With each new iPhone Pro series, Apple tends to introduce features that justify its higher price tag compared to the standard models. Historically, these enhancements have included a third telephoto camera exclusive to the Pro series and new functionalities that often make their debut on these models before appearing in the regular iPhones a year later. For example, the Action button was first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max but is now also found on the iPhone 16.
While Apple typically keeps the basic iPhone model available for up to two years, the Pro models are generally discontinued after a year. However, you may still find the iPhone 15 Pro in stock at retail locations or available as refurbished units, even as the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max take their place in the lineup.
Design and Display Enhancements
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max come with a refreshed design that distinguishes them from their predecessors. The iPhone 16 Pro features a larger 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches on the 15 Pro, while the Pro Max boasts an even roomier 6.9-inch screen, compared to the 6.7-inch display of the 15 Pro Max.
One of the most notable updates is that the iPhone 16 Pro now has the same camera capabilities as the Pro Max, including a 5x optical zoom that was previously exclusive to the Pro Max model last year. All iPhone 16 devices, including the base and Plus versions, also introduce a new Camera Control button for quick access to photo and video modes.
AI and Software Features
The iPhone 16 Pro benefits from various features powered by Apple Intelligence, including a Visual Intelligence option that leverages the camera and AI to identify objects and locations. While the iPhone 15 Pro will receive these AI enhancements, models from the iPhone 14 Pro and earlier will not. Other new features comprise note summarization, an upgraded Siri assistant, and Genmoji, which allows for the creation of new emojis based on text prompts.
Design and Connectivity Features
In addition to AI advancements, the iPhone 16 Pro shares several features with the 15 Pro that are not found on the 14 Pro or 13 Pro. Both the 15 Pro and 16 Pro sport a lightweight titanium finish that improves usability despite their larger screens. They also come equipped with USB-C ports instead of Lightning connectors and support spatial video recording—a 3D video format viewable on the Apple Vision Pro headset. Common features across all Pro models, except the 13 Pro, include an always-on display, Dynamic Island camera cutout, and satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS.
Conclusion
To help you determine whether an upgrade is right for you, we’ve compiled a specifications chart highlighting the differences among these iPhone Pro models. Historically, annual upgrades have offered minor improvements; however, moving from an iPhone 13 Pro or older to the iPhone 16 Pro represents a significant leap in features and capabilities. If you’re considering an upgrade, now may be the perfect time to make the switch.
