“Should I upgrade to iPhone 16?” Only do so if you fall into these 5 categories

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Apple just announced the iPhone 16 at its “Glowtime” event on Monday, September 9, and curious consumers will be asking: “Should I upgrade?”

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. it depends. While the iPhone 16 series (including iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max) introduces some new features, the question is, are they good for you?

I’ll break down the five categories of consumers who will get the most from upgrading from the entry-level iPhone 16 variants and iPhone 16 Pro models.

That way, you can decide whether you should drastically cut back on your purchases or wait until the iPhone 17 becomes available.

iPhone users using XS and older versions

Before I dive into the niche markets that will benefit from the iPhone 16 upgrade, it’s important to note that the new iOS 18 update will officially roll out to iPhone users on September 16th.

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
Credit: Mashable

However, this new update is not rolling out to everyone. That said, if you have any device prior to the iPhone XR, including the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, iPhone

If you have a stock iPhone SE, you should also consider upgrading. iOS 18 will not support it.

Credit: Mashable

Having a phone that supports regular iOS updates means your device is protected from security vulnerabilities and you’ll have access to the latest and greatest software features from Apple. Plus, if you own an iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max or later, you can benefit from Apple Intelligence, the company’s new suite of AI features.

Wondering what you’ll miss in the next big update? Check out some of the craziest features coming to iOS 18.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: Should you upgrade?

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at which consumers will benefit from upgrading to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

You love intuitive buttons that give you easy access to camera functions

The entry-level model in the new iPhone 16 series is arguably the most attractive model in years. Apple usually reserves many interesting new features for higher-end models.

Zoom in with iPhone 16’s new camera controls
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

For example, of last year’s iPhone 15 lineup, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models got the cool new “Action Button,” a customizable side button that lets you assign apps and Additional features so you can operate with ease.

Credit: Apple

For the iPhone 16, Apple debuted new camera control buttons. But this time, Apple does not provide this cool new benefit for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. You can find it across all iPhone 16 models.

New camera controls not only provide instant access to photo shooting and video capture, but also allow you to quickly zoom in, switch to an ultra-wide-angle lens, change your photography style, and more with simple gestures. (To learn more about camera controls, check out our hands-on experience.)

You want that “action button”

As mentioned, only the 2023 iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have the action button, but now you can find it on the iPhone 16.

iPhone 16 action buttons
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

You can assign one of your favorite apps (whether it’s Gmail, Calendar, Slack, Instagram, or TikTok) to an action button and access it with the click of a button.

You want a more durable monitor

According to Apple, the updated ceramic shield on the new iPhone 16 models is 50 percent stronger than the original version that debuted on the iPhone 12. show.

iPhone 16 cyan
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

So if your screen is cracked and your fingers are prone to problems, consider upgrading to the iPhone 16. within a reasonable range).

You feel “fear of missing out” on AI capabilities

Apple announced Apple Intelligence for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but the entire iPhone 16 series is also equipped with Apple Intelligence.

Credit: Apple

Enjoy benefits like creating your own AI-created emojis with text prompts, new and improved Siri, summary notifications, cleanup tools, and more.

You like bold, bright colors

It looks like Apple finally heard our feedback and decided to ditch all pastel, subtle colors on the iPhone. (Mashable’s Elizabeth de Luna begged Apple to release a deep pink color, and it looks like she got her wish.)

iPhone 16 pink color
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

The iPhone 16 comes in ultramarine, teal, and pink, and anyone who has seen these colors in person will agree that they are just as gorgeous as they sound.

iPhone 16 Ultramarine
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

The iPhone 16 also comes in white and black; perfect for those who like their phone color to be as exciting as their tax form. (Yes, that was sarcasm.)

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: Should you upgrade?

With the iPhone 16 Pro models, you get all of the above, plus some updated camera features (namely a new 48MP ultrawide sensor), improved studio-quality microphones, and more.

In my opinion, the iPhone 16 Pro models will be a harder sell for Apple. Why? The audience that benefits from iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max is more niche.

You want a large monitor

iPhone 16 Pro Max has a display of up to 6.9 inches. For reference, I know of tablets with 7-inch screens. (That’s why I jokingly called the iPhone 16 Pro Max a phablet when I got my hands on it).

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

You may be thinking, “If the display of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is close to 7 inches, will it feel awkward in my hand?” The answer is no. Holding the iPhone 16 Pro Max on my fingers, it feels natural and ergonomic, easily molding to the contours of my hand.

It also features ultra-thin bezels, giving you more screen real estate than ever before.

You want super long battery life

If long battery runtime is one of your biggest selling points, you’ll probably be happy with the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

According to Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life ever in an iPhone. (But of course, we’d have to test these claims to know for sure.)

For reference, the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasted nearly 15 hours in our internal testing. The phone was the battery life champion for months until the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL knocked it off its throne.

You are a busy content creator

The content creator space (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram) is highly competitive. If your video is not clear enough, it will be difficult to attract viewers. So you’ll benefit from the fact that iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max can now shoot 4K videos at 120Hz.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

This means you’ll get higher quality videos that look smoother and faster to your followers. Plus, editing videos for cool slow-motion effects is easier than ever on the Pro model.

You record video in a noisy environment

Let’s say you record a video and there’s so much going on in the background: the wind, the narration, and the rustling of leaves.

Audio mixing on iPhone 16 Pro models
Credit: Apple

iPhone 16 Pro models reduce unwanted noise thanks to an easy-to-use slider that lets you turn down background noise to your liking.

You like to play with music

In the Voice Memos app, if you have an existing recording, you can overlay another track on top of it.

iPhone 16 Pro models add voice memo function
Credit: Apple

For example, if you want to sing over a previously recorded beat, just add another layer and hit the record to do it.

iPhone 16 entry-level model starts at $799. The iPhone 16 Pro variant starts at $999.