Unboxing Time đ
Letâs get into it! First up, the big boxâpacked with some powerful Macs that deserve a closer look, but weâll save those for later. Todayâs headliners? The latest iPhones, 4th-generation AirPods, a few stylish cases, and the Apple Watch Ultra with its signature bands. The Series 10 Watch will get its own dedicated review soon, so stay tuned!
First Look at This Yearâs iPhones đ±
Appleâs design choices this year seem more attuned to broader market trends than direct user feedback. One of the biggest surprises? The absence of the AI features announced earlier. Typically, Apple doesnât launch a feature until itâs polished to perfection, so this omission feels a bit out of character.
Another interesting addition is the camera control button. It sounds great on paper, providing quick access for capturing photos and videos, but the current execution feels a bit less seamless than Appleâs usual intuitive style. Hopefully, it will feel more natural with time.
A Fresh Palette of Colors đ
This yearâs color options bring a fresh mix: Desert Titanium, teal, andâyesâpink. Each shade adds its own vibe, with Desert Titanium standing out for its muted, classy look that screams premium.
Made in India đźđł
Exciting news for Apple fans in India: this year, the non-Pro models (Plus and Base variants) are assembled right here. Itâs a significant milestone that marks a step forward in Appleâs global manufacturing expansion.
Design & Weight âïž
In terms of build, the Pro Max is noticeably heftier this year, coming in at 228g. It feels slightly larger, heavier, and thicker than its predecessor. The Pro models have a solid, premium feel, while the non-Pros remain comfortably sized. As for scratch resistance? The glass is sturdy, but a screen protector is still a good idea if you want to keep your screen pristine.
Display & Brightness đ
The Pro Max now features a 6.9â display, while the Pro comes in at 6.3â. With thinner bezels, the screens feel more immersive, and the 2,000-nit brightness across all models makes outdoor use a breeze. Pro models also offer an always-on displayâa convenient addition.
Performance & Battery Life đ
Appleâs new A18 Pro chipset is a powerhouse, especially in the Pro models. Graphics are smoother than ever, and gaming sees a major boost thanks to hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Battery life has also improved, with the Pro Max lasting 10-20% longer than last yearâs version, making it the battery champ of the series.
Camera Upgrades đ„
Both Pro and non-Pro models now feature a camera control button, making it easier to capture on-the-go shots. The Pro models are equipped with a triple-lens 48MP system, while non-Pros include a 48MP + 12MP dual-lens setup. HDR and 2x zoom have both improved, enhancing color accuracy and image clarity. And for video lovers? You can now record in 4K at 120fps for some incredible footage.
Another plus: the Pro models come with Studio Quality microphones, ideal for capturing clear audio in busy settingsâperfect for vloggers or anyone creating content on the go.
Final Thoughts đ
The iPhone 16 series brings several welcome updates: thinner bezels, enhanced video quality, and a new camera control button that makes snapping photos easier. Still, the absence of AI features and the slightly clunky feel of the new control are minor downsides.