Practical Examination: Review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max – Minor Modifications Contribute to a Transformation in AI and Camera Technology.
Enhanced capabilities, advanced Apple Intelligence, and an innovative camera control feature.
Adorned with sapphire, the approximately half-inch long button is positioned on the left side of the phone, situated a few inches below the power/sleep/Siri button. It is designed to be recessed, a feature that will be elaborated upon shortly, and functions as both a physical and haptic button.
A firm press provides immediate access to the camera of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is a convenient feature, although the Action Button can also be programmed for this purpose. When I applied a light touch to the button, I experienced a subtle haptic feedback, allowing me to swipe up and down to swiftly toggle between the various camera options. Additionally, a double light press on the button granted me access to more advanced image controls.
However, the various functionalities of the Camera Control button were not readily apparent. I found myself pressing too forcefully at times and then not applying enough pressure at others. Ultimately, it took me around 20 seconds to grasp the operation, which, in all fairness, is not an overly challenging learning curve.
The Camera Control button allows for adjustments in zoom, depth of field, and image styles. Notably, users are not left to guess which settings are being adjusted; a small black overlay appears on the screen adjacent to the button, clearly indicating the current settings and options in use.
When the phone is held in landscape orientation, it begins to resemble the experience of using a conventional camera, albeit with one limitation. The functionality that permits a light press to lock focus followed by a full press to capture an image is not yet available. However, a full press can still be utilized to take a photograph.
Additionally, I observed that Snapchat has already integrated the Camera Control button, allowing users to send photos to friends with a simple press.
The term "Camera Control" may be somewhat misleading, as the button also facilitates Visual Intelligence. This feature enables users to point the phone at an object and press the button to receive a description, akin to Circle to Search but without the circular interface, or perhaps similar to Google.
As previously mentioned, the button is designed to be recessed, making it difficult to activate accidentally, which is a beneficial feature.
Significant advancements have been made in both the software and silicon components of the device. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is equipped with the new A18 Pro chip, which represents the pinnacle of Apple’s mobile silicon technology. This 3nm CPU offers enhanced performance specifically tailored for the Pro models, ensuring ample power for gaming enthusiasts. Given that the iPhone 15 Pro Max already functioned effectively as a gaming console, one can anticipate even greater capabilities from this more powerful iteration. A comprehensive evaluation will provide further insights once I conduct thorough testing of the device.
However, experiencing this power does not necessitate gaming. Similar to the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the A18 Pro is designed to support the full range of Apple Intelligence functionalities.
During my limited interaction with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I was unable to fully explore the Apple Intelligence features. Although the device will begin shipping on September 20 without these capabilities, an iOS update is scheduled for release next month. Following this, Apple will gradually introduce the complete suite of Apple Intelligence features to the iPhone 16 series, as well as to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, over the subsequent months.
I had the opportunity to briefly explore several features of Apple Intelligence on the demo iPhone 16 Pro Max devices, which were operating on a more advanced version of iOS 18 provided by Apple during the event.
I accessed a selection of photos and utilized the new Clean Up tool. Among the images were those captured by Apple, as well as some added by other participants in the demo room. In one instance, I used my finger to erase unwanted objects, observing as they vanished from the image. I intentionally made the task challenging for the device, resulting in occasional incomplete removals. When I selected a photo featuring a distinct individual in the background, the Clean Up tool automatically detected and highlighted that person. With a simple tap, they disappeared as if they had never been present.
I also experimented with the writing tools in Notes, which I believe are somewhat underutilized. Numerous suggestions were available to enhance the text, making it more professional, concise, or even completely rewritten. While this feature may not appeal to me personally, I can see how it could be invaluable to others.
Siri has undergone a complete redesign, and the screen of the iPhone 16 Pro Max illuminates when activated. The visual effect is striking on the large display. However, due to the noise in the room, Siri only partially understood my request. I intended to ask Siri to display a photo of my current location, but it only registered "where I am" and promptly provided my location instead.
Although I captured several images, I cannot provide a conclusive assessment of the cameras. However, I can share some positive developments regarding upgrades. We now feature two 48MP cameras: one integrated into the main Fusion camera and another positioned on the new ultra-wide lens. Additionally, the 12MP 5x tetraprism zoom lens remains available. Reports indicate that the main camera operates faster than ever, exhibiting virtually no shutter lag. Coupled with the enhanced image processing pipeline, I anticipate that photography on this large device will reach new heights.
I have yet to experience the new Cinematic Slow Motion feature, which appears to be quite impressive, nor have I had the opportunity to test the new studio-quality microphones. However, I observed the latter in operation and was struck by the effectiveness of the In-frame setting, which adeptly eliminated any sounds not originating from the subject within the frame. Furthermore, I found the studio quality to be commendable, as it retained background noises while accentuating the sounds of the primary subjects.
The newly introduced 4K 120fps-capable camera seems poised to revolutionize the way users capture action videos. I appreciate the addition of a new speed control feature, which facilitates smoother adjustments in playback speed, allowing for half or quarter speed playback.
My conclusion regarding the latest photo and video tools is that this device may represent the pinnacle of professional videography smartphones. Notably, Apple filmed its entire 'Glowtime' video presentation using an iPhone, which is quite telling. The iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out as a robust device equipped with impressive capabilities.
Apple has indicated that all iPhone 16 models will feature enhanced battery life, with particularly significant improvements expected for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its substantially larger battery, combined with the efficient A18 Pro chip and enhanced battery management system, could potentially extend battery life by several hours, although I will need to conduct tests to confirm this.
Lastly, the aesthetic appeal of this phone is noteworthy. As previously mentioned, I had the opportunity to examine the Black Titanium variant. It is an exceptionally attractive device, and I find it difficult to comprehend why one would choose any other color. However, for those interested, it is also offered in White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and the new Desert Titanium, which resembles sand but with a more lustrous finish.
Could this be the finest iPhone that Apple has ever produced? It is certainly a contender for a top position on our best iPhone list, and it may even rank among the best smartphones available. I will provide my conclusive assessment upon completing my comprehensive review.
Hands-on iPhone 16 Pro Max review: Price and availability
- Starts at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,149
- Pre-orders open on September 13, shipping from September 20
| Storage | US price | UK price | AU price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256GB | $1,199 | £1,199 | AU$2,149 |
| 512GB | $1,399 | £1,399 | AU$2,499 |
| 1TB | $1,599 | £1,599 | AU$2,849 |
This document provides an overview of the essential specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25mm |
| Weight: | 227g |
| Display: | 6.9-inch OLED |
| Resolution: | 2868 x 1320 pixels |
| Refresh rate: | Adaptive 1-120Hz |
| Chipset: | A18 Pro |
| Rear cameras: | 48MP main (24mm, f/1.78), 48MP ultra-wide (13mm, f/2.2), 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom (120mm, f/2.8) |
| Front camera: | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Storage: | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |