I’ve had a iPhone 14 Pro Max since it launched two years ago. Like most of us, I regretfully admit that I’m on my phone most of the time when I’m not working or sleeping. I’m also a big fan of generative AI tools, from chatbots to image generators, though I am wary of their potential dangers and shortcomings. With all this considered, you’d think I’d be a shoo-in to upgrade my current smartphone for an iPhone 16 with the new Apple Intelligence features, yet I’m not convinced.
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There are compelling reasons to upgrade to an iPhone 16, set to be launched on September 9, even if you don’t consider the new Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone 16, for example, promises to have the largest iPhone display yet, with thinner bezels and a taller design to allow the screen to stretch over 6.9 inches.
But even with all the Apple Intelligence features we know about and considering that Apple will likely reserve new ones to announce during the September 9 event, I’m not fully convinced to upgrade to a new iPhone yet. Though some things may get me there.
1. We need a clearer Apple Intelligence timeline
If you’re looking to the iPhone 16 launch to get a new iPhone with all the flashy AI features Apple showed this summer, you’ll have to wait. As it is now, we’re not sure if the iPhone 16 lineup will launch with any Apple Intelligence features. However, we do know that Apple Intelligence will come out with iOS 18.1, but its launch timeline is still unclear. I’d expect the iPhone 16 lineup to include at least some new AI features to entice consumers to buy a new iPhone at launch, but that’s yet to be confirmed.
Also: 6 reasons why iOS 18 makes the iPhone 16 a must-upgrade for me
Most of the more attractive features of Apple Intelligence that Apple showcased during WWDC in June are supposedly coming later in 2025, which is hardly a convincing factor to fork over more money for a new phone in September 2024. If you’re looking for features like Genmoji, Image Playground, and the ChatGPT integration with Siri, you’ll have to wait until 2025.
2. Uncertainty around on-device performance
Many unknowns surround how Apple Intelligence features will perform on the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and the new iPhone 16 lineup. As Apple strives to continue its commitment to consumer privacy, it has advised that most of its AI features will run on-device. However, running AI models on-device, even the smaller models that Apple plans to run, can strain a smartphone’s performance.
Also: This rumored iPhone 16 feature will either be pure genius or an ergonomic nightmare
Apple Intelligence requires at least 8GB of RAM and an A17 or M1 Apple silicon processor or newer. While the iPhone 16 lineup is expected to run on an A18 Bionic chip and between 8GB and 12GB of RAM across the four different models, concerns about how much strain the CPU will endure are valid. The new AI capabilities can also overheat the iPhone and drain its battery quicker, potentially reducing the device’s lifecycle.
3. The iPhone 16 is not enough of an upgrade on its own
The iPhone 14 was a big upgrade from the iPhone 13 by finally removing the notch in favor of the dynamic island, bringing always-on capabilities and stand-by mode with the Pro models, followed by more customization options with iOS 17. However, the iPhone 15 was an iterative upgrade. While the iPhone 16 is planned to be a big upgrade again, most of this characterization is hinged on the Apple Intelligence features.
Also: iPhone 15 review: Why I recommend this model even to ‘Pro’ users in 2024
But, the iPhone 16’s Apple Intelligence features (when they arrive) are undoubtedly modest compared to ChatGPT with GPT-4o and other AI tools available now. Other tools available now can do most of what Apple Intelligence promises; the difference is that the latter will run on-device and be personalized to the individual user.
4. The iPhone 16 Pro is more expensive… But is it worth it?
That’s right; the new iPhone 16 Pro is planned to be more expensive than the iPhone 15 Pro, so be prepared to pay more for a new iPhone that, so far, is expected to do much of the same as the old one (at first).
The base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are expected to be the same price as the iPhone 15, starting at $799. The Pro models are rumored to increase the starting price to $1,099, likely due to adding extra RAM, upgraded camera, and new features, like a larger screen.
Also: I used my iPhone 15 Pro without a case for a year. Here’s how it looks now
Of course, we still don’t know everything Apple has planned for the iPhone 16 lineup, so I may be eating my words come September 9 and throwing my money at Apple for the latest iPhone.
My Apple Intelligence-incompatible, lightning port-charging iPhone 14 Pro Max still performs just as well when I bought it two years ago. Amidst rumored iPhone 16 hardware upgrades, I’ve yet to find a reason to pay over $1,000 for a device that seems more of a slight upgrade than anything else.