I watched the Apple iPhone 16 event this week and knew inside quarter-hour of the iPhone 16 Pro Max phase that I would be upgrading. My cellphone is the one piece of tech I by no means go wherever with out; as a full-time digital nomad, I work remotely from world wide, so I depend on a sturdy smartphone not solely to remain linked to household and associates, but in addition to observe leisure, learn books, manage travel logistics and even run elements of my enterprise.
There are times when I’m on a bus or plane for hours on end (or worse, stranded in the airport terminal) and nonetheless must work, so a extra souped-up smartphone just like the iPhone Professional Max line is a greater match for me. Though I have already got the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which I purchased final 12 months whereas dwelling in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the prospect of longer battery life, an awesome digital camera and a barely bigger show has convinced me to trade up again.
Different customers seem to agree on these prospects. In a survey on smartphone procuring carried out by CNET earlier this month, respondents mentioned the most important elements to upgrading their cellphone are longer battery life, extra storage and higher digital camera options (61%, 46% and 38%, respectively). It appeared like Apple’s Glowtime occasion centered extra on these upgrades than AI options like Apple Intelligence, and I favored that the eye was extra on sensible enhancements than AI hype.
Listed below are 4 the reason why I am upgrading to the iPhone 16 Professional Max, which is available for preorder now and formally launches on Friday, Sept. 20.
A separate digital camera management button will simplify my selfie sport.
The brand new iPhone 16 Professional Max’s essential digital camera is 48 megapixels and may shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second (which is new for the iPhone), however what received me much more excited is the new camera control button. After I noticed the brand new button’s features being demonstrated, I considered how a lot simpler it is going to be to take selfies on the go, like what I just lately did on the Paris Olympics, and have already began interested by the images I wish to snap whereas at Mount Fuji in Japan, my subsequent journey vacation spot.
As CNET’s Corinne Reichert explained, the button “seems to be much like a aspect fingerprint reader,” and is a little bit indented. Urgent the button will open the digital camera app, and extra presses or glides of your finger will allow you to toggle between varied settings. This appears helpful for perfecting the shot whereas your arm remains to be outstretched with out having to reset a number of instances, which is journey selfie gold.
Improved battery life
I continuously use tech accessories in my travels to remain linked and get work achieved. Exterior battery chargers and energy banks assist guarantee I do not run out of juice (until I overlook to cost the charger itself, which has undoubtedly occurred earlier than), however typically journey days get prolonged in methods I am unable to plan for. I additionally FaceTime with my children rather a lot, and do not wish to need to ration these alternatives due to battery life.
The iPhone 16 Professional Max battery life was solely talked about briefly, but it surely was sufficient for me to go examine the specs. Apple says the battery will allow as much as33 hoursofvideo playback, as much as 29 hours of streamed video playback and as much as 105 hours of audio playback. Apple additionally mentioned the most recent mannequin has 25W MagSafe fast-charging capabilities, which can allow you to wirelessly cost the cellphone to 50% in round half-hour. I would like to check this for myself to verify, but it surely sounds promising.
Apple Intelligence and visible intelligence
I am not a giant AI person, so Apple integrating AI into a tool I already work together with day-after-day will assist somebody like me get extra conversant in the know-how. To be clear, Apple Intelligence options may also be in iPhone 15 Professional and 15 Professional Max fashions as a part of iOS 18, which is at the moment out there as a developer beta and formally releases later this month.
The characteristic I am most enthusiastic about is Apple’s visual intelligence, which makes use of AI to determine issues round you. This shall be particularly useful when touring to international nations and needing to determine issues I am not used to, although there is likely to be language boundaries at first; Apple mentioned the visible intelligence characteristic will solely work in English via the tip of this 12 months, and can broaden to different languages in 2025.
I am enthusiastic about Apple Intelligence’s writing and modifying instruments, as I compose a variety of emails, social media posts and article drafts on the fly, so having these options on my iPhone shall be helpful. I might additionally see myself getting a variety of utility out of the AI picture discovering operate. (Like lots of people, I’ve hundreds of images on my cellphone.) I am additionally wanting ahead to the Siri improve that also will get the gist of what you are saying in case you mumble your means via a voice command.
A abstract of the iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max options, as proven throughout the Glowtime occasion.
Larger display, higher sturdiness
The iPhone 15 Professional Max I at the moment have has a 6.7-inch display, which is an honest dimension. I like that the brand new iPhone 16 Professional Max has each a barely bigger 6.9-inch display and thinner bezels (the angled borders on the entrance of your cellphone that are not part of the display itself). Thinner bezels will make the display really feel even bigger as I watch motion pictures, take video calls and browse books.
The brand new iPhone 16 Professional Max’s case is made with a ceramic protect. Apple says the fabric is “grade-five titanium,” which I am not totally conversant in, however know the fabric will lead to much less scratching, which I’m all too conversant in. I’ve dropped my iPhone various instances as I scramble to catch a prepare or flight, so the additional safety will come in useful.
The iPhone 16 Professional Max is a go for me
I feel the iPhone 16 Professional Max will enhance my day-to-day life as a digital nomad and enterprise proprietor. It is a way of life that may be difficult at instances, however is price it for happening adventures and documenting new experiences alongside the best way.
