iPhone 16 launch is just a few days away, but don’t upgrade unless you really want this..

iPhone 16 is going to have multiple new features, but it ultimately boils down to one key feature: Apple Intelligence.

Apple’s iPhone 16 series launch event—Glowtime—is all set for September 9. This means the new iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the standard iPhone 16 models are just days away from landing in consumers' hands. However, as things stand, this is expected to be a minor upgrade compared to last year's iPhone 15 series, and it might not be worth upgrading to the latest iPhone 16 models. But, there is one key feature that might entice you to upgrade: Apple Intelligence AI.

iPhone 16 may not be the ideal upgrade for some iPhone users. (Image By: Sam Kohl/@iupdate)

By Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers.

He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey.

Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol cars

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iPhone 15 Vanilla Models Won’t Get Apple Intelligence, Leaving iPhone 16 As The Only Choice for Apple’s New AI Tech After Launch

When the iPhone 16 series launches, Apple will likely discontinue the iPhone 15 Pro, which is currently the only model that supports Apple Intelligence. Moreover, Apple Intelligence won’t be available for standard iPhone 15 models, leaving those users out in the cold. Therefore, upgrading to the iPhone 16 series will be the only option if you want to experience Apple’s new AI technology.

Having said that, all iPhone 16 models, including the standard versions, are expected to feature the new Apple Intelligence AI, thanks to the new A18 chipsets—so you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune on the iPhone 16 Pro models to access these new features.

Upgrading to iPhone 16 Pro May Not Make Sense for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max Owners Unless…

As mentioned earlier, the iPhone 15 Pro models will get Apple Intelligence features, which means upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro may not be necessary, especially since the iPhone 16 Pro will likely feature a similar design, with only a size increase from 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays to 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays.

iPhone 15 Pro Is Going to Be the Last ‘Smallish’ Pro Phone, So Get One While Stocks Last

If you love smaller phones but want the latest hardware, the iPhone 15 Pro remains a great choice. You get a lot of phone for a device that is just 6.1 inches in 2024, and with the iPhone 16 Pro potentially increasing to a 6.3-inch display, buying the iPhone 15 Pro could be a good idea—especially if you can find a good deal in offline markets. In fact, Apple recently dropped prices in the Indian market, and that has made the iPhone 15 Pro cheaper by around ₹5,000.