After nearly a year with the iPhone 16 Pro as my main device, I can confidently say it’s been a dependable, high-performing companion. From day one, I paired it with a Spigen Glas.tR EZ-FIT screen protector and often used it without a bulky case. My daily routine covers social media, messaging, calls, and plenty of 4K60 video shooting – and that extra storage on the 512GB model has been a blessing over the minimum 256GB.
Choosing the standard Pro instead of the Pro Max was the right call for me. 
It’s still hefty, but manageable, and far more comfortable than the Max’s size. Performance remains consistently snappy, the loudspeaker is surprisingly good, and MagSafe’s versatility – from car mounts to Continuity Camera for my MacBook video calls – is genuinely useful.
Battery & Charging
Battery life has slightly improved over the 15 Pro, averaging 5–6 hours of screen time, but it’s still a daily charger. The Pro Max’s two-day endurance is out of reach here. Charging remains sluggish at 25W; a jump to 45W would make a world of difference.
Camera
The camera app is a quiet masterpiece – seamless lens switching, smooth zoom controls – ideal for video work. The 5X telephoto is a mixed bag: useless for most of my people shots but perfect for stage recordings on my dance-focused Instagram. Honestly, a 3–3.5X lens would hit the sweet spot. As for the much-hyped 48MP ultra-wide, it hasn’t delivered a transformative upgrade; I still use the main camera for most shots.
Apps & Ecosystem
iOS still offers the smoothest app experience. Exclusive gems like VSCO Capture keep me hooked, while Android’s equivalents often feel clunky or ad-ridden. Yes, Apple’s ecosystem can be a golden cage, but for creators, the combination of video quality, accessories, and stability is hard to beat.
AI Features (or lack thereof)
Despite Apple’s AI promises, features like Genmoji and Image Playground have been practically useless for me. The real AI magic I use – chatbots, smart editing – still comes from third-party apps. That said, I do miss some of Samsung and Google’s AI tools, like object removal or instant video summaries.
iPhone 17 Pro Wishlist
- Lighter build with silicon-carbon battery tech
- Keep size around 6.3 inches but shave off the weight
- Replace 5X zoom with 3–3.5X
- Thoughtful AI integration
- 12GB RAM
- Cheaper storage upgrades
With rumors pointing to a September 9, 2025 launch, we’ll soon see if Apple’s next flagship finally delivers on these hopes – and maybe makes AI truly worth the hype.