Apple • iPhone 16 Pro
It’s been about nine months since I picked up the iPhone 16 Pro right when it launched. If you’re debating whether to buy one now or wait for the 17, this post should help you think through it.
Let’s break it all down: design, performance, software, and whether or not it’s still worth it.
A Subtly Refined Design
At first glance, not much has changed, but the devil’s in the details.
The most noticeable upgrade from the 13 Pro? Roundedness. The 16 Pro has subtly more rounded corners and softened edges where the side rails meet the glass. It’s something you feel more than see. Swiping up, swiping down, it all feels a little more comfortable in hand.
Apple has also refined the curvature of the screen and the back glass to meet the rails with a seamlessness that feels intentional. It reminds me of the era when Jony Ive would talk about hardware and software working in harmony and here, they really do.
The software has adopted the same rounded design language, and it just works. The Dynamic Island sits atop a beautifully matte titanium frame and pairs beautifully with iOS’s new softer UI elements.
Titanium and the Premium Feel
I went with the black version, and it looks absolutely stunning. The matte black titanium is sleek and minimal without screaming for attention. I also picked up the desert titanium color for my wife, which leans more pink, and that one is beautiful in its own right.
Apple has always delivered premium materials, but this generation feels like it took a quiet step forward. It’s not a night-and-day difference, but it’s enough to make your current phone feel a bit dated in comparison.
That Triple Camera System
Let’s talk about that camera bump. I’ve never loved the way the triple camera array looks, but I do love the functionality it brings. A solid main shooter, a wide angle, and a telephoto, perfect for capturing life as it happens, especially if you’re like me and have young kids running around.
No, I don’t care much about megapixel counts or sensor specs. What matters is: does it work? Is it reliable? Can I quickly switch to a zoom or wide lens when I’m trying to get a better shot of the chaos happening in my living room? Absolutely.
And honestly, the clean look of the 16 E with just one camera is still one of the best designs in the iPhone lineup. I’m already eyeing whatever the iPhone 17 “Air” or “Slim” is rumored to be. If Apple moves back to a simpler design and cuts costs on that camera module, it could be a win-win.
The Curious Case of the Camera Button
There’s a new camera button on the side of the Pro model. I use it mostly for quickly launching the camera—double-click and you’re in. But beyond that? Not much. I don’t adjust camera settings with it, and more often than not I accidentally trigger stuff I don’t want.
It feels like Apple intended this to become a big feature down the road, maybe tied to AI or Siri, but now that Apple Intelligence has had a rocky start, I’m not sure where this button is headed.
Dynamic Island: Surprisingly Useful
I’ll admit, I underestimated Dynamic Island. It’s not life-changing, but it’s definitely useful. It lets you see timers, directions, music controls, even Uber ETAs, all in a compact, animated space at the top of your screen.
It’s one of those features you don’t realize how often you use until you go back to a phone without it. It’s classic Apple - taking a limitation (camera cutouts) and turning it into a feature.
Performance and Internals
Here’s the truth: this phone is way more than I need. I was perfectly content with the 13 Pro’s speed and capability. If you’ve still got a 13 Pro, chances are it’s still running great.
Of course, I upgrade to the latest every year for work, but the performance jump from 13 Pro to 16 Pro isn’t going to change your life. It’s snappy, fluid, reliable. Basically everything you’d expect. But if you’re not pushing your phone to its limits, you probably won’t notice the difference.
The same goes for the battery. No, I don’t know the exact milliamp hours. But it gets me through a day, and that’s what matters.
iOS 26 and the New “Liquid Glass” Look
I’ve been running the iOS 26 beta, and it’s handled beautifully. The most noticeable visual shift is what Apple calls “liquid glass”, a new look that makes everything feel more fluid and modern.
At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but over time, it grew on me. Go back to iOS 18 or 19 on an older device, and suddenly everything looks… outdated. It’s a subtle evolution that matches the physical design of the 16 Pro perfectly.
I’m especially excited to see how this aesthetic pairs with the new iPhone 17 lineup, which will likely be built around this software.
So… Should You Upgrade or Wait?
If you’re on an iPhone 12 or earlier and you’re in the market for a new phone now, the iPhone 16 Pro (or even the 16 E) is an excellent buy. You’ll notice the performance jump, the camera improvements, the little quality-of-life upgrades that make it feel new.
But if you’ve got a 13, 14, or 15? And you’re not itching for an upgrade? Honestly, you should probably wait.
We’re only a couple months away from the 17 lineup, and it’s expected to include a new design, possibly a “slim” version that could really shake things up. If you care about having the latest look, it’s worth waiting to see what’s around the corner.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 16 Pro is a beautiful, powerful, incredibly refined device. It’s peak Apple to have subtle improvements, seamless design, and just enough polish to make it feel worth the upgrade if you’re coming from something older.
But if you’re already rocking a newer device and wondering whether to wait? I’d say hold off and see what Apple has in store this fall.
