Four reasons I’m not upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro from my iPhone 14

I’ve had a iPhone 14 Professional Max because it launched two years in the past. Like most of us, I regretfully admit that I am on my telephone more often than not after I’m not working or sleeping. I am additionally an enormous fan of generative AI instruments, from chatbots to picture turbines, although I’m cautious of their potential risks and shortcomings. With all this thought-about, you’d suppose I might be a shoo-in to improve my present smartphone for an iPhone 16 with the brand new Apple Intelligence options, but I am not satisfied.

There are compelling causes to improve to an iPhone 16, set to be launched on September 9, even for those who do not think about the brand new Apple Intelligence options. The iPhone 16, for instance, guarantees to have the most important iPhone show but, with thinner bezels and a taller design to permit the display to stretch over 6.9 inches. 

However even with all of the Apple Intelligence options we find out about and contemplating that Apple will possible reserve new ones to announce throughout the September 9 occasion, I am not totally satisfied to improve to a brand new iPhone but. Although some issues might get me there. 

1. We’d like a clearer Apple Intelligence timeline

For those who’re seeking to the iPhone 16 launch to get a brand new iPhone with all of the flashy AI options Apple confirmed this summer time, you will have to attend. As it’s now, we’re undecided if the iPhone 16 lineup will launch with any Apple Intelligence options. Nonetheless, we do know that Apple Intelligence will come out with iOS 18.1, however its launch timeline remains to be unclear. I might anticipate the iPhone 16 lineup to incorporate at the least some new AI options to entice customers to purchase a brand new iPhone at launch, however that is but to be confirmed.

A lot of the extra engaging options of Apple Intelligence that Apple showcased throughout WWDC in June are supposedly coming later in 2025, which is hardly a convincing issue to fork over extra money for a brand new telephone in September 2024. For those who’re searching for options like Genmoji, Picture Playground, and the ChatGPT integration with Siri, you will have to attend till 2025.

2. Uncertainty round on-device efficiency

Many unknowns encompass how Apple Intelligence options will carry out on the iPhone 15 Professional, Professional Max, and the brand new iPhone 16 lineup. As Apple strives to proceed its dedication to shopper privateness, it has suggested that almost all of its AI options will run on-device. Nonetheless, working AI fashions on-device, even the smaller fashions that Apple plans to run, can pressure a smartphone’s efficiency.

Apple Intelligence requires at the least 8GB of RAM and an A17 or M1 Apple silicon processor or newer. Whereas the iPhone 16 lineup is anticipated to run on an A18 Bionic chip and between 8GB and 12GB of RAM throughout the 4 completely different fashions, considerations about how a lot pressure the CPU will endure are legitimate. The brand new AI capabilities can even overheat the iPhone and drain its battery faster, probably lowering the machine’s lifecycle.

3. The iPhone 16 just isn’t sufficient of an improve by itself

The iPhone 14 was an enormous improve from the iPhone 13 by lastly eradicating the notch in favor of the dynamic island, bringing always-on capabilities and stand-by mode with the Professional fashions, adopted by extra customization choices with iOS 17. Nonetheless, the iPhone 15 was an iterative improve. Whereas the iPhone 16 is deliberate to be an enormous improve once more, most of this characterization is hinged on the Apple Intelligence options. 

However, the iPhone 16’s Apple Intelligence options (after they arrive) are undoubtedly modest in comparison with ChatGPT with GPT-4o and different AI instruments accessible now. Different instruments accessible now can do most of what Apple Intelligence guarantees; the distinction is that the latter will run on-device and be personalised to the person consumer. 

4. The iPhone 16 Professional is costlier… However is it value it?

That is proper; the brand new iPhone 16 Professional is deliberate to be costlier than the iPhone 15 Professional, so be ready to pay extra for a brand new iPhone that, up to now, is anticipated to do a lot of the identical because the outdated one (at first). 

The bottom iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are anticipated to be the identical worth because the iPhone 15, beginning at $799. The Professional fashions are rumored to extend the beginning worth to $1,099, possible on account of including additional RAM, upgraded digicam, and new options, like a bigger display. 

After all, we nonetheless do not know all the things Apple has deliberate for the iPhone 16 lineup, so I could also be consuming my phrases come September 9 and throwing my cash at Apple for the newest iPhone.

My Apple Intelligence-incompatible, lightning port-charging iPhone 14 Professional Max nonetheless performs simply as properly after I purchased it two years in the past. Amidst rumored iPhone 16 {hardware} upgrades, I’ve but to discover a purpose to pay over $1,000 for a tool that appears extra of a slight improve than anything.