I’ve had an iPhone 14 Pro Max since it launched two years ago. Like most of us, I regretfully admit that I’m on my phone most of the time when I’m not working or sleeping. I’m also a big fan of generative AI tools, from chatbots to image generators, though I am conscious of their potential dangers and shortcomings. With all this considered, you’d think I’d be a shoo-in to upgrade my current smartphone for an iPhone 16 with the new Apple Intelligence features, yet I’m not convinced.
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There are compelling reasons to upgrade to an iPhone 16, even before considering the new Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, for example, features the largest iPhone display yet, with thinner bezels and a taller design to allow the screen to stretch over 6.9 inches.
But even with all the Apple Intelligence features we know about already, I’m not convinced to upgrade to a new iPhone yet. Though some things may get me there.
1. We need a clearer Apple Intelligence timeline
If you’re looking to the iPhone 16 to get all the flashy AI features Apple showed this summer, you’ll have to wait. As it is now, the iPhone 16 lineup won’t have all the Apple Intelligence features when it is widely available in stores on September 20. However, we do know that some Apple Intelligence capabilities will come out with iOS 18.1, but its ensuing launch timeline is still largely unclear.
Also: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro: Is the latest model worth the upgrade?
Most of the more attractive features of Apple Intelligence that Apple showcased during WWDC in June are supposedly coming later in 2025, which is hardly a convincing factor to fork over more money for a new phone in September 2024. If you’re looking for features like Genmoji, Image Playground, and the ChatGPT integration with Siri, you’ll have to wait a few months.