Apple announced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max on September 9, 2024. Pre-orders opened September 13, and the phones went on sale September 20 in more than 58 countries and regions. In the UK, launch prices started at £999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and £1,199 for the Pro Max.
When did the iPhone 16 Pro launch?
Apple announced both models on September 9, 2024. Pre-orders began September 13, with availability starting September 20 in more than 58 countries and regions. Additional markets, including Macao and Vietnam, began receiving the phones on September 27. Apple’s launch announcement provides the dates and launch details.
What was new on the iPhone 16 Pro?
Larger displays and Camera Control
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display. Both introduced Camera Control, a physical control for accessing and adjusting camera functions.
A18 Pro and Apple Intelligence
Both phones launched with Apple’s A18 Pro chip and were positioned as devices built for Apple Intelligence. The availability of Apple Intelligence features may depend on software, language, and region; it should not be assumed that every feature was available to every user at launch.
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#1 Best Overall
- Titanium frame combines strength and lightness, giving the iPhone 16 Pro a premium feel while reducing weight for prolonged daily use. The polished edges and textured back enhance grip and handling, making it easier to use during long calls, gaming sessions, or when capturing photos and videos on the move.
Camera upgrades
The rear camera system gained a 48MP Fusion camera capable of recording 4K video at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision, and a 48MP Ultra Wide camera. The 5x Telephoto camera was available on both Pro sizes, rather than being exclusive to the larger model. Apple described the 4K120 Dolby Vision combination as the highest resolution and frame-rate combination then available on iPhone. Apple’s announcement details these camera features.
Audio, construction and battery
Apple also highlighted studio-quality microphones, a titanium design and improved battery life. At launch, Apple described the iPhone 16 Pro Max as offering the best battery life ever on an iPhone; that is Apple’s launch-era comparison, not a guarantee of runtime for every user or workload.
Rank #2
- Titanium frame combines strength and lightness, giving the iPhone 16 Pro a premium feel while reducing weight for prolonged daily use. The polished edges and textured back enhance grip and handling, making it easier to use during long calls, gaming sessions, or when capturing photos and videos on the move.
iPhone 16 Pro vs. Pro Max: what are the differences?
The main practical distinction is size: the Pro Max has a larger display and begins at a higher storage tier and price. Both share the headline A18 Pro, Camera Control, 48MP Ultra Wide, and 5x Telephoto features.
| Launch detail | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 6.3 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Starting storage | 128GB | 256GB |
| UK launch starting price | £999 | £1,199 |
| 5x Telephoto | Yes | Yes |
| Launch battery claim | Improved battery life; no specific comparative superlative stated | Apple called it the best battery life ever offered on an iPhone at launch |
| Physical dimensions and weight | Not stated in Apple’s cited launch information | Not stated in Apple’s cited launch information |
Choose the Pro if you prefer a smaller phone and its lower UK starting price suits your needs. Choose the Pro Max if you want the larger screen and its 256GB entry configuration. Apple’s launch information did not provide dimensions, weights, or measured battery runtimes, so those cannot be compared precisely here.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- Titanium frame combines strength and lightness, giving the iPhone 16 Pro a premium feel while reducing weight for prolonged daily use. The polished edges and textured back enhance grip and handling, making it easier to use during long calls, gaming sessions, or when capturing photos and videos on the move.
What storage, colors and prices were available at launch?
Apple listed black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium and desert titanium finishes. Storage options were 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, although the Pro Max started at 256GB. The UK launch prices cited by Apple were £999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and £1,199 for the Pro Max. These are UK launch prices, not current prices or prices for other countries. Apple’s UK launch release lists the configurations and pricing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Durability and recycled materials
Apple’s environmental report describes both models as using the latest-generation Ceramic Shield and having IP68 water and dust resistance. IP ratings describe resistance under specified test conditions; they do not mean a phone is waterproof or immune to damage. Apple’s launch release said the phones contained more than 25% recycled content overall, including 100% recycled aluminum in the internal structural frame and at least 80% recycled steel across multiple components. See Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max environmental report for environmental details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Rank #4
- Titanium frame combines strength and lightness, giving the iPhone 16 Pro a premium feel while reducing weight for prolonged daily use. The polished edges and textured back enhance grip and handling, making it easier to use during long calls, gaming sessions, or when capturing photos and videos on the move.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
