At 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET today, Apple officially launched preorders for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. Last night, I went to sleep feeling proud that I hadn’t set up a preorder for Apple’s latest iPhone. But, just 20 minutes after preorders opened, I gave in.
Surprisingly, I didn’t preorder the iPhone 16 Pro Max, known for its advanced features, or the smaller yet equally capable iPhone 16 Pro. I also passed on the iPhone 16 Plus, despite its bigger display and potentially excellent battery life. Instead, I made the somewhat ridiculous decision to go with the base model iPhone 16.
As a tech writer who covers smartphones, I usually go for the most powerful models. If there’s an Ultra version, I’ll get it. If there’s a Pro edition, I want it. My daily devices often include the likes of the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra—phones with the best cameras, premium displays, and top-notch features. Currently, I’ve been using the iPhone 15 Pro Max since it launched last year.
Given my love for flagship devices, you’d think I’d go for the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max. So why did I choose the regular iPhone 16 this time? The answer may surprise you.