We’ve tried every iPhone 16 model and give you our best buying advice for 2024.

Apple’s annual launch of the next generation of iPhones has begun. Starting September 20, customers will see four new options when they walk into an Apple store. iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Proand iPhone 16 Pro MaxThat means Apple officially sells nine different iPhone models. Authenticated regenerative device.

Also: Why you need a case for your iPhone 16 – even if you’ve never used one before

If you’re committed to Apple’s latest and greatest, my ZDNET colleague Jason Hainer and I have put together our definitive buying advice for 2024. It’s based on first-hand impressions of every new iPhone, demos of nearly every major feature, and extensive testing of each previously released model. Here are our recommendations to help you decide whether you should buy an iPhone 16, and which model you should buy.

Should I buy the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16 Plus?

Kerry Wan: The basic iPhone may not have been the flashiest of smartphones, but it tends to be the most durable and a big reason why it’s a popular choice for the average consumer. The average iPhone owner now keeps their phone for three to four years. As they begin this buying cycle, iPhone 13 owners (and those with previous models) will have to brace themselves for three big changes: from the notch to the Dynamic Island, from the physical SIM card slot to eSIM (if you live in the U.S.), and from the Lightning port to USB-C. For most people, these three changes will bring added features, convenience, and interoperability.

Also: Should you upgrade to the iPhone 16? ZDNET editors give their top reasons for and against.

If you currently have an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, here are three reasons to consider upgrading: a dedicated action button for mapping unique features (like screenshots, Siri shortcuts, and focus mode switching), new touch-capacitive camera controls for a DSLR-like shooting experience, and Apple Intelligence. Due to hardware requirements, including RAM and processing power, any standard iPhone model prior to the 16 cannot run Apple’s current (and future) artificial intelligence tools, including improved Siri, Notification Summary, audio transcription, and photo editing features.

Fortunately, most of Apple’s Intelligence features won’t be readily available when the iPhone 16 launches, so if you’re considering upgrading to access the latest AI tools, think twice about what you’re getting today and what you’re promising later. My advice is to wait a few more months to see how Apple’s AI development progresses—unless your carrier offers a generous trade-in deal for the iPhone 14 or 15—and see if there are any features you’ll use regularly.

Also: I demoed Apple’s standard iPhone 16 and it didn’t look like the Pro model at all.

The new colors (in five bold, eye-catching finishes) are some of the best I’ve seen from Apple in years. They have more personality than just the cast. Inside Out 2. Based on estimated shipping dates, Ultramarine and Teal appear to be the most popular, so it’s worth considering your color preference if you want your iPhone 16 to arrive as soon as possible. It’s also helpful to check shipping dates based on storage tier. Base configurations tend to be the most popular, so if you can justify the 256GB or 512GB model, the extra cost may be worth it (and the faster shipping time).

Lastly, if you value convenience and comfort for one-handed use, Smaller iPhone 16If you value longer battery life and a more immersive viewing experience and are willing to pay $100 more for those benefits, then choose this one. iPhone 16 PlusEverything else about the two models is identical, from the camera system to the processor to the charging speed.

Who should buy the iPhone 16 Pro series?

Jason Hainer: I’ve been using the “Pro” iPhone models since the iPhone 11 Pro first came out, and the larger “phablet” versions of the iPhone since the iPhone 6 Plus first came out. This year, I’ll give you some specific advice if you’re thinking about buying an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max.

If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max (or an earlier model) and your device is struggling with battery life or is simply getting old, this is a no-brainer upgrade. There are some great deals if you buy your phone through a carrier. But this year, definitely get the 16 and don’t settle for the 15, even if the latter is on sale. It’ll future-proof you to take advantage of new AI features for years to come.

If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, or an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, and your phone is working perfectly fine, I’d say wait and see what new features come in 2025 and 2026. This year’s models are similar enough to the last two that you probably won’t notice much unless you hold a magnifying glass over the very slight changes. The only exception to this is if you have one of the iPhone 14 Pro models and want to take advantage of Apple Intelligence, which is coming this fall with iOS 18.1. For that, upgrading to one of the iPhone 16 Pro models will give you the horsepower you need to handle the latest AI features for years to come.

Another big exception is if you take a lot of photos or videos with your iPhone and are really into mobile photography and video, then you might be a great candidate for an upgrade, as the iPhone 16 Pro’s signature new camera controls are a game changer.

Also: Apple gave us a compelling reason to buy the smaller iPhone 16 Pro over the Max this year.

If this is you and you’re upgrading from an iPhone 14 or 15 to an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, you should consider signing up. Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program Or one of the similar programs from the following carriers: AT&T and Verizon. With this program, you can upgrade every year and pay as if you were leasing an iPhone. This way, you’ll be guaranteed the latest camera technology, have access to the latest AI features, and save money in the long run compared to upgrading every year or two.

conclusion

in other words, iPhone 16 series With meaningful upgrades to both design and hardware, even iPhone 14 and 15 users will have reason to consider upgrading in 2024. Backed by iOS 18, which is considered the most significant iPhone software release in years, it will present a handset that is more versatile, customizable, and built for the times than ever before.

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