iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Apple’s launch of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is widely seen as an incremental update that refines cameras, battery life, and on-device AI rather than introducing transformative new capabilities. Commenters debate whether features like 4K/120fps Dolby Vision video, a dedicated camera button, and “Apple Intelligence” justify upgrading from recent models, especially given persistent complaints about high prices, 128 GB base storage, non‑replaceable batteries, and the lack of a truly small iPhone. Many argue smartphones have reached a plateau where most users’ needs were met years ago, making longer upgrade cycles and repairability more important than yearly spec bumps.

Upgrade behavior and device longevity

  • Many are upgrading from iPhone 7–12 era devices; 11/12/13 Pro owners are split on upgrading vs waiting another cycle.
  • A lot of people happily use 4–8‑year‑old phones; main forced-upgrade drivers are app support drops, battery degradation, and network changes (4G→5G).
  • Several mention “trickle‑down” within families: newest phone bought yearly, older phones handed down.

Form factor, displays, and ergonomics

  • Strong frustration that Pro models got larger/heavier again; small‑phone fans (SE / 12–13 mini) feel abandoned.
  • Many say 60 Hz on non‑Pro models is unacceptable in 2024; others insist most people can’t see or don’t care about 120 Hz.
  • OLED vs LCD is contentious: some love OLED blacks; others dislike PWM flicker, low‑brightness behavior, and burn‑in risk.

Camera and new camera button

  • Camera upgrades (48 MP wide, 5× telephoto, 4K120, external ProRes recording) are widely seen as the only clearly compelling change, especially for parents and casual creators.
  • Dedicated capacitive camera button is liked in principle (half‑press focus, zoom slider, mode shortcuts), but some note past attempts (Sony) saw limited adoption.

Apple Intelligence and AI integration

  • Reactions split: some see video/photo semantic search and device‑aware Siri as “obvious next step” that will soon feel indispensable; others see gimmicks (stickers, rewrites) and fear spammy tie‑ins (Apple TV+ promotion, notifications).
  • Concern that many AI features are delayed, US‑only at first, English‑only at launch, and possibly constrained in EU due to regulation.
  • Privacy skeptics distrust opaque on‑device/cloud mix; others contrast Apple favorably with data‑hungry competitors.

Battery, repairability, and environment

  • Battery life gains on 16/16 Pro are appreciated, but lack of user‑replaceable batteries is repeatedly criticized as anti‑environmental and profit‑driven.
  • Apple’s official battery replacement is seen as technically available but too expensive/inconvenient compared to a hypothetical quick-swap design.

Pricing, storage, and positioning

  • Keeping 128 GB as base is called “stingy,” especially with growing photo/video sizes; others say cloud storage makes it fine for most.
  • Pro vs non‑Pro gap feels smaller this year: key differentiators are 120 Hz, materials, LiDAR, telephoto zoom, USB 3, and durability.
  • Overall sentiment: technically solid but “boring” update in a mature, plateaued smartphone category; many will only upgrade when their current phone fails.