Tech enthusiasts worldwide turned their eyes to the Apple Event that took place in Cupertino, California, on September 9, 2024. The Cupertino giant has revealed the pricing and features of the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the new lineup of AirPods.
Another big announcement was Apple Intelligence, a revolutionary AI system that will forever redefine how we interact with our iPhones. Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update for all the latest iPhones and some older devices as well.
As the tech world eagerly anticipates hands-on reviews flooding YouTube and tech websites in the coming days, one question looms large: Can the new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max justify their price tags?
Let’s dive into the highlights of Apple‘s unforgettable 2024 event.
Price and Features of iPhone 16 Series
- The Apple iPhone 16 is priced at $799 in the US and ₹79,900 in India, while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899 in the US and ₹89,900 in India, both for the 128 GB storage option.
- The iPhone 16 Pro with 128 GB of storage is available for $999 in the US and ₹1,19,900 in India, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 256 GB of storage is priced at $1,199 in the US and ₹1,44,900 in India. Interestingly, these models are cheaper than their iPhone 15 Pro predecessors, reflecting a strategic shift in Apple’s pricing. Also, these prices are exclusive of any discount, exchange, and cash-back offers. If applied, the effective price of iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max in India would go down further.
- Apple iPhone 16 features: The basic iPhone model boasts a 6.1-inch display, an Action button, Dynamic Island, and a ceramic shield for enhanced durability. The device also features the most advanced dual-camera setup, with a 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide camera, a powerful A18 Bionic chip, a 16-core Neural Engine for AI processing, and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with a 30W adapter or higher.
- iPhone 16 Pro features: The latest Pro model comes with a 6.3-inch display featuring the thinnest bezels ever, a Titanium frame with a textured matte glass back, the most powerful A18 Pro chip, and a triple-camera setup that includes a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. It also features wind noise reduction and other enhancements that take user experience to a new level.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max features: The flagship model features a 6.9-inch display, the mighty A18 Pro chip, a dedicated Camera Control button, and the same triple-camera setup as the iPhone 16 Pro. It offers Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps and impressive battery life with up to 33 hours of video playback and 105 hours of audio playback.
- Priced at $399 (₹46,900), the Apple Watch Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch ever created. It offers the largest screen area of any Apple Watch to date — up to 75% more than the Series 3 and 30% more than Series 4, 5, 6, and SE models. The new design elevates the wearable experience, making it an exciting addition to Apple’s ecosystem.
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max Worth the Investment?
Apple has introduced a few game-changing updates in the iPhone 16 Pro Max that set it apart from its predecessors. These include the significant ultra-wide camera upgrade from 12MP to 48MP, the powerful A18 Pro chip, a redesigned Camera Control button, a larger display, extended audio and video playback time, the thinnest borders, and a remarkable leap in battery life.
Additionally, Apple Intelligence – Apple’s advanced AI system – will be integrated into all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro models, iPads and Macs with M1 and later.
One standout feature is the new Camera Control button on all four iPhone 16 models, which has been seamlessly integrated, flush with the surface, and protected by sapphire glass for added durability. This button redefines user interaction: a single click opens the camera, a second click takes a photo, and holding it down starts recording a video.
The Camera Control button on iPhone 16 models also supports advanced touch gestures, distinguishing between a full click and a lighter press. A lighter press gives a clean preview, aiding in more accurate shot framing, while a new overlay offers quick access to essential camera functions like Zoom.
What’s truly noteworthy is that all the enhancements and upgrades in iPhone 16 Pro models come at a lower price point compared to the previous generation of Pro models, making them even more desirable for both existing iPhone users with models older than the iPhone 13 series and for first-time users considering a switch from Android to iPhones. This pricing strategy is especially appealing to Android users, who are known for prioritizing camera capabilities over other smartphone features.
Apple’s decision to elevate the camera experience in its Pro models – featuring a 48MP macro photography lens and Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps – clearly aims to attract more Android users to its ecosystem. This is a strategic move, particularly in markets like India, where the competition is fierce, and the demand for high-quality camera performance is significant.
Therefore, Apple’s revamped product lineup is not just about new features; it’s also part of a broader market strategy to strengthen its foothold in India’s premium smartphone market segment. As of H1 2024, Apple commands a dominant 61% market share in the premium segment (US$600–US$800) and an impressive 83% in the super-premium segment (US$800+).
According to IDC, Apple is projected to ship around 12.5-13 million iPhones in India in 2024, which could help the company achieve over an 8% volume market share.
As the initial excitement gives way to detailed reviews, one thing is clear: with the launch of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, Apple has once again set the bar high in the fiercely competitive world of smartphones.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 series starts on September 13 at 5:30 PM in India and the first sale is scheduled for September 20.
So, are the price and features of the iPhone 16 Pro Max compelling enough to make it worth buying, or should we hold off and keep our wallets closed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
