At a lookProfessional’s Ranking
Professionals
- Gorgeous 6.9-inch show with ultra-thin bezels
- Premium design and construct
- Highly effective A18 Professional chipset
- Wonderful battery life
- Helpful Digital camera Management button
Cons
- Incomplete AI options at launch
- Solely 8GB of RAM at launch
- Massive and heavy
- Costly
Our Verdict
The iPhone 16 Professional Max appears to be like virtually an identical to the iPhone 15 Professional Max, other than slimmer bezels and one new button. However for actual change, you could look inside, with wonderful efficiency, nice battery life and a slew of AI options on the way in which, even when most aren’t out there at launch. There’s little question that this is among the easiest telephones you should purchase, although it has a price ticket to match.
Value When Reviewed
This worth will present the geolocated pricing textual content for product undefined
Greatest Pricing At present
From the surface, the iPhone 16 Professional Max solely appears to be like like a minor refinement of its predecessor – particularly with the design largely unchanged.
However, with its 6.9-inch show and titanium physique, it’s greater, heavier, and ever-so-slightly extra strong than the iPhone 15 Professional Max. And, after all, there’s the brand new Digital camera Management button, which sure is a bodily button.
Spend a while with Apple’s newest flagship, and also you’ll discover a number of adjustments (totally on the within) that considerably affect the way you’ll use the gadget, particularly in case you’re into images or the most recent AI options.
Whereas the A18 Professional chip makes this cellphone a uncooked efficiency beast, Apple has put quite a lot of its future into Apple Intelligence – its reply to AI. The addition of the Digital camera Management button and upcoming Visible Intelligence capabilities additionally speaks to Apple’s ambition to redefine how we work together with the world by way of our telephones.
Design & Construct
- Noticeably thinner bezels
- Titanium construct is premium, sturdy, and aids in warmth dissipation
- Digital camera Management button is modern however questionable
The iPhone 16 Professional Max maintains Apple’s current design ethos, making solely slight changes. It’s a premium-looking gadget, and its rounder corners and Pure Titanium color choice have been clear influences on the Pixel 9 lineup.
This 12 months’s new color choice is Desert Titanium, the goldish hue that has divided the web. Whereas the cellphone appears to be like virtually an identical to the iPhone 15 Professional Max at first look, there are some variations.
Thinner bezels across the display make the already big show really feel much more expansive. Regardless of the show rising to an enormous 6.9 inches, Apple has managed to maintain the gadget virtually the identical dimension as final 12 months’s mannequin, making it really feel such as you’re holding extra display than cellphone.
The Tremendous Retina XDR OLED panel now stretches additional into the corners, making a extra immersive visible expertise for each gaming and media consumption.
The titanium physique, a grade 5 titanium body over a graphite-clad aluminium substructure, has been additional refined this time round. It provides the gadget a premium really feel whereas additionally bettering warmth dissipation. The perimeters of the iPhone 16 Professional Max have been softened, making it extra snug to carry for prolonged intervals regardless of its bigger dimension.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
At 6g heavier than the iPhone 15 Professional Max, I didn’t discover a lot distinction in dealing with. Nevertheless, in case you’re used to common telephones, this 227g handset may come as a shock.
The bigger show dimension can be instantly evident. For me, it strikes the proper steadiness between weight and construct high quality – this can be a cellphone that feels strong however not cumbersome.
One new addition I respect is the Digital camera Management button, which Apple insists isn’t fairly a button – however it’s. It sits recessed, providing gesture management and a fast launch to the digital camera, very similar to the Motion button launched final 12 months.
For me, the iPhone 16 Professional Max strikes the proper steadiness between weight and construct high quality
I’ll speak extra concerning the Digital camera Management later, however will share some early ideas now. Whereas I discovered the Digital camera Management helpful for images, it typically competes with the Motion button for relevance. Apple might must rethink the perform of the older Motion button in future iterations, because it feels underused in comparison with this newer management.
Display screen & Audio system
- 6.9-inch Tremendous Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz
- Nice out of doors visibility with 2000 nits of peak brightness
- Stereo audio system present clear, loud sound with first rate bass
This 6.9-inch Tremendous Retina XDR OLED show is Apple’s largest but, and it’s a magnificence. The thinner bezels permit for extra display actual property with out considerably growing the gadget’s bodily dimension.
At 460ppi, the show isn’t as pixel-dense because the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely (505ppi), however Apple’s color accuracy and HDR efficiency make it onerous to note any shortcomings. Apple has maintained its wide-color gamut, which means colours are extremely vibrant, but stay pure and true to life.
With 2000 nits peak brightness open air and a brand new 1 nit low setting for nighttime use, it’s straightforward to see why this is among the greatest shows in the marketplace. Whether or not I’m streaming Netflix or taking part in a sport, the visuals are vibrant and clean, because of ProMotion’s 120Hz refresh fee. And the brand new help for 1 nit of brightness is available in significantly helpful when utilizing my cellphone in mattress at night time.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
This 6.9-inch Tremendous Retina XDR OLED show is Apple’s largest but, and it’s a magnificence
The 1 nit help nonetheless extends to the All the time-On Show, letting you examine notifications, time, or different widgets with out absolutely unlocking the cellphone. It additionally dims intelligently to avoid wasting energy when not in use. Whereas I personally don’t use the All the time-On Show, it’s a hit function after being launched just a few years in the past.
Then we get to the stereo audio system. Whereas not dramatically improved from the earlier mannequin, the iPhone 16 Professional Max nonetheless supply loud, crisp sound with first rate bass. For a cellphone this dimension, it’s a surprisingly succesful audio gadget.
Specs & Efficiency
- Powered by the A18 Professional chipset – as much as 20% sooner than final 12 months
- Nice for gaming and multitasking
- 8GB RAM is low in comparison with rivals, however performs effectively attributable to optimisation
Powering the iPhone 16 Professional Max is Apple’s newest and biggest A18 Professional chipset, which is a major step up from the A17 Professional, significantly in the case of AI efficiency and graphical energy.
In keeping with Apple, it has a 15% sooner CPU and 20% sooner GPU than final 12 months’s mannequin. I can’t confirm these figures however can say that it gives blisteringly quick efficiency throughout the board. That applies whether or not you’re modifying 4K video, working the most recent AAA cell video games, or just multitasking between apps.
It additionally comes geared up with a 16-core Neural Engine, enabling extra superior machine studying and AI capabilities. It’s an enormous consider making these units able to the complete vary of Apple Intelligence options, which I’ll discover in additional element later.
Gaming fans can be happy to know that the iPhone 16 Professional Max helps ray tracing at double the velocity of the A17 Professional, which makes for extra real looking lighting and reflections in video games out there on iOS. Throughout my assessments, the gadget dealt with every part I threw at it, from graphically intensive video games like Dying Stranding to video modifying on Adobe Premiere Rush.
The A18 Professional breezed by way of all of it with out a hiccup, although the gadget did get a bit heat after prolonged gaming classes. Nevertheless, it was noticeably chillier than the iPhone 15 Professional Max.
For an additional take a look at, I set each telephones to document 4K movies for round half-hour. Then, utilizing a laser thermometer, I recorded how heat each units bought over the realm the place the processor sits. The iPhone 16 Professional Max was between 3-4c cooler than the 15 Professional Max.
Whereas rivals just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely and Google Pixel 9 Professional XL supply as much as 12GB of RAM, Apple sticks with 8GB within the iPhone 16 Professional Max. Nevertheless, Apple’s customized optimization ensures the gadget runs extremely easily, even when dealing with demanding duties or multitasking. Storage choices begin at 256GB and go all the way in which as much as 1TB, offering loads of house for apps, video games, images, and movies.
Apple iPhone 16 Professional Max benchmarks
There’s no denying that the iPhone 16 Professional Max is an absolute powerhouse. It delivers all of the efficiency you may need and extra. The truth is, it really clocks up greater Geekbench 6 scores than the M1 MacBook Air from late 2020 – with 3518 for single-core and 8378 for multi-core.
I used to be impressed with how snappy and responsive every part felt, from multitasking to gaming and watching content material. There’s completely nothing I may do that may trigger this gadget to freeze up, decelerate, or start to drop frames.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
The iPhone 16 Professional Max outperforms each the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) with 2,273 single-core and seven,056 multi-core, and the Google Pixel 9 Professional (Tensor G4), which scores 1,950 single-core and 5,950 multi-core. The uncooked energy contained in the iPhone 16 Professional Max is solely unmatched.
There’s no denying that the iPhone 16 Professional Max is an absolute powerhouse. The truth is, it really clocks up the next Geekbench rating than the M1 MacBook Air
Cameras
- 48Mp fundamental digital camera, 48Mp ultrawide, 12Mp 5x telephoto
- Digital camera Management button gives gesture-based digital camera controls
- 4K 120fps slow-motion video, and new AI audio options
Apple has at all times positioned a powerful emphasis on images, and the iPhone 16 Professional Max isn’t any completely different. Whereas the digital camera specs could appear acquainted, Apple has launched some main {hardware} and software program upgrades that make this one of the crucial highly effective digital camera programs out there.
The 48Mp Fusion digital camera and 48Mp ultrawide digital camera are the celebs of the present right here. Apple has upgraded the sensor behind the primary digital camera, enabling sooner autofocus and improved low-light efficiency. Even in difficult lighting situations, the iPhone 16 Professional Max captures spectacular element with out oversaturating colors or introducing noise.
The ultrawide lens, which has been upgraded to 48Mp for the primary time, gives sharper, clearer images at broad angles. That is significantly helpful for landscapes, structure pictures, or group images. The improved macro capabilities additionally stand out, making it simpler to seize tiny particulars with out sacrificing high quality.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
The 12MP telephoto digital camera with 5x optical zoom additionally options so-called tetraprism expertise, which helps to make sure minimal distortion, even at greater zoom ranges. Whereas this was unique to the iPhone 15 Professional Max final 12 months, this time round additionally it is out there on the smaller iPhone 16 Professional.
I discovered the zoom efficiency to be wonderful, particularly when taking images of distant topics, the place the picture stabilisation helped preserve every part crisp and regular. In comparison with rivals just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, which gives the next zoom vary, the iPhone nonetheless holds its personal with superior color accuracy and dynamic vary.
Nevertheless, I do want the telephoto lens bought the higher-resolution improve as effectively. Xiaomi’s current Combine Flip foldable ditched the ultrawide lens that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and others use in favour of a telephoto – just because extra folks use the zoom lens. I feel the identical is true of iPhones. Maybe we’ll see a extra vital improve on iPhone 17 Professional Max?
Even in difficult lighting situations, the iPhone 16 Professional Max captures spectacular element with out oversaturating colors or introducing noise
You’ve bought loads of different modes to choose from as effectively. Portrait pictures come out wanting exceptionally pure and sharp, with element and sharpness being retained while you zoom in. That is true for each the rear digital camera and selfie snapper. The night time mode is downright distinctive, with the picture processing normally choosing extra real looking color in substitution for additional sharpness.
If you happen to’re hoping to only level and shoot your images, the iPhone’s digital camera app is arguably the perfect for this. And with sooner apertures on all the cameras, taking pictures is faster than ever – one thing you may actually discover in case you’re making an attempt to seize one thing that’s shifting or wish to take a number of back-to-back snaps.
One of the thrilling additions is the Digital camera Management button. This touch-sensitive management permits you to entry varied digital camera modes with gestures. Whereas it took some getting used to, I discovered it extremely helpful when capturing on the go – particularly after I was doing actions or solely had one hand free. You’ll be able to regulate zoom and depth of discipline and even change lenses with out ever tapping the display.
In fact, you may nonetheless do all this from the display. And while you’re taking images ordinarily, it would really be simpler to not use Digital camera Management. My different massive gripe with that is that when your iPhone is switched off, you’ll need to press the button twice to launch the digital camera. Urgent it as soon as will change your gadget on first.
Visible Intelligence appears to be like compelling as a Google Lens different, however this isn’t out there on the time of writing (even on the beta software program I used to be working).
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
The iPhone’s video capabilities have additionally been supercharged with 4K 120fps recording and Dolby Imaginative and prescient. I shot some slow-motion footage at 120fps, and the outcomes have been breathtakingly clean.
Apple has even launched AI-powered Audio Combine instruments, that are particularly helpful when modifying on the fly. Whether or not I used to be modifying clips for social media or extra skilled use, the combination of cinematic video and studio-quality audio instruments made the iPhone 16 Professional Max a real media powerhouse. The noise discount doesn’t work fairly in addition to I’d have hoped, however is certainly higher than not being there in any respect.
Battery Life & Charging
- Lengthy-lasting battery lifetime of 14-16 hours with typical use
- Apple has stayed quiet on the mAh quantity
- Sooner MagSafe charging and Qi2 help
Apple has considerably improved the battery life within the iPhone 16 Professional Max, because of each {hardware} and software program developments. Even with the bigger 6.9-inch show, the battery life is superb, and I constantly bought 14 to 16 hours of normal use on a single cost.
The truth is, when making an attempt to deplete the battery so as to take a look at the charging speeds (see beneath), I really discovered it tough to run the battery right down to 0. A mixture of gaming, filming, and gaming managed to do the trick – but it surely was no straightforward feat.
In fact, Apple received’t inform us the precise mAh determine of the battery, although GSMArena estimates it to be 4685mAh. Nevertheless, the model does declare that that is the most important battery ever seen in an iPhone. Up to now, that appears true, and my outcomes line up with Apple’s estimates.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
This all-day battery efficiency is primarily as a result of energy effectivity of the A18 Professional chip, which optimises energy consumption throughout much less demanding duties. Whether or not I used to be streaming video, utilizing GPS for navigation, or taking images all through the day, the cellphone simply made it to the night with battery to spare.
Apple has additionally enhanced MagSafe charging, which is now sooner than ever earlier than. Apple claims the cellphone can cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing a 30W charger, which is spectacular for a battery of this dimension. In my testing, it beat that, getting from 0-50% in 28 minutes. Additionally, this 12 months the USB-C port has been bumped as much as Thunderbolt 4, enabling sooner knowledge switch.
It additionally helps Qi2 wi-fi charging, making it future-proof as extra third-party charging pads undertake this new normal. Although USB-C is now normal for charging, the iPhone 16 Professional Max may also be used to cost different units, like AirPods or an Apple Watch, by way of reverse wi-fi charging.
When making an attempt to deplete the battery so as to take a look at the charging speeds, I really discovered it tough to run the battery right down to 0
Software program & Apps
- Apple Intelligence reveals big potential, however isn’t out there at launch
- New iOS 18 options like Math Notes and AI Writing Instruments are helpful
- Spectacular seven years of software program help
The iPhone 16 Professional Max ships with iOS 18 out of the field. And whereas Apple is leaning closely into AI with its Apple Intelligence options, you don’t get these out of the field.
The primary of those be coming in iOS 18.1 – software program that’s presently out there for the general public to obtain in beta forward of an October launch. Nevertheless, most of the most anticipated AI options received’t be absolutely out there till future updates even additional down the road, making the software program expertise really feel prefer it’s in transition.
For this assessment, I did set up the iOS 18.1 beta to check Apple Intelligence, as anybody can do the identical. Ordinarily, I’d say you may’t assessment what’s not on the gadget. However, since anyone can technically get Apple Intelligence, I’ll embrace it within the assessment.
The commercial of Apple Intelligence however exclusion of the options out of the field is disappointing to see from Apple
Simply notice that you just received’t get any Apple Intelligence options out of the field, whereas solely the options I discussed beneath are confirmed for an October launch. Rumours counsel the remainder of the options ought to have completed rolling out by February/March subsequent 12 months, however Apple has not confirmed this.
The commercial of Apple Intelligence however exclusion of the options out of the field is disappointing to see from Apple. The model is understood for releasing options a little bit later than the competitors, however typically does issues even higher than rivals. Apple Intelligence is hailed because the iPhone 16 line-up’s core function, but it surely’s not right here but, which makes the advertising and marketing really feel disjointed.
For instance, within the Apple retailer, demo iPhone 16 fashions present the brand new Siri UI in promotional reels. However in case you really use Siri, the previous interface seems. Issues really feel rushed, and that’s not like Apple.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Siri has obtained a major overhaul, turning into extra responsive and conversational. In beta, the brand new design takes over your entire display when activated, offering a extra immersive expertise.
Siri is now higher at dealing with multi-step requests and retaining context between interactions, which makes it really feel extra like a real assistant moderately than only a voice command system. This context will get even deeper in later updates, which will even embrace ChatGPT integration.
Writing Instruments inside apps like Mail and Messages use AI to assist enhance the tone and readability of your writing, providing ideas on making your textual content extra skilled or concise.
You additionally get notification summaries, which decide the important thing factors out of notifications from any app so that you don’t need to learn the complete factor. These work surprisingly effectively, and is likely to be the perfect implementation of AI on a cellphone. There’s a ‘Diminished Interruptions’ focus mode, which restricts notifications to solely those Apple thinks are most vital.
Options like Genmoji, the Picture Playground, ChatGPT integration, and the complete Siri improve are unavailable. However there’s loads new in iOS 18 past Apple Intelligence.
iOS 18 introduces helpful options like Math Notes, which helps you to clear up equations straight within the Notes app by writing them out. There’s additionally the power to additional customise your app icons, together with the choice to go away clean areas in your house display’s app grid for extra customized layouts, one thing iPhone customers have been asking for.
Apple doesn’t explicitly say how lengthy the iPhone 16 Professional Max can be supported for, but when earlier fashions are something to go by, it’ll most likely proceed receiving updates for no less than seven full years. That matches the easiest on any Android cellphone, and may even be prolonged once we get nearer to the time.
Value & Availability
As anticipated with a flagship iPhone, the iPhone 16 Professional Max comes with a premium price ticket. Beginning at £1,099/$1,099 for the bottom mannequin with 256GB of storage, it’s the identical worth as final 12 months’s mannequin, however with added options.
The 512GB model prices £1,399/$1,399, whilst you’ll pay £1,599/$1,599 for 1TB of storage.
The telephones can be found outright from Apple UK and Apple US, but in addition by way of a variety of third-party retailers. See the complete vary of choices in our information on the place to purchase the iPhone 16 collection.
That article contains contract choices, however most of the most inexpensive choices are included within the widgets beneath.
Must you purchase the iPhone 16 Professional Max?
The iPhone 16 Professional Max builds on what Apple does greatest – elegant design, highly effective efficiency, and wonderful cameras.
The introduction of Apple Intelligence and the Digital camera Management button makes this cellphone particularly interesting to photographers and people thinking about AI-enhanced performance. The 6.9-inch Tremendous Retina XDR OLED display is the perfect Apple has ever produced, whereas the A18 Professional chip ensures that the cellphone is future-proof for years to return.
Nevertheless, the complete potential of Apple’s AI options shouldn’t be but out there, and with many options not launching till later within the 12 months, some customers might wish to wait.
In the end, in case you want an iPhone that pushes the boundaries of images and efficiency, the iPhone 16 Professional Max is a wonderful selection. However it’s additionally a really costly one.
Specs
- iOS 18
- 6.9-inch 2868×1320 460ppi Tremendous Retina XDR show
- A18 Professional chipset
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB/512GB/1TB storage
- 48Mp f/1.8 fundamental digital camera
- 48Mp f/2.2 ultrawide digital camera
- 12Mp f/2.8 5x telephoto digital camera
- 12Mp f/1.9 entrance digital camera
- 4685mAh battery (reported)
- USB-C quick PD 2.0 charging
- 25W wi-fi MagSafe charging
- 15W wi-fi Qi 2 charging
- 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 5.3
- 5G
- IP68 water and dirt resistance
- 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm
- 227g
