's likely that any new release will be a "whole new phone." The main expected difference (other than the expected spec bump) is that they plan on reducing the size (or eliminating) the "pill" in the upper display that houses the facial recognition and selfie camera. But there have been some conflicting reports on when they might be able to put these things behind the display. I recall years of anticipation back when iphones had fingerprint-enabled home buttons that they would put it under the display (encircle it with display) but they never did- opting for the facial recognition we see today instead.

I think it's safe to say that there are unlikely to be true "game changers" between this year and next. If you wait 3 years, the upgrade will be meaningful, but likely not game changing. Apple currently considers phones older than 7 years (prior to the iphone 8) obsolete and stops any updates or security patches, so I would certainly upgrade anything older than that if you can. But even an iphone X (6 years old) isn't that dramatically different from an iphone 16. Nowhere near the difference between an iphone X and and iphone 4s (6 years prior to iphone X).

I like my iphone 16 pro (upgraded from a 13pro), but it's less of a difference between the 13pro and the X I had before the 13pro. Most meaningful update is simply the USB-C charging, which now eliminates the need to carry around separate charging cables for my various devices when I travel. Magsafe (which wasn't on the 13pro but was offered 14+) is also nice, but hardly game changing.

[Sandtrap]

OK, I am NOT the original poster, but like them, I considered (and did upgrade) my iPhone 14 ProMax for an iPhone 16 ProMax. The main reason I did it was because my elderly mother's iPhone 11 was about dead and I gave her the 14. The good news is that the transfer process was slick...each phone, next to the older phone, knew to ask if I was trying to move to the newer phone and everything went easily including porting the AT&T phone numbers. My mother loves her new, bigger "Max" phone, although all she does with a phone is call, text and look at photos of her great-grandkids that my adult kids text to her. She should be good for a while.

The not as great news is that the new phone is somewhat of a disappointment. Reminds me of when dad traded his 77 Buick Park Avenue for an 80 Park Avenue that was supposed to be all new. Buick changed the front grille slightly, added a few new colors to choose from and made CB radio an option. And tweaked the hood ornament. But it was the same ol' Buick. In the big scheme of things I generally don't whiz away money on mindless "stuff". So I'm glad I have the latest iPhone and glad ma is now good for a while in the iPhone department too. But I should have waited for the iPhone 17, which, I think I heard, will actually be a whole new phone and not just the same ol' with the new grille and hood ornament.

iPhone 17 projected to be available??

What will be the differences?

article:
iPhone 17
2025
https://www.techopedia.com/news/iphone-17-release-date

j

At this stage in the game, I don't think it's likely that any new release will be a "whole new phone." The main expected difference (other than the expected spec bump) is that they plan on reducing the size (or eliminating) the "pill" in the upper display that houses the facial recognition and selfie camera. But there have been some conflicting reports on when they might be able to put these things behind the display. I recall years of anticipation back when iphones had fingerprint-enabled home buttons that they would put it under the display (encircle it with display) but they never did- opting for the facial recognition we see today instead.

I think it's safe to say that there are unlikely to be true "game changers" between this year and next. If you wait 3 years, the upgrade will be meaningful, but likely not game changing. Apple currently considers phones older than 7 years (prior to the iphone 8) obsolete and stops any updates or security patches, so I would certainly upgrade anything older than that if you can. But even an iphone X (6 years old) isn't that dramatically different from an iphone 16. Nowhere near the difference between an iphone X and and iphone 4s (6 years prior to iphone X).

I like my iphone 16 pro (upgraded from a 13pro), but it's less of a difference between the 13pro and the X I had before the 13pro. Most meaningful update is simply the USB-C charging, which now eliminates the need to carry around separate charging cables for my various devices when I travel. Magsafe (which wasn't on the 13pro but was offered 14+) is also nice, but hardly game changing.

Very true as far as degrees of change.
The changes from my iPhone 7 to 14 pro max that I have now were epic.
WIth the coming software updates, AI, etc, on the new iPhone 16 Pro Max (now), I'm tempted to make a change and leave it at that for a long time (so I think).

j

[PottedPlant]

Always wait, as the next one will be better.

[stan1]

My 14 Pro is down to 83% battery max capacity after 24 months of use, is that typical? My XS was better than that at 4 year mark. One more year unless there's a catastrophic repair needed.

[hudson]

My 14 Pro is down to 83% battery max capacity after 24 months of use, is that typical? My XS was better than that at 4 year mark. One more year unless there's a catastrophic repair needed.

83% after 2 years? I believe it.
Apple will replace the battery for around $100 when the battery drops below 80%....I think. If you have AppleCare, the turnaround is fast. If curious, consider giving them a call. I've found Apple support to be solid.

My experience:
I have a 2 year old 14-Pro-Max. I think the battery was around 85% when I did an Apple Express Replacement due to a cracked crystal on Nov. 7, 2023.
I am on AppleCare and the charge was $105.83. They put a hold on my credit card for $1207.26 until they received my iPhone and verified that the broken crystal was the only issue.

They overnighted a replacement iPhone to me the next day on Nov. 8, 2023. It looked new; the battery was 100%. I just checked and the battery remains at 100%.

Bottom lines:
Consider having that battery replaced when it goes under 80%. Or get the 17 if appropriate.
Only fast replacements work for me, so I pay extra for AppleCare.
I wouldn't go for the 17 just for the battery. One additional issue might push me over the edge.
(I keep 4 iPhones alive using the hand-me-down strategy; if one of those phones crashed, that could do it.)

[NYCaviator]

My 14 Pro is down to 83% battery max capacity after 24 months of use, is that typical? My XS was better than that at 4 year mark. One more year unless there's a catastrophic repair needed.

The new iOS software has a setting to limit the charging to somewhere between 80-95%. A lot like EVs. I guess it's true that constantly charging to 100% is not good for the battery. I've set mine to 80% and will see how it works.

[hudson]

My 14 Pro is down to 83% battery max capacity after 24 months of use, is that typical? My XS was better than that at 4 year mark. One more year unless there's a catastrophic repair needed.

The new iOS software has a setting to limit the charging to somewhere between 80-95%. A lot like EVs. I guess it's true that constantly charging to 100% is not good for the battery. I've set mine to 80% and will see how it works.

I have the newest IOS version for my iPhone 14. Under Battery Health and Charging, there's an option: Optimized Battery Charging, which I have turned on.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/108055 (for the iPhone 15 or higher...but about the same for the 14, except you can't set the percentage as NYCaviator did with his.

[Sandtrap]

My 14 Pro is down to 83% battery max capacity after 24 months of use, is that typical? My XS was better than that at 4 year mark. One more year unless there's a catastrophic repair needed.

83% after 2 years? I believe it.
Apple will replace the battery for around $100 when the battery drops below 80%....I think. If you have AppleCare, the turnaround is fast. If curious, consider giving them a call. I've found Apple support to be solid.

My experience:
I have a 2 year old 14-Pro-Max. I think the battery was around 85% when I did an Apple Express Replacement due to a cracked crystal on Nov. 7, 2023.
I am on AppleCare and the charge was $105.83. They put a hold on my credit card for $1207.26 until they received my iPhone and verified that the broken crystal was the only issue.

They overnighted a replacement iPhone to me the next day on Nov. 8, 2023. It looked new; the battery was 100%. I just checked and the battery remains at 100%.

Bottom lines:
Consider having that battery replaced when it goes under 80%. Or get the 17 if appropriate.
Only fast replacements work for me, so I pay extra for AppleCare.
I wouldn't go for the 17 just for the battery. One additional issue might push me over the edge.
(I keep 4 iPhones alive using the hand-me-down strategy; if one of those phones crashed, that could do it.)

At what battery "max capacity" should it be replaced?

thanks
j

[Sandtrap]

My 14 Pro is down to 83% battery max capacity after 24 months of use, is that typical? My XS was better than that at 4 year mark. One more year unless there's a catastrophic repair needed.

The new iOS software has a setting to limit the charging to somewhere between 80-95%. A lot like EVs. I guess it's true that constantly charging to 100% is not good for the battery. I've set mine to 80% and will see how it works.

I have the newest IOS version for my iPhone 14. Under Battery Health and Charging, there's an option: Optimized Battery Charging, which I have turned on.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/108055 (for the iPhone 15 or higher...but about the same for the 14, except you can't set the percentage as NYCaviator did with his.

I also have an iPhone 14 (pro max) with the latest IOS.
Is it best to engage, "Optimize Battery Charging" and disregard "max battery capacity", etc?????

thanks.
j

[stan1]

My 14 Pro is down to 83% battery max capacity after 24 months of use, is that typical? My XS was better than that at 4 year mark. One more year unless there's a catastrophic repair needed.

The new iOS software has a setting to limit the charging to somewhere between 80-95%. A lot like EVs. I guess it's true that constantly charging to 100% is not good for the battery. I've set mine to 80% and will see how it works.

I have the newest IOS version for my iPhone 14. Under Battery Health and Charging, there's an option: Optimized Battery Charging, which I have turned on.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/108055 (for the iPhone 15 or higher...but about the same for the 14, except you can't set the percentage as NYCaviator did with his.

I do have it on (and it always has been on I think). But the phone does charge to 100% every time. I almost never run it down below 50%, I'm guilty of battery anxiety.

[hudson]

My 14 Pro is down to 83% battery max capacity after 24 months of use, is that typical? My XS was better than that at 4 year mark. One more year unless there's a catastrophic repair needed.

83% after 2 years? I believe it.
Apple will replace the battery for around $100 when the battery drops below 80%....I think. If you have AppleCare, the turnaround is fast. If curious, consider giving them a call. I've found Apple support to be solid.

My experience:
I have a 2 year old 14-Pro-Max. I think the battery was around 85% when I did an Apple Express Replacement due to a cracked crystal on Nov. 7, 2023.
I am on AppleCare and the charge was $105.83. They put a hold on my credit card for $1207.26 until they received my iPhone and verified that the broken crystal was the only issue.

They overnighted a replacement iPhone to me the next day on Nov. 8, 2023. It looked new; the battery was 100%. I just checked and the battery remains at 100%.

Bottom lines:
Consider having that battery replaced when it goes under 80%. Or get the 17 if appropriate.
Only fast replacements work for me, so I pay extra for AppleCare.
I wouldn't go for the 17 just for the battery. One additional issue might push me over the edge.
(I keep 4 iPhones alive using the hand-me-down strategy; if one of those phones crashed, that could do it.)

At what battery "max capacity" should it be replaced?

thanks
j

below 80% is recommended...I'm not an expert....that's just what I understand.