Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is a bigger upgrade than many expected. The phone has two extra buttons that weren’t there before. The Camera Control button opens the Camera with a single click or a double-click if the screen is off.
I actively take photos with the new iPhone 16 Pro and compare it with my previous iPhone 15 Pro Max, and there is practically no difference at all, even the new 48 megapixel ultra wide is no different ?
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) October 1, 2024
Sliding your finger across the button adjusts the zoom range. The Action Button activates with a long-press and replaces the mute switch on older iPhones. The Dynamic Island is the space around the front camera cutout.
I don't get it. Where are my noticeably thinner bezels? ?
iPhone 16 Pro on the left. iPhone 15 Pro Max on the right. pic.twitter.com/gKjTCCNBtS
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) September 28, 2024
It serves as a helpful multitasking tool. You can tap it to quickly go back to directions in maps or access music controls. Pro-model iPhones from the iPhone 14 Pro onward have an Always-On Display mode.
If you picked up an iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max, which color did you go with?
— Aaron Zollo (@zollotech) September 30, 2024
It dims the screen instead of turning it off when you hit the power button. You can customize it in settings.
new iPhone buttons and features
The Always-On Display works with StandBy mode. This kicks in when you place the phone on its side and connect it to a charger. You’ll see customizable widgets, a photo gallery, and a clock.
All iPhones 14 and newer have Emergency SOS. It can contact emergency services even without Wi-Fi or cell service. Apple initially said it would be free for two years.
The biggest new feature is Apple Intelligence. It requires an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model. Apple Intelligence uses AI for writing tools, a photo object eraser, notification summaries, email summaries, and adaptive Focus modes.
An overhauled Siri is also coming. These new capabilities make upgrading from an older iPhone a bigger leap than just incremental performance improvements. The extra buttons and screen modes provide more to explore while waiting for the AI features to roll out.
