Camera Control
In recent years, Apple has intentionally staggered many product features between its iPhone Pro and non-Pro models. Many features were first introduced to Pro models and then added to non-Pro models the following year (e.g., Action Button, Dynamic Island, Macro Photo, Apple Intelligence), while some features have remained exclusive to Pro models (e.g., ProMotion, Telephoto camera). However, this year, Apple has democratized a new feature—Camera Control—across all models, which highlights its significance.
As many reviews have pointed out, the Camera Control button is rather unintuitive and comes with a steep learning curve. So far, I haven’t found a compelling reason to use it over the on-screen controls, aside from pressing it to trigger photos or videos and naturally holding the phone horizontally during use.
More frustratingly, the 2-stage shutter button feature won’t be available until a future software update, even though it could be more useful. It feels as though Apple is afraid of being labeled un-innovative, so they’ve introduced this capacitive control and a bunch of software UX to better market the button, while deprioritizing the more practical feature because it doesn’t carry the same marketing appeal.
As smart as Apple is, it’s surprising to see them pushing so hard for a feature that feels undeniably un-Apple and unnatural.
With the rise of TikTok and other social platforms, it’s only in recent years that more people have started taking videos in vertical format. Personally, I rejected the vertical format for a long time, as that’s not how I believe videos should be shot.
This wasn’t much of a concern until Apple announced the Vision Pro. I suspect that someone at Apple has been closely tracking the increasing ratio of vertical content generated by users compared to horizontal photos and videos. In the past, this was just a data point to help improve products. Now, it might shape the future of the company and even impact its stock price.
Just as the iPhone needed millions of apps to succeed, the next generation of computing—Apple Vision Pro—will also require a vast amount of content for people to engage with and make it a success.
However, spatial content must be captured exclusively in horizontal orientation. By placing the Camera Control button in an awkward position that requires both hands to use, I think Apple might be subtly trying to influence user behavior to prepare for a future centered around the Vision Pro.
P.S. On Apple’s website, the iPhone 16 product page showcases Camera Control with four images—two in vertical mode and two in horizontal. However, in the product video (https://youtu.be/eDqfg_LexCQ?t=92, https://youtu.be/GDlkCkcIqTs?t=56) and the latest Camera Control commercial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dI9ql8KSH4), all the iPhones are shooting horizontally.
There’s also a subtle software change in iOS 18 that not many people have mentioned. On the iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 17, spatial video was categorized under video mode with a button resembling the Vision Pro headset. On the iPhone 16 series with iOS 18, Apple has introduced a dedicated Spatial mode alongside Video, Photo, and Pano modes. This change elevates Spatial recording in the software hierarchy, making it more prominent without adding extra steps.
With these hardware and software updates, I believe it’s only a matter of time before Apple makes spatial recording the default mode. The main reason it hasn’t become the default yet is due to the large file sizes and potential quality downgrade compared to the default settings. Once the budget version of Vision Pro is released, I expect all iPhones will start with 256GB of storage, and photo/video modes will default to shooting spatial content.
All things considered, Apple is leveraging its most successful product ever to prepare for the spatial computing future it envisions—even if it comes at the expense of the current iPhone user experience.
(If Steve Jobs were still alive, would he have banned vertical video by famously saying, “You’re holding it wrong”?)
Performance
Switching from an iPhone 13 mini, which should match an average consumer who switches phones every 2-3 years, the differences in performance are quite obvious. Apps definitely take a shorter time to open, and ProMotion makes things look smoother.
The battery life is quite good. While my iPhone 13 mini drains about 120-150% of its battery daily, 7 days out of the last 10 days, I have used less than 100% of the battery on this iPhone 16 Pro. The 3 days that I consumed more than 100% were when I took a lot of videos and photos.
While some reviewers claim that the iPhone 16 without ProMotion is a dealbreaker, to be honest, it’s not a very noticeable feature, and I can easily go back to a 60Hz refresh rate without any trouble.
Camera
Upgrading from an iPhone 13 mini, the camera is noticeably better. Compared to my wife’s iPhone 15, the camera on the iPhone 16 Pro feels quicker to load and more responsive when snapping photos (thanks in part to the dedicated camera control button, which makes launching the camera easier). However, the software does have some bugs, and occasionally, the camera may get stuck on a black screen after launching.
The main camera is crisp and accurate. HDR can be a bit tricky when shooting against a light source, like the sun. But overall, it delivers the same high-quality photos you’d expect from an iPhone. I always keep the 48MP mode on to preserve as much detail as possible for all the moments I want to cherish in the future.
The new photographic styles offer more flexibility in terms of the “vibe” you want for your photos. Instead of applying filters one at a time, this acts as a consistent filter that applies to all your photos. When I post to Instagram, I almost always use the “Lark” filter if I’m not posting the original image, so this feature definitely benefits me.
The only issue is that when selecting a style in the viewfinder, without an original/now comparison window, it’s hard for me to choose a particular style from the many possible combinations.
The good news is that if you capture in Apple’s high-efficiency format, you can easily change the photographic style in post-editing. With some trial and error, you’ll likely find your favorite settings, which you can then apply to the camera app in the viewfinder.
This is the first time a regular Pro model includes the 5x telephoto camera from the Pro Max. After a week of use, including taking it to concerts, I have to say it’s more useful than I expected. I used to think a camera didn’t need to capture things beyond what my eyes could see, but the 5x zoom not only adds clarity but also offers new angles to explore.
I haven’t had many opportunities to use the new Ultrawide camera yet, but I expect to get more clarity with the upgraded 48MP sensor.
I’ve attached some photos below, where you can see how the 5x telephoto view compares to the 1x main camera view. The storytelling is completely different.
Captured by iPhone 16 Pro's 5x telephoto camera
Captured by iPhone 16 Pro's 5x telephoto camera
Captured by iPhone 16 Pro's 48MP main camera
Captured by iPhone 16 Pro's 5x telephoto camera
Design
Aside from the Action Button and Camera Control, this marks the fifth year since the iPhone 12 when Apple introduced the flat frame design without any major changes. The second-longest lasting design was the curved frame of the iPhone 6, which lasted four years. So, it’s clear that Apple is quite satisfied with this current form factor. With the addition of two new buttons, I don’t think Apple will make drastic changes to the design for at least another year or two.
The iPhone 16 Pro without a case actually feels similar to holding an iPhone 13 mini with a case. But once you add a case to the 16 Pro, it definitely feels like a much bigger phone. If you’re someone who previously owned a mini, my advice is to get AppleCare and let Apple handle any concerns about broken screens, so you don’t have to.
The thinner bezel is a nice feature, much like ProMotion. However, it’s not something you’ll pay much attention to, and you can easily go back without much regret. This means that if I don’t choose a Pro model in the future, it wouldn’t feel like a dealbreaker for me.
I’m also glad that Apple got rid of the brushed finish on the titanium frame. It just wasn’t aesthetically appealing to me, especially since it reminds me of the finish on old MP4 players, which gave me the impression of being cheap overall.
Apple Intelligence
Every time I read about this term, I can’t help but think of the clip between Jack Ma and Elon Musk (https://youtu.be/f3lUEnMaiAU?t=69). While Jack was likely joking, Apple seems quite serious about it. So serious, in fact, that it’s the headline for all four iPhone 16 models.
Much like the unintuitive Camera Control button, highlighting a feature that isn’t available yet feels quite uncharacteristic for Apple. If the previous decision was intentional, the approach to AI seems less prepared.
That said, since this is a significant promise from Apple, I can’t comment on it just yet. I genuinely hope they can resolve any potential copyright issues before officially launching the feature.
Nice little details
The new flashlight UI is elegant and straightforward. I’ve played around with it several times, even when I didn’t really need the flash. I imagine that when I do actually need it, I won’t have time to play around. There is one flaw: if you set it to the “furthest” setting, the pill-shaped screen cutout can become slightly exposed.
The new Vehicle Motion Cues introduced in iOS 18 is also an interesting feature. I’m not sure how effective it will be, but I’ve turned it on automatically.
There’s a new power-off button in the Control Center. I don’t know why but I do appreciate there is another option to shut down my phone.
Symmetrical antenna lines are becoming a standard in the industry, but it’s one of those details that reminds you of the effort that goes into creating the amazing device in your hand.
Purchasing suggestion
If you’re planning to upgrade your phone but haven’t decided which model to get, I’d recommend going with the regular Pro model. It doesn’t sacrifice any features compared to the Pro Max, which, in my opinion, is just too large and brings more problems than benefits. The non-Pro models are tempting since they offer more features than before, but for the extra cost, the Pro provides a more complete experience than in previous years.
If you’re using an iPhone 13, 14, or 15 and are unsure about upgrading, ask yourself whether you’d like to start capturing spatial content and view it on the budget Vision Pro one day. The memories created in spatial could be priceless. The new AI features and Camera Control aren’t strong enough reasons to justify an upgrade just yet.
If you’re using an even older model, I’d suggest switching to a newer iPhone. My reasoning is that iPhones tend to have a high trade-in value. On average, it costs less than $1 a day to use an iPhone, and an older model might cost you more than 10 minutes a day just waiting for apps to load. Upgrading to a newer essential tool isn’t just purchase advice—it’s also an investment in your time.