Go Pro or no?

Do you really want a Pro iPhone this year?

Author

Leander Kahney
September 12, 2024

Every year since forever, I‘ve purchased a Pro model iPhone.

In years past, the Pro models always offered better cameras, better screens and better battery life.

But this year, the regular iPhone 16 lineup looks great. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are perhaps the best-looking iPhones Apple has made to date, especially the aquamarine model.

Now that my kids have grown up and left the nest (mostly), having a Pro-level camera isn’t the necessity it once was. I’d probably be quite happy with the lesser cameras — after all, they still take great photos.

Plus, the regular iPhone 16 is a LOT less expensive than the Pro models.

But then there’s the 60Hz screens. Will I miss Pro Motion?

So what to do? I have no idea. But luckily we have another great buying guide to help you and me decide whether to go Pro or not this year.

Likewise, if you’re unsure about upgrading to this year’s iPhones at all, we have a guide for that. Plus, we put together buying guides for the new Apple Watches and the new AirPods.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • I think using AirPods as hearing aids is going to be a very big deal, and Apple just got FDA approval.

  • Apple not only bumped the new iPhones’s wireless charging speed, the wired charging speed got a massive bump, too.

  • Even though Apple’s been trying to dump Qualcomm for iPhone modems, the latest model in the iPhone 16 Pros brings a big performance boost.

  • Over the last several years, Apple Maps has gone from worst to best mapping service. Here are eight power-user tricks to help you get the most out of Apple Maps.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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One more thing ...

❝

I want it to be as beautiful as possible, even if it's inside the box. A great carpenter isn't going to use lousy wood for the back of a cabinet, even though nobody's going to see it.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

Which iPhone 16 for you? Pro or regular?

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Results from yesterday’s poll: Which new Apple Watch for you? Series 10 or Ultra 2?

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