Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 range is now here, which begs the question: should you upgrade from your current iPhone?
There are always folks who will upgrade annually, taking advantage of trade-in offers and telco plans. But that’s an approach generally reserved for the diehards and Apple fanatics who want the latest and greatest thing as soon as it comes out.
For the everyday person, upgrading to the iPhone 16 may not be necessary. It depends on numerous factors, like what phone you currently have, and what features you prioritise.
As is usually the case with any device with an annual release cycle, the longer you wait before upgrading, the more of a difference you’ll notice.
While we finalise our reviews of the iPhone 16 range, take a look at whether you should upgrade from your current handset.
Why should you upgrade to the iPhone 16?
From all reports, including our early impressions, the iPhone 16 is a decent upgrade from last year’s iPhone 15. How much of an upgrade, however, hinges on what your baseline is.
For example, you’ll notice a huge difference in performance and functionality coming from an iPhone XR. Comparatively, the jump from an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 isn’t quite as drastic. Then there’s also the matter of specific models – like an iPhone 16 Pro Max versus the standard variant.
If you’re already an iPhone user keen to stick to Apple’s curated ecosystem, another factor to consider is software compatibility. Apple releases a new major version of its iOS platform every year, introducing various new features. While the company doesn’t advertise how long it supports its phones with software upgrades, it hovers around six years.
iOS 18 is this year’s big update, with Apple Intelligence AI features the big new thing. iOS supports iPhones dating as far back as the XR model from 2018. However, not every feature is supported by older phones.
Let’s take a closer look at whether you should upgrade, based on your existing phone.
iPhone 15
If you have one of the iPhone 15 handsets, there are a few reasons to consider upgrading to the iPhone 16. One is Apple Intelligence. The only previous phones supporting the new AI features are the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models – the 15 and 15 Plus miss out due to their smaller RAM allocations.
Don’t rush, though, because Apple Intelligence only starts rolling out over the next few months, drip-feeding new features over time.
From a hardware perspective, the base iPhone 16 uses the A18 chip versus the iPhone 15’s A16 chip, so you’ll notice a reasonable boost in performance. It also gets the Action button, a programmable input previously exclusive to the more expensive Pro models.
And then there’s the new Camera Control button across the entire iPhone 16 range. It functions as a shutter, giving you quick access to the camera app and settings without needing to touch the screen.
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max handsets get bigger screens at 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches respectively. Their batteries last longer too, with the Pro Max lasting up to four hours longer than the iPhone 15 equivalent.
Apple also upgraded the camera array with a better sensor and a 48MP Ultra Wide lens. Most importantly, the iPhone 16 Pro gets the same 5x Telephoto lens as the Pro Max. Previous Pro models only had a 3x zoom, forcing you to get the bigger Pro Max for the 5x zoom.
Coming from an iPhone 15, the look and feel remain similar, but the high-end features appeal to photography buffs and anyone craving generative AI support on an Apple device.
iPhone 14
For high-end users in particular, the iPhone 14 Pro series was the last to use stainless steel materials before the switch to titanium. Is it reason enough to upgrade? That’s entirely up to personal preference. Titanium is tougher and more durable, which might influence your decision.
It was also Apple’s last series of phones to use its in-house Lightning connector technology. All subsequent iPhones use USB-C technology, a more universal standard in the world of tech.
Otherwise, there are plenty of similarities despite the slightly lower-spec processor and camera technology. You’ll get more of a performance boost going from an iPhone 14 to an iPhone 16 given the two-year gap. But if you’re not fussed about Apple Intelligence or a dedicated camera button, the iPhone 14 still has plenty of life left in it yet.
iPhone 13
It’s such a shame that Apple doesn’t make Mini models anymore. The iPhone 13 range was the last to include the petite 5.4-inch model, likely due to its niche appeal. If you favour portability above all else, there’s not much for you in the iPhone 16 range. Keep an eye out for the next SE rumoured to launch in 2025.
For everyone else, USB-C connectivity is a reason to upgrade. Another Lighting-reliant series, the iPhone 13 is functionally similar, with the caveat of using multiple-year-old processors and cameras that cap out at 3x optical zoom.
iPhone 12
Unless you really want Apple Intelligence and care about having the best camera possible, the iPhone 12 remains a solid handset. It still supports the overwhelming majority of iOS 18 features, so you don’t miss out on much by waiting a bit longer.
Naturally, the iPhone 16 range is faster and has better cameras, but the 12 is no slouch. Your main reasons for upgrading would be getting a performance boost, having the latest camera technology, and a longer-lasting battery.
Another deciding factor is the display refresh rate. Starting from the iPhone 13 Pro onwards, Apple’s top-of-the-range phones started supporting 120Hz refresh rates, creating a smoother scrolling experience.
iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 range is where you might want to start considering an upgrade. It was Apple’s first series to debut the Pro and Pro Max models, and supports most new iOS 18 features – Apple Intelligence notwithstanding.
Accessibility is a considerable deciding factor. Apple’s eye tracking and music haptic features only work with iPhone 12s and above. Not everyone needs these features but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re shopping for someone with accessibility needs.
For photography, the iPhone 11 Pro Max only supports up to 2x optical zoom, less than the 5x supported by the iPhone 16 Pro range. Apple’s 11 series doesn’t support MagSafe wireless charging, the technology that locks your phone into place. They support wireless charging, but not the magnetic standard that helps align everything in place.
Five generations of chipset improvements also make the iPhone 16 an attractive option for mobile gamers compared to the 11. It also doesn’t hurt that the maximum display size of 6.9 inches overshadows the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s 6.5 inches.
iPhone XR
While technically compatible with iOS 18, the iPhone XR misses out on a lot of features. In addition to Apple Intelligence, it doesn’t support live audio transcriptions or eye-tracking accessibility controls, for example.
Beyond the leap in both processing and camera technology, it’s worth upgrading from the iPhone XR to the iPhone 16 to ensure you get the full suite of software features.
iPhone SE
This is arguably the trickiest one to assess. Apple’s most affordable phone, the iPhone SE remains the only model to include a physical home screen.
Both the 2020 second-gen and 2022 third-gen iPhone SEs support iOS 18, omitting many features like the iPhone XR. However, if you’re ready to abandon the physical button and get a bigger screen, an iPhone 16 is a big upgrade.
But if you prefer the sub-$1,000 price and smaller form factor, hold onto your SE for a bit longer. Industry reports suggest that a new iPhone SE model is coming in 2025 – make of that what you will.
Anything older
Let me gently hold your hand while I tell you this: it’s time to upgrade. If your phone doesn’t support iOS 18, it’s a good sign to get a new device. Not only will you get the latest software features, but you’ll also benefit from more powerful hardware.
The good news is that older iPhones still get vital security updates, so you’re not at immediate risk by not getting a new phone straight away. Apple has a list of security updates it releases for legacy devices, including the iPhone 6S from 2015, which had an update as recent as July 2024.
Anything older than that, however, and you definitely should upgrade at your earliest convenience. You don’t have to get the latest phone, either. Just something recent enough that’ll keep your device’s contents secure.
The post Should you upgrade to an iPhone 16 from your current iPhone? appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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