Tag Archives: iPhone 16 Pro

ESR iPhone 16 Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand Review: Stay Original, Stay Protected

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PROS:


  • Slim and light, lets original iPhone 16 design shine

  • Multi-angle stash stand also protects the camera

  • Unbeatable all-around protection

  • Doesn't get in the way of MagSafe features

CONS:


  • Stand doesn't support (tall) vertical orientation

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

ESR's newest range of Classic Hybrid Cases with Stash Stand gives the iPhone 16 the protection it deserves with no compromise to functionality nor a hit on its innate beauty.

The new iPhone 16 series is here, along with a new generation of accessories designed to complement Apple’s latest and greatest smartphone. While the iPhone has changed considerably over the years, what hasn’t really changed is its price tag, making it quite an expensive investment that people want to protect and keep for as long as possible. There is no shortage of cases that promise that, but many of these cover up the iPhone’s minimalist beauty with gaudy designs and fatten up the otherwise slim profile in the name of rugged durability. Other cases also add some functionality that complicates the iPhone’s appearance and use, going against the spirit of simplicity that Apple embraces. It’s rare to come across a phone case that offers protection that doesn’t obscure the original design or adds utility that doesn’t compromise other features. The new ESR iPhone 16 Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand and its siblings promise exactly that and we put them in our hands to see how well that promise holds.

Designer: ESR

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.99

Aesthetics

One of the biggest reasons why some people are hesitant to slap a protective case on their phones is that these cases tend to make the phones look ugly and bulky. Of course, there are people who actually prefer to dress up their phones with stickers and decals, but the large majority want to show off their new phone’s pristine beauty, especially if that phone is an iPhone. That Apple logo on the back is, of course, a matter of pride for owners so it feels counterintuitive to cover that up with a thick and opaque case.

There’s a reason that ESR puts the “Classic” label on this series of cases for the new iPhone 16. Despite offering an impressive set of protective features, the transparent back still lets the original style and color of the iPhone 16 shine through, though you do have choices of colored edges to match the iPhone’s natural color as well. With a back that’s only 1.6mm thick, it doesn’t add that much bulk to the slim and sleek phone.

The ESR Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand embraces Apple’s minimalist design language, offering protection that you can’t see but definitely feel. It has no extraneous markings or branding that would mar the otherwise pristine beauty of the iPhone 16. It hugs the phone’s frame so tightly that it almost looks like a transparent skin wrapped around the phone. And the parts that you do see are also designed to be aesthetic, like the zinc alloy of the camera guard kickstand with a matte finish that just seamlessly blends with the camera bump’s design. ESR clearly had not just phone protection in mind but also user satisfaction in seeing the classic elegance of their iPhone 16 without worrying about accidents.

Ergonomics

Smartphone cases actually do double duty when it comes to protection. They buffer the force of impact when phones fall or bump into hard objects, but they also add some texture to the phone’s back to increase their grip. In other words, cases make it easier to hold the phone and reduce the risk of dropping it, and when you do drop it, the cases absorb some of the shock and protect the material underneath from scratches and dings.

Of course, that’s only true for cases that don’t increase the size and weight of the phone to the point of making it uncomfortable to hold or don’t use a material that’s even more slippery than the phone’s glass or metal rear. Fortunately, the ESR Classic Hybrid definitely checks the right boxes here as well, with an overall thickness of only 14.2mm and a weight of only 42g (1.7oz). The materials themselves also have a kind of “sticky” quality that prevents the phone from slipping off your hand easily. That stash stand also functions as a ring you can hang from your finger while your hands are carrying other things, almost like a built-in loop. It would have been nice if it could also function like a popsocket of sorts so you can hold the phone with even more confidence, but the current design doesn’t make that possible. That’s a puzzle that ESR will hopefully solve in future iterations of the Stash Stand.

Performance

A protective case is only as good as the protection it offers, and the ESR Classic Hybrid with Stash Stand for the iPhone 16 definitely has plenty of that to go around, almost literally. Almost every side of the case has a feature that ensures the safety of the phone no matter which side it drops on, including the 1.2mm raised edge around the screen and the 0.7mm raised camera guard. There’s also the acrylic-PC material used for the back of the case for enhanced durability and a TPU edge that is promised not to discolor and turn yellow over time.

One unique feature of ESR cases is its Air Guard corners, which are basically small empty pockets that serve as cushions for the most common part of the phone that hits the pavement. These look like very small bumps rather than obnoxious bumpers, staying true to the minimalist design language that the Classic Hybrid cases embrace. All of these give the cases military-grade protection, enough to meet the MIL-STD-810H standard for shock protection. The case can protect the phone from an 11-foot drop, offering iPhone 16 owners peace of mind without compromising their experience.

The “Stash Stand” part of the ESR Classic Hybrid’s name comes from the camera guard that flips down to transform into a multi-angle stand, supporting angles of anywhere between 15 to 85 degrees for your preferred viewing angle. Unlike other built-in phone stands like rings and popsockets, the stash stand gets out of the way when you don’t need it and even protects your cameras. The one disadvantage to this design is that you can’t prop up your phone vertically unless you lay it almost flat on a table, which is fine for scrolling through social media but not for video calls.

Apple’s introduction of MagSafe technology presented a design problem for case makers, especially those with rugged and thick materials. MagSafe won’t work through such cases, at least not without some clever designs and technologies. Fortunately, that’s no longer a problem today and, even better, ESR has found ways to actually improve on the technology. For one, it has even stronger magnets, about 1.5kg of magnetic locking force, so you don’t have to worry about the case making accessories loose and detach accidentally. It can even let the phone charge faster than with other MagSafe-compatible cases, beating its competitors by an average of 30 minutes. Best of all, the magnetic ring is embedded in the case itself, so it won’t scratch your iPhone’s back.

All in all, the ESR iPhone 16 Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand offers unparalleled, military-grade protection that doesn’t get in the way of your enjoyment of your phone. It retains the iPhone 16’s natural beauty while also giving you color options to match your phone and your style. It’s a no-compromise design that brings the best of all worlds while staying true to Apple’s own design philosophy.

Sustainability

Like many protective cases these days, the ESR Classic Hybrid is a mixture of different materials that each offer a different kind of protection. The acrylic-PC material on its back offers durability and scratch resistance, while the TPU around the edges gives flexibility and shock absorption. Unfortunately, these materials are also known to be non-sustainable, though there is definitely research and experiments on using alternative materials that produce the same durable properties.

That’s not to say, however, that ESR isn’t doing due diligence in creating a greener future, but its sustainability results are a little bit more indirect. For one, it offsets its carbon emissions through the ClimatePartner program. In addition, it helps keep phones away from trash bins and dump sites longer by protecting these precious devices and ensuring their longevity. You might not see a phone case as a “green” product, but ESR is definitely doing its part in healing the planet in its own small ways.

Value

Starting at only $19.99, the ESR Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand is pretty much a no-brainer for new iPhone 16 owners. After all, you are getting an impressive amount of protection against accidents and a built-in stand that stays out of the way and out of sight when you don’t need it. Plus, it retains the iPhone 16’s slim profile, sleek looks, and original style, allowing you to enjoy the natural colors you selected when you bought it. What’s not to love?

And for those who want something more or something different, they don’t have to stray far from ESR’s other new iPhone 16 cases. The Cloud Soft Case with Stash Stand, for example, has the same basic design but uses premium liquid silicone to give the phone a softer touch. The Cyber Tough Case with Stash Stand, on the other hand, levels up the durability with a 3-layer design that includes a robust PC backing, a flexible TPU shell, and an inner PORON lining. With these three designs, ESR has got all your iPhone 16 protection needs covered and in your preferred style.

Verdict

Just like with power banks, smartphone cases have become a fact of modern mobile life. No matter how durable companies make their phones, there will still be that nagging fear of throwing away money when, not if, you accidentally drop your precious investment. With the arrival of the iPhone 16, ESR took the opportunity to showcase the best of its design with the Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand. Offering military-grade protection that doesn’t make the iPhone 16 look like a tank, this case with a built-in stand is something you’ll have no reason to take off once you’ve put it on.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.99

The post ESR iPhone 16 Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand Review: Stay Original, Stay Protected first appeared on Yanko Design.

PITAKA Launches Their Latest iPhone 16 Cases: Slim, Light, Strong

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Smartphones are getting more durable every generation, but there’s no escaping the fact that a single wrong fall could render it useless. Protective cases increase their chances of survival at the expense of hiding their beauty, and even those clear silicone ones can sometimes make otherwise luxurious phones look cheap. If you’re going to cover up your phone anyway, you might as well make a big splash by adopting a design that’s going to upgrade your device’s looks as well. For years, PITAKA has been pushing the envelope of phone cases by focusing on quality material that not only looks good but also feels great in your hand. With the new Apple iPhone 16 series, it is launching its next-generation woven cases to offer upgraded protection and welcome a new style that will be a feast for the eyes, even in the dark.

Designer: PITAKA

PITAKA x Aries x NoProblemo Collaboration: Light in the Darkness

A phone case’s beautiful design becomes meaningless if you can’t see in the dark. Not so this collection of luminous designs that cast an eerie glow after the lights go out, giving them an alien, artful, and rebellious character. It’s the perfect combination for a design made in partnership with trendy UK fashion brand Aries, delivering cases that delight the eyes and the hands any time of the day. It’s a refreshing new style that adds a bit of youthful vigor to an iPhone case that’s already brimming with life.

At the heart of this luminescent innovation is PITAKA’s Lumintex™, combined with the brand’s advanced Floating Weave technique. This pairing elevates the design potential of aramid fibers, offering users a richer and more dynamic visual experience. Unlike conventional methods that simply print or paint luminous patterns that fade over time, PITAKA’s approach intricately weaves luminous fibers into the case. Lumintex™ is an ultra-thin, flexible polymer fiber, modified at the molecular level for enhanced weavability and luminescence. After absorbing light, the case emits a soft green glow for up to 20 minutes, providing a high-grade, fashionable luminescence at class D brightness.

Like any other PITAKA case, the PITAKA x Aries X NoProblemo series is made from hi-tech aramid fibers that are also used in the aerospace and military industries, giving it unbeatable protection against scratches and corrosion without weighing the phone down. PITAKA’s proprietary Fusion Weaving technology interlaces multiple colored fibers on a single loom to create eye-catching patterns that your fingers will also be able to touch and appreciate. These PITAKA iPhone 16 cases bring long-lasting beauty that shows even in the dark.

Click Here to Buy Now: PITAKA x Aries x NoProblemo Glow in the Dark Cases at $69.99

PITAKA iPhone 16 Tactile Woven Cases: Skyward Bound

Many smartphone cases try to be beautiful and stylish but tend to go overboard and end up looking gaudy and over-the-top. Nothing wrong with that if that’s exactly what you’re after, but those who want striking yet subtle designs might want to turn their eyes toward PITAKA’s heavenly Tactile Woven cases instead. Durable and elegant at the same time, these cases bring a touch of the heavens to your phone in ways that your hand can feel as well.

Utilizing aramid fibers known in aerospace and military circles for their light yet strong properties, PITAKA’s Fusion Weaving technique creates sophisticated patterns of colors that tell a story more than just displaying art. The alternating lines of orange or blue, for example, try to depict the magic moments during Sunset and Moonrise, while the trail of yellow dots across a field of blue tries to paint the Milky Way on the back of your phone. Finally, the rocky split between dark and light azure hues depict that enchanting view of mountains disappearing Over the Horizon.

For the iPhone 16 series, PITAKA upgraded its design to offer additional protection, especially for one of the most important parts of smartphones today: the cameras. The new camera ring not only prevents scratching by raising the lenses away from surfaces, its new titanium color also helps reduce the exposure that could ruin those perfect and ephemeral shots. Beautiful and tactile, these woven cases give your iPhone 16 some character that will surely make it stand out from the crowd.

Click Here to Buy Now: PITAKA Tactile Woven Cases at $59.99

PITAKA Military-Grade Protective Cases: Rugged Beauty

If you want some extra peace of mind, then PITAKA’s line of tough cases delivers that added layer of durability your phone needs to survive those nasty accidents with very little additional weight. It integrates light yet durable aramid fibers with shockproof TPU material, offering protection from drops that pass even MIL-STD-810G tests. And it doesn’t stop there either.

The soft Nappa leather lining inside the case also helps cushion the back of the iPhone in case of unfortunate incidents, while metal button covers minimize abrasions and damage to these crucial buttons. The subtle screen lip mitigates the effects of dropping your phone face first on the ground, while the raised camera ring protects the camera lenses from scratches when you place the phone on rough surfaces.

Despite these added layers of protection, the PITAKA military-grade iPhone 16 cases remain slim, light, and most importantly, compatible with MagSafe chargers and accessories. In fact, the new iPhone 16 line of cases boasts a 0.1-0.2 kg increase in magnetic strength, allowing it to cling securely to any MagSafe-compatible surface. Plus, these military-grade cases are now also available in PITAKA’s signature Sunset and Moonrise designs, delivering not only protection but also style in a single package.

Click Here to Buy Now: PITAKA Military-Grade Protective Cases at $79.99

PITAKA Ultra-Slim Cases: Slim, Simple, Sublime

If your priority is keeping an already slim iPhone 16 as slim as it can be, then PITAKA’s selection of ultra-slim cases delivers that mixture of style and substance in a subtle design. Utilizing the brand’s MagSafe SlimBoard 2.0 technology, each case measures a mere 0.84 thick and weighs only 17.84g (0.63oz). Inside that thin body are 0.1mm thicker magnets that add 0.1kg more magnetic force, ensuring even better compatibility with MagSafe chargers, docks, wallets, and other accessories.

It doesn’t skimp on protection and beauty, however, using the same aramid fiber material and Fusion Weaving technique as any other PITAKA case, creating visual appeal and grip comfort at the same time. New to this iPhone 16 lineup are colors that add some life to your phone, adding Ocean Blue and Forest Green to the Black Grey colorway. The camera ring’s minimalist titanium color further adds to its elegance while offering additional protection as well as a reduction of exposure for that perfect shot.

Despite its slimmer build, the PITAKA Ultra-Slim cases still boast the same standard set of features, including exclusive NFC-driven experiences, like checking the authenticity of the case as well as access to games, music, wallpapers, and customer services. All of these are packed inside a box made from 100% biodegradable bagasse, a natural by-product of sugar cane processing, establishing PITAKA’s commitment to a greener tomorrow with every beautiful case sold. Stylish, strong, and sustainable, PITAKA’s Ultra-Slim iPhone 16 Cases has a design for every person, proving that phone protection doesn’t have to come at the cost of aesthetics, your bank account, or the health of the planet.

Click Here to Buy Now: PITAKA Ultra-Slim Cases at $49.99

The post PITAKA Launches Their Latest iPhone 16 Cases: Slim, Light, Strong first appeared on Yanko Design.

iPhone 16: Is it Worth the Upgrade? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Apple’s latest iPhones are here: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. With each release, many iPhone owners face the question of whether it’s worth upgrading. These new models bring changes in design, performance, and features, but the decision to upgrade depends on what you’re looking for in a smartphone. Let’s break down what each model offers and whether it’s a meaningful upgrade for you.

Designer: Apple

iPhone 16: The Standard Upgrade

The iPhone 16 sticks to Apple’s familiar formula but includes significant updates. The design remains the same as the iPhone 15, with a 6.1-inch display, Dynamic Island, and a range of new color options, including ultramarine and teal. The Ceramic Shield is now tougher, making it more durable than before, which is great for those who want a more resilient phone.

Apple iPhone 16

One of the most noticeable additions is the Camera Control button, which gives you easier access to the camera’s functions. This feature lets you tweak settings like zoom and exposure with a simple touch. The 48MP main camera remains, but the Ultra Wide lens is now more powerful, offering improved macro shots and better low-light performance.

Apple iPhone 16

For those who use their iPhone for everyday tasks—like texting, taking photos, and browsing—the iPhone 16 offers solid improvements but nothing groundbreaking. The A18 chip provides faster performance and efficiency, giving you slightly better battery life than older models. Still, if you’re coming from an iPhone 14 or 15, the jump in features might not be enough to justify the upgrade unless you care about the latest camera and design tweaks.

iPhone 16 Pro: Bigger Display, More Power

The iPhone 16 Pro is a more compelling option if you’re looking for more advanced features. This model sees an increase in display size, now 6.3 inches, and offers a design that pushes the boundaries of screen space with its thinner borders. The titanium frame makes the phone lighter and more durable, while the larger screen and Always-On Display ensure a better viewing experience.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

One key difference with the Pro model is the performance. Powered by the new A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro brings faster processing and improved efficiency. Whether you’re a power user who switches between apps or someone who enjoys gaming on their phone, the performance boost will be noticeable. This chip also enables high-end camera features, like the ability to shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second.

The camera system is a major selling point for photographers and content creators. The 48MP main sensor works with a new 48MP Ultra-Wide lens and a 5x optical zoom Telephoto lens, offering far more versatility in your photos. The Pro models also come with enhanced software, allowing users to adjust video playback speed after recording and capturing spatial photos and videos compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

The iPhone 16 Pro’s battery life is another highlight. Apple claims it will last much longer, which can make a difference for those who spend a lot of time on their phones during the day. If battery life, performance, and a more advanced camera are what you’re after, the iPhone 16 Pro could be worth the upgrade. But if you’re coming from the iPhone 15 Pro, these enhancements might not feel dramatic enough to switch immediately.

iPhone 16 Pro Max: The Full Experience

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the largest and most expensive option in the lineup, with a 6.9-inch display. Like the iPhone 16 Pro, it features the new A18 Pro chip, which improves performance and power efficiency. The Pro Max also benefits from a bigger battery, offering the best battery life of any iPhone. This could be a crucial feature for those who need their phone to last throughout the day without recharging.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

The camera system is identical to the iPhone 16 Pro, with a 48MP main lens, 48MP Ultra Wide lens, and 5x optical zoom Telephoto lens. The Camera Control button gives you quick access to settings, while the new spatial video and photo features allow for immersive, 3D-like content creation. If you’re already a fan of Apple’s Pro Max series, the iPhone 16 Pro Max builds on what you love with a bigger screen, longer battery life, and even more camera options.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Control

However, if you don’t regularly use your phone for photography, gaming, or other heavy-duty tasks, the Pro Max’s price tag may not be justified. It’s designed for users who want the biggest and best of everything, but the size and cost might be overkill for casual users.

Should You Upgrade?

Whether you should upgrade to the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max depends on your current use and what you value most in a smartphone.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

  • If you’re using an iPhone 13 or older, upgrading to any model in the iPhone 16 series will give you substantial benefits. You’ll notice a significant improvement in speed, camera quality, and battery life. The design changes and software features like Camera Control will also enhance your daily use.
  • The decision is more complex if you’re using an iPhone 14 or 15. The iPhone 16 brings useful upgrades, but they might not feel revolutionary. If you prioritize camera performance or want the latest AI-driven features like Visual Intelligence, the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro might be worth it. However, if you’re content with your current phone, you could comfortably wait another year for more significant changes.
  • For Pro and Pro Max users: If you’ve already invested in a recent Pro model, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feel familiar. The enhancements are valuable, especially for users who depend on their phones for photography, video, and gaming. But unless you need the latest camera features or the longest battery life, it may not be worth the immediate switch.

The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer a range of upgrades, but whether they’re worth the investment depends on your personal needs. If you’re using an older iPhone, these models will deliver significant improvements across the board. For those with newer models, the decision comes down to how much you value incremental updates in performance, battery life, and camera functionality. Ultimately, all three models are powerful devices, but the leap forward might not be enough to compel everyone to upgrade immediately.

The post iPhone 16: Is it Worth the Upgrade? Here’s What You Need to Know first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Pro with New Camera, Video, and Audio Features Powered by A18 Pro Chip

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Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 Pro, bringing significant updates to both its design and performance. The iPhone 16 Pro now features larger displays—6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max—making them the biggest iPhone screens yet. Despite the larger size, Apple has minimized bezels, resulting in a sleek, nearly edge-to-edge look. The adaptive 120Hz ProMotion technology provides smooth scrolling, while the always-on display functionality gives users quick access to key information.

Designer: Apple

The iPhone 16 Pro’s design is constructed using aerospace-grade titanium, offering both durability and lightness. This titanium body is available in four finishes: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium. The device also incorporates a new thermal architecture that improves sustained performance while keeping the phone cool during heavy use. The Pro models are also water and dust-resistant, ensuring longevity in various environments.

Photography: Real-Time Control and Customization

The iPhone 16 Pro empowers creativity through its 48-megapixel fusion camera, which integrates a second-generation quad-pixel sensor capable of reading data twice as fast, allowing for zero shutter lag. Whether capturing fast-moving subjects or subtle details, this new system ensures uncompromised resolution and detail. The sensor’s high-speed data transfer to the A18 Pro chip allows users to capture 48-megapixel proRAW and HEAT photos effortlessly.

A new 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera complements the fusion camera, offering high-resolution shots with autofocus. It excels in capturing wider scenes and stunning macro shots, delivering sharpness and clarity that make it indispensable for creative users. The 5x telephoto camera—with Apple’s longest focal length—provides incredible zoom capabilities from a distance, while the Tetra Prism design improves optical performance for more detailed, high-quality images.

To streamline the photography process, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces an upgraded camera control system. This interface lets users quickly switch between lenses and adjust the depth of field and exposure with a dedicated slider. Later this year, a two-stage shutter will be added, allowing users to lock focus and exposure with a light press, offering precision when reframing shots.

Advanced Photographic Styles and Real-Time Grading

Apple has enhanced the creative range of the iPhone 16 Pro with advanced photographic styles, allowing users to personalize their photos in real-time. With the A18 Pro chip, the image pipeline dynamically adjusts skin tones, colors, highlights, and shadows, enabling a wider range of aesthetic choices. Users can apply styles like black-and-white, dramatic tones, and other custom looks that go beyond basic filters and fine-tune the look with a new control path that simultaneously adjusts tone and color.

What sets these styles apart is the ability to change them after capture, allowing greater flexibility in editing. The real-time preview enabled by the A18 Pro gives users a professional-level color grading experience as they shoot, a significant upgrade for photographers looking for more creative control.

Video: Cinema-Grade Capabilities

The iPhone 16 Pro significantly advances video recording. The new 4K 120fps recording in Dolby Vision is possible thanks to the faster sensor in the 48-megapixel fusion camera and the high transfer speeds of the Apple camera interface. The image signal processor (ISP) of the A18 Pro allows for frame-by-frame cinema-quality color grading, enabling professional-quality video capture directly on the iPhone.

One of the most exciting features is the ability to shoot 4K 120 ProRes and Log video directly to an external storage device, perfect for high-end workflows that demand high frame rates and extensive color grading control. Users no longer need to commit to frame rates upfront—they can adjust playback speed after capture. Whether for slow-motion effects or cinematic storytelling, the iPhone 16 Pro offers flexible playback options, including quarter-speed, half-speed, and 1/5-speed for 24fps cinematic moments.

The camera control interface supports third-party apps like FiLMiC Pro and Grid Composer, enabling advanced features such as precise framing based on the rule of thirds and other composition tools. This further solidifies the iPhone 16 Pro as a versatile tool for video creators.

Audio: Studio-quality sound and Spatial Audio

The iPhone 16 Pro also delivers significant audio upgrades. Four studio-quality microphones provide low noise levels for true-to-life sound capture, whether recording vocals or instruments. The reduced noise floor ensures high-quality audio, which is essential for professional recordings.

A new feature is spatial audio capture during video recording, enhancing the immersive experience when paired with AirPods or viewed on Apple Vision Pro. The spatial audio capture allows dynamic editing through the new audio mix feature, which uses machine learning to separate background elements from voices. This feature includes three voice options: in-frame mix, which isolates the person’s voice on camera; studio mix, which replicates a professional recording environment by eliminating reverb; and cinematic mix, which positions the vocal track upfront with surrounding environmental sounds in the background.

For content creators, Voice Memos now offers the ability to layer tracks on top of existing recordings. This is especially useful for musicians, who can now add vocals over a guitar track or any other instrumental recording. The system automatically isolates the voice from the background audio for a clean, professional result.

A18 Pro Chip: Powering Creativity and Performance

At the core of the iPhone 16 Pro’s new capabilities is the A18 Pro chip, built with second-generation 3-nanometer technology for improved performance and efficiency. The 16-core Neural Engine is designed for tasks requiring high computational power, such as machine learning and generative AI. With a 17% increase in system memory bandwidth, the iPhone 16 Pro can handle tasks such as ray tracing in gaming, 4K video editing, and more.

The A18 Pro chip’s enhanced image signal processor (ISP) enables real-time color grading and supports the advanced photo and video capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro, ensuring that every shot and video benefits from professional-level quality. The chip’s GPU also provides 20% faster performance, allowing for smoother gaming and more efficient graphics rendering.

iPhone 16 Pro: Is It Time to Switch or Upgrade?

For professional creators, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers the performance and tools needed to meet demanding creative standards. Powered by the A18 Pro chip, it offers advanced photographic styles, pro-level video recording, and studio-quality audio. Whether capturing intricate details in images, producing cinematic-quality videos, or recording clear, high-fidelity audio, the iPhone 16 Pro provides the precision and control necessary to achieve your creative goals. This upgrade is a powerful creative tool designed to push the boundaries of your work, supporting and enhancing your vision with every use.

The post Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Pro with New Camera, Video, and Audio Features Powered by A18 Pro Chip first appeared on Yanko Design.

Here’s Every iPhone 16 Pro Leak And Rumor We Know So Far…

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Is it safe to say that Apple’s won the long-term smartphone war? Samsung had a decent Unpacked event last week, and so did Nothing, but none of them have even managed to match the cultural impact of Apple’s iPhone keynote that happens every September. In fact, even though the event happens on one single day, the news coverage before and after the event revolves around the iPhone too. After the phone’s announced, you’ve got first-impressions, reviews, and comparisons… but before the phone is announced, the rumor mill works hard to try and decipher what the upcoming phone will look like. We’re in July right now (two months before Apple announces its latest phone) and at this point, it does seem like we have a fair idea of what the new iPhone 16 Pro will look like. From hardware details to even internal components, the interwebz has worked tirelessly to deliver on leaks and credible speculations – so we decided to collect everything we know about the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max in one single place. Here’s everything we’ve heard so far…

Rendered by: AppleTrack

A18 Pro Bionic Chipset

After last month’s WWDC event, it’s pretty much taken for granted that Apple Intelligence will be at the forefront of the new iPhone lineup… and to make that happen, the new iPhones will need beefed up chipsets. A new report from Jeff Pu, an analyst at Haitong International Tech Research renowned for his reliable insights into Apple’s chip development, reveals that Apple is accelerating the production of the A18 Pro chip earlier than usual. This chip is being specifically tailored for advanced AI functionalities. These upgrades indicate that the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feature a custom-designed A18 Pro chip, emphasizing on-device handling of intensive artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Rumors are indicating that even the regular iPhone 16 phones may get the A18 Bionic chipset to handle these AI features.

Smaller Bezels = Bigger Screens

It’s 2014 again and bezels are public enemy number 1. Apple’s new phones will reportedly have marginally larger screens thanks to an impressive 30% reduction in bezels. This new display template, dubbed BRS or Border Reduction Structure, is thanks to Apple pushing Samsung to provide tighter circuit placement that can help shave off almost half a millimeter of bezel thickness. These reports seem fairly credible, coming from THE ELEC, a Korean industry media outlet. This effectively means the new 16 Pro and Pro Max will have screens measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches diagonally, respectively.

The iPhone 15 Pro on the left and the 16 Pro on the right demonstrate the reduced bezel sizes

A New Capture Button For Enhanced Photography

Although rumors of a Capture Button have circulated for quite a while, actual details on its capabilities have only NOW become more evident. At first, this button was touted as simply a shutter button that could click photos without you needing to touch your screen, but indications show that this button will have a touch-sensitive surface and a two-stage press. The touch-sensitive surface will allow you to slide your finger from side to side to zoom in or out, while the two-stage press lets you press lightly for focusing, and then further for clicking the picture, sort of like most DSLR cameras. The capture button sits where the millimeter-wave antenna once featured on the iPhone’s body, but it seems like the antenna will just move over to the left side instead, making way for the new hardware feature on the iPhone 16 Pro.

Same Old Sensors, New Capabilities

Since cameras are a pretty massive part of the iPhone (some might say its highlight), talking about camera capabilities is also pretty crucial. Rumor has it that the new iPhone 16 Pro will still feature the 48MP main camera sensor from its predecessor with no change. However, the tetraprism telephoto lens from last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max that could output 5x zoom will see even more zoom capabilities. Last year’s flagship iPhone had the zoom equivalent of a 120mm telephoto lens, but rumors indicate the new iPhone will push this to a 300mm lens equivalent. Now obviously, that seems absolutely bonkers, but it also makes sense to take such a rumor with a little pinch of salt. After all, stabilization while zooming in that far would probably be near impossible.

Thinner MagSafe Array

Yet another tweak, noticed by case-makers, is a refinement of the MagSafe array. Now the new MagSafe ring on the iPhone will feature thinner magnets all around, freeing up more space inside the phone without compromising on the magnet’s strength.

(Probably) A New Rose Gold Color Variant

The final rumor is that the iPhone 16 Pro series could see another color variant added to it. Apparently the famed Rose Gold colorway (made popular with earlier iPhone models and even the MacBook Air) could make a comeback – but this time in titanium. Yes, the new Pro-series iPhones will still have a titanium frame, but Apple will probably issue new color variants to set the different iPhone Pro models apart. Last year, the 15 Pro series saw natural, blue, white, and black finishes. It’s fairly conceivable that Rose Gold sees a resurgence this year.

Image Credits: FrontPageTech

The post Here’s Every iPhone 16 Pro Leak And Rumor We Know So Far… first appeared on Yanko Design.

The iPhone 16 might just be a snoozefest… History tells us why.

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Historically, every three years, the iPhone’s design gets a ‘boring’ upgrade. Do you remember the iPhone 8 or the iPhone 13’s most exciting features? Neither do I.

The iPhone X and 11 had radical new designs with the notch, the iPhone 12 introduced 5G and MagSafe… but after two consecutive years of exciting features, the iPhone 13 barely had anything worth talking about (unless you consider ‘Cinematic Mode’ to be a game-changing feature). Skip to the next year and the iPhone 14 Pro had the Dynamic Island and Satellite Connectivity. The iPhone 15 had the Action Button, the USB-C port, and a titanium construction. All indications show that the upcoming iPhone 16 won’t really dazzle much. Aside from a few hardware upgrades and perhaps one or two extra camera features (probably tied to the Vision Pro), there isn’t any thrilling rumor regarding the upcoming iPhone 16’s design. Not that there needs to be – Apple’s entitled to taking a short break every few years and just focusing on fine-tuning the product rather than wowing people. If you’re thinking of upgrading to the 16 this year, I’d probably give it a miss and go for the 15 instead. The iPad, on the other hand, is due for a BIG refresh with rumors of a glass-back, MagSafe, and perhaps some more camera upgrades to support the Vision Pro.

The rumor mill for the latest iPhone often begins around a year prior to its release. Once a model of the iPhone launches, analysts and experts begin speculating what the next year’s model could look like. Speculations turn into rumors by January. Rumors turn into leaks by April or May. And renders emerge online by July or August, approximately a month before Apple announces its newest iPhone. So far, the rumors have been rather underwhelming at best, with some minor upgrades being touted for the iPhone 16.

So far, outlets like MacRumors haven’t specified any ‘game-changing’ new features for the iPhone 16. Sure, you have a chipset upgrade every year and the 16 Pro will run Apple’s latest A18 Bionic chip. Cameras get upgraded too, and there’s speculation that the Ultrawide camera could get a 48MP bump this year. The new iPhone 16 series will apparently have larger displays (so maybe smaller bezels), better 5G, WiFi 7 capabilities, and a new stacked battery architecture for better battery life. Visibly, the iPhone 16 might have a different camera layout, defaulting to the original vertical orientation seen with the iPhone 11 and 12 (although the bump around them may be capsule-shaped instead of square like older models). There’s also speculation about a new physical ‘capture’ button for clicking photos or recording videos… although all indications show that this might just be one of those rumors that end up staying a rumor. Apple’s famously trying to move away from buttons and ports, so adding an extra button to the new phone just doesn’t sound like something the company would do. Moreover, the volume buttons already work as capture buttons when the camera app’s active… so a dedicated capture button feels rather redundant.

The iPhone 16 Pro might see some extremely small incremental changes, with barely any visible differences. The rendering below shows a possible iPhone 16 Pro with a design that’s indistinguishable from last year’s 15 Pro model. Apple will almost certainly stick to titanium for the Pro series, potentially with newer colors to help differentiate them from last year’s models.

All eyes, however, are on Apple’s software development team this year. The company famously canceled its rumored Apple Car project, moving the entire Project Titan team to work for the in-house AI development department. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo speculate that Apple might announce AI-based features like a next-gen Siri powered by Apple’s own LLM, or other generative AI capabilities. These announcements, however, may just come with the iOS 18 debut during WWDC in June. To push the latest iPhone series, Apple may also limit these AI features only to the iPhone 16 range, forcing consumers to make the upgrade. However, until these speculations are confirmed, the iPhone 16 may just be worth a miss this year.

Images via MacRumors

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iPhone 16 Pro punch-hole camera cutout is still possible but 2025 is more likely

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Ever since the iPhone X in 2017, Apple has stayed faithful to the notch despite numerous criticisms. Last year, however, it finally changed direction for the first time while still staying away from the dominant “punch-hole camera” design of most smartphones today. The Dynamic Island, which is unsurprisingly now being copied by other brands, presented a unique and interesting way to hide the presence of front sensors like the Face ID camera while still making that area usable and, well, dynamic. There are, however, whispers that Apple will soon go all-in on the prevalent design trend and will implement its first punch-hole design on the iPhone 16 Pro next year, though chances of that happening in 2025 might be a bit more realistic.

Designer: Apple (via Majin Bu)

Although the smartphone industry seems to have settled on what is described as punch-hole or hole-punch cutouts, the debates have never really stopped on what is the better design. The old iPhone notch, in addition to being seen as stale, also took up too much precious screen real estate that could otherwise be used to display things. The smaller circle does minimize the footprint but still leaves a lot of room for improvement in terms of elegance and functionality. The Dynamic Island introduced last year is Apple’s creative and ingenious solution to combine the best of both worlds, but it seems that even design-conscious isn’t done changing things.

According to rumors, Apple is already testing a punch-hole design that could make its way as early as next year’s iPhone 16 Pro. The insider tip even shows a render with a rather large hole at the top of an iPhone’s display. The cutout is noticeably larger than most punch-holes on Android phones that have been trying to make that design less conspicuous. There’s a good reason for that, which is the same reason Apple couldn’t completely abandon the notch and why it created the Dynamic Island design. Face ID hardware is more than just a simple front-facing camera, and Apple will need to make room for those sensors in such a constrained space.

Even if Apple does change to a punch-hole camera design, expect it to be unlike what you see on Android phones so far. We could see a redesigned Dynamic Island implemented for this kind of cutout that takes advantage of the smaller space. Or we could see Apple completely revise iOS 18 to have a different interface now that there’s more room for icons and whatnot up there.

That said, even the tipster admits that there is a bigger chance that this design change will happen with the iPhone 17 series in 2025 instead. All that depends on what the company decides in March next year when it finally decides on the iPhone 16 design. Truth be told, there is very little reason for Apple to make another change so soon, with Dynamic Island still in its infancy. After all, Apple isn’t one to simply jump on trends, so it might be a while before we see it changing its direction again.

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iPhone 16 Pro renders surface online with staggered 4-lens camera system

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Even though we’re still 4 months away from the iPhone 15 being announced, the tech rumor mill is hard at work trying to decipher what future iPhone models will look like… and can you blame them? 8 out of 10 of the best-selling phones of 2022 were iPhones! While we’ve pretty much got some solid intel on what the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro will look like, designer Ivano Frankivsk put together a concept for what the 16 Pro model should look like. Marking a major deviation from the 13 Pro and 14 Pro models, this concept features a 4-lens camera system, and a double camera bump that’s staggered for some visual dynamism (as well as to make place for the Periscope Lens). The phone looks unapologetically Apple-like… but the staggered camera bump feels visually refreshing. It also makes enough space for a flash and a LiDAR sensor, allowing the iPhone 16 Pro to have perhaps the most advanced camera system we’ve ever seen on a smartphone!

Designer: Ivano Frankivsk (@vovalenard)

Details on the 16 Pro at this moment are scarce, but as far as we know, the iPhone is definitely going to get a USB-C model this year, given strict EU regulations that kick in in 2024. Since Apple’s phones sell for roughly 2 years before being discontinued, it makes sense for the company to make their USB-C model now, so that it doesn’t need to be pulled off the shelves next year in one of Apple’s biggest global markets. Suffice it to say, the 16 Pro will still have a USB-C, although Apple seems to really be gunning for a port-less iPhone in the somewhat distant future. It’s rumored that they even tried solid-state capacitive buttons, before reverting back to physical click buttons for the 15 Pro.

Frankivsk’s iPhone 16 Pro concept showcases a rather unique-looking camera bump, although to keen eyed enthusiasts, it’s just two iPhone X camera units placed one beside the other. This staggered design gives the phone enough space for each lens and sensor array, especially allowing Apple to cram a larger 48MP sensor into the cameras as well as that rumored Periscope Lens, which will be capable of impressive levels of optical zoom.

As far as the front goes, it still looks like the Dynamic Island will play a significant role in defining the front of the iPhone. Debuted just last year, the Dynamic Island was considered a welcome change after 6 full years of having a notch in the upper part of the bezel. It doesn’t look like under-screen cameras or fingerprint readers will be coming any time soon, although Samsung did reveal their latest Sensor OLED display on Monday, with the ability to read heart rate and blood pressure right through the screen’s touch interface.

The iPhone 16 Pro won’t arrive before September of next year, but credible leaks in the early days of 2024 will help us understand what the new phone will really look like.

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