When it comes to upgrading your iPhone, timing is everything. With the iPhone 15 set to launch in 2024 and rumors of the iPhone 16 already circulating, you may be wondering whether to invest in the latest model now or wait for the next big thing. Let’s take a closer look at should you upgrade to iPhone 16 from 15.
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Why upgrade from the 15 to the iPhone 16?
1. Design innovations
Based on previous models, the iPhone 16 is expected to feature significant design innovations. Rumors suggest the iPhone 16 will likely feature smaller bezels and new materials for a more durable and aesthetically pleasing design. If you value the latest and greatest design, waiting for the iPhone 16 may be worth it.
2. Advanced display features
The iPhone 16 is expected to introduce advanced display features, such as a higher refresh rate or improved display technology. For users who prioritize a superior visual experience, the potential upgrade to the iPhone 16 may be worth the wait.
3. New Features
The iPhone lineup has been permeated with the same vibe for the past few years, making it less meaningful to upgrade to a new device every year. Comparing the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 14, you can probably see the biggest change in the annual upgrade. It offers a better main camera, Dynamic Island cutout, and USB-C connectivity, but it’s still a pretty similar device.
As someone who’s used a four-year-old iPhone, I’m going to benefit from the cumulative changes Apple has made since 2020. The upgrade to a 48MP main camera may be old news to iPhone 15 owners, but it’s new to me, and so is the addition of a USB-C port. Given the focus on screen improvements in recent years, you might expect the new iPhones to have brighter displays.
But there are also some changes that are unique to the iPhone 16. Rumor has it that Apple will be bringing the Action button that was added to the iPhone 15 Pro models last fall to both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus. That means there’s a chance there’ll be a customizable shortcut button. (Apple could also expand the ability to trigger more than one shortcut.)
A second button could be added to all new iPhones, and a capture button is reportedly in development. This would make it easier to take photos and capture video without having to launch the camera app. We previously shared our wishlist for a capture button, detailing how we’d like to see this feature work on future iPhones.
4. Additional Camera Improvements
The iPhone 15 already offers impressive camera capabilities, but the iPhone 16 is rumored to include even more improvements. Improvements could include better zoom capabilities, additional lens options, and further improvements to low-light photography. If camera tech is important to you, it might be worth waiting to see what the iPhone 16 brings.
5. One year of additional software support
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 will receive software updates for several years, but the iPhone 16 will be supported for an additional year. This is important for users who plan to keep their phones for as long as possible to ensure they have the latest security updates and features.
6. Unique AI features of the iPhone 16
You’ve probably heard that Apple is beefing up its AI offerings, and this year’s iOS 18 update will be the company’s first big step toward that. We’ve heard rumors of all sorts of new features coming to the iPhone, from AI-powered tools in various built-in apps like Pages, Keynote, and Music to a revamped Siri.
But these new features aren’t necessarily limited to the iPhone 16 models that are coming this fall. Since they’re part of iOS 18, they should be available on other phones that can run the software update. Rumors of iOS 18 compatibility suggest that any phone that currently supports iOS 17 will be included.
Apple sometimes restricts some iOS features to the latest iPhones when older models don’t have the hardware to support them, but for the most part, the AI features coming with iOS 18 will work just fine on my iPhone 12, so I may not need to upgrade my phone this fall.
Apple may have planned some AI features exclusively for the iPhone 16, but if that’s the case, we probably won’t hear anything about them until the fall iPhones launch. The WWDC 2024 keynote next month will likely provide a sneak peek of iOS 18, which will give us a rough idea of what features will be coming to which phones. But don’t expect a full picture of Apple’s AI plans until we officially get a look at the new phones coming this fall.
So, should I Upgrade to iPhone 16 From 15?
Ultimately, it pays to wait for the iPhone 16, even if you choose an older model. Prices for older iPhones from Apple and third-party retailers will drop after the iPhone 16 launches.
The fact that the iPhone 15 doesn’t support Apple Intelligence makes it hard to recommend right now. Apple has made it clear that Apple Intelligence will play a big role in the future of the iPhone, so it’s probably not a good idea to buy a phone that can’t take advantage of this feature right now.
The exception to this advice is if you absolutely need a phone right now. Maybe your old phone broke and you need something today. In that case, the iPhone 15 Pro is a good choice.
However, if you prefer the latest technology and are willing to wait, the iPhone 16 promises even more advancements and could potentially be a better long-term investment. Consider your usage, budget, and how much value the latest features add to your everyday life before you make your choice.
Whether you upgrade from the 15 to the iPhone 16 will depend on your personal needs and preferences. If your immediate needs and desire for a reliable, high-performance smartphone are your priorities, the iPhone 15 won’t disappoint. However, if you want to future-proof your investment with the latest technology, the iPhone 16 may be worth the wait.
FAQs
Is the iPhone 16 Better than the 15?
The iPhone 16 is expected to get a 6% battery upgrade from the iPhone 15’s 3,349 mAh battery to a 3,561 mAh battery. Interestingly, this regular iPhone 16 version is likely to get the biggest battery upgrade of all the iPhone 16 models (some, like the iPhone 16 Plus, actually have a smaller battery).
Is the iPhone 16 worth waiting for?
The rumors about the iPhone 16 specs and the iPhone 16 camera don’t suggest a huge upgrade, but the emergence of Apple Intelligence suggests that the phone might be worth waiting for.