7 Ways the iPhone 16 Pro Max Could Get Even More ‘Max’ This Year
Credit: 4RMD
Apple’s two iPhone Pro models often share mostly the same features and capabilities, but that’s not always the case, and this year could be another exception to that rule.
While the iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro had Max counterparts that were identical in every way but size (and had slightly longer battery life as a result), the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max both had better telephoto cameras — 2.5X and 5X, respectively, compared to 2X and 3X on their smaller siblings. In another surprise twist, Apple’s most recent 6.7-inch model also lacked a lower-capacity 128 GB version, putting it at a higher starting price.
If rumors are accurate, we could see this year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max with some differences that make it worth the upgrade over the smaller iPhone 16 Pro. At the very least, it’s expected to gain some significant changes over the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Read on for 7 things we’re expecting from Apple’s larger and most premium flagship.
Bigger and Bolder
There’s every indication that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will grow in size this year — the first time it’s noticeably changed since the first Max model came along with the iPhone XS lineup in 2018.
Most reports say the screen will grow to 6.9 inches, which will likely make the iPhone 16 Pro Max measure over 7 inches diagonally. Thanks to leaked dummy units used by third-party accessory makers, we’ve ?already seen some visual representations of those differences.
A Larger and Brighter Screen
The 6.9-inch display will likely be bigger, brighter, and more seamlessly blend into the edges of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Technology hasn’t hit the point where Apple can go completely edge-to-edge without resorting to a curved display, but Apple is reportedly working on Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology to slim down the bezels as much as possible. It’s so advanced that Apple’s suppliers are finding it more challenging to produce; Apple has already given them the go-ahead for the iPhone 16 Pro screens, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max panels won’t be approved for another couple of weeks.
While the panels are expected to use similar technology to those on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, reports say Apple is aiming to make them 20% brighter.
A Higher-Resolution Ultra Wide Camera
Apple surprised us with a 48MP main camera on the 2022 iPhone 14 Pro lineup and then did it again by adding the 48MP shooter to its standard iPhone 15 models last year. Now, many analysts expect its next trick to be upgrading the Ultra Wide Camera to hit the same 48MP spec.
That will be a nice jump from the 12MP currently used, although it remains to be seen how much difference it will make. The primary sensor is still used for most shots, although the ultra-wide one supplements that by feeding more data into the Neural Engine and Image Signal Processor (ISP), even when you’re not zooming out. More megapixels means more data for Apple’s computational photography system to chew on, which could result in better pictures, especially in low-light conditions.
Apple is also expected to use an improved Sony IMX903 sensor for its primary camera. While the number won’t increase beyond 48MP, the stacked design would provide a 14-bit Analog-to-Digital convertor and Digital Gain Control for better dynamic range and less noise.
A Super Telephoto Lens
The biggest advantage of the iPhone 15 Pro Max over the iPhone 15 Pro is its new tetra prism lens that offers a 5x zoom. That didn’t come to the iPhone 15 Pro, which retained the same 3x zoom as both of the iPhone 14 Pro models that came before.
That’s likely because the tetraprism lens requires more space inside the iPhone, and things were already too tight inside the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro. That model is expected to grow in size this year, clearing the way for it to get the same 5x tetraprism lens. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could retain its lead by going to a Super Telephoto Camera.
That would give it a zoom factor of 12x or more, but it’s also a more dubious claim since we haven’t heard much to corroborate it. It’s more likely something Apple is planning for the iPhone 17 Pro Max or beyond, but we still can’t rule it out entirely for this year’s model.
Extended Battery Life
With room for larger battery cells, Apple’s largest iPhone models have always boasted the best battery life in the lineup. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could pull ahead of the pack this year with new stacked battery cells.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen a few reports of new metal-clad batteries designed for better heat dissipation. That’s not merely about letting the batteries run cooler; it’s a necessity for new technologies that will increase the energy density and thereby generate more heat. However, the higher energy density also translates to batteries that can generate more power and last longer without being significantly heavier.
A 2 TB Model
It’s far from the first time we’ve heard about the possibility of a 2 TB iPhone, but there’s reason to believe it might actually happen with this year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max.
In January, a rumor out of Korea claimed that Apple will finally make the switch to higher-density Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND flash memory, which would allow it to fit more storage into a smaller space at a lower cost.
That sounds promising until you consider that we heard the exact same thing three years ago concerning the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max did shake up storage capacities by eliminating the 128 GB model from the bottom end. That could arguably clear the path for a 2 TB model on top, but Apple might also prefer to simplify things by returning to the more traditional three-capacity lineup that was the norm before the iPhone 13 Pro added the 1 TB model.
New Colors in Polished Titanium
Last year’s iPhone 15 Pro lineup made a big material switch, dropping the stainless steel frame that had been used in Apple’s premium models for years for a new aerospace-grade titanium that offered even more durability at substantially less weight.
However, one of the things that got lost in that transition was the shiny frames that had adorned Apple’s prior Pro models. The duller brushed titanium isn’t bad, but it also doesn’t convey luxury in the same way as the reflective metallic sheen of those earlier iPhones.
Rumor has it that Apple wants to return to that classier look and has found a way to improve the titanium processing for a more polished look. The color process is also said to have been improved, which could mean some more exciting colors this year, too.