Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some advice from the community, especially those who have upgraded to the iPhone 16. I currently own an iPhone 13, which I purchased in May 2024. The battery health is currently at 89%.
I've been hearing a lot about the iPhone 16 and its features, particularly Apple Intelligence. For those of you who have made the switch, I'm curious about your experience.
Specifically, I'd love to know:
* Do you feel the upgrade from an iPhone 13 to an iPhone 16 is significant enough, especially from an accessibility perspective for VoiceOver users?
* Is Apple Intelligence proving to be a game-changer in your daily use? Are there specific features within Apple Intelligence that you find particularly beneficial as a blind or low-vision user?
* Considering my iPhone 13 is still relatively new and the battery health is decent, do you think the benefits of upgrading to the iPhone 16 (primarily for Apple Intelligence) outweigh the cost and the fact that my current phone is still quite capable?
* For those who have experience with both devices, are there any other notable improvements in the iPhone 16 that significantly enhance the user experience for blind or low-vision individuals, beyond Apple Intelligence?
I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons and would really appreciate your insights and recommendations. Should I consider upgrading now for the Apple Intelligence features, or am I likely to be well-served by continuing to use my iPhone 13 for the time being?
Thanks in advance for your help!
By Indra, 13 May, 2025
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Comments
Love the 16 E
I think apple intelligence will only get better. The 16E is a good phone. One feature is the grammer checker. it is in the writing tools.
16 pro max
Have it and like it. We give Siri a low score now but hoping in the future will get better. Went from the 13 pro to it. Next iOS might also be able to have google AI beside Chat GPT. Good investment if you get it. Make sure for a good deal on it from your phone company.
Apple Intelligence Isn't Worth It
Apple Intelligence really isn't worth it for me. If you want a new phone on a budget, go with the iPhone 16e. It has great battery life and performs on par with the rest of the iPhone 16 devices. If you're not in a rush to upgrade and are otherwise happy with your current phone, my personal recommendation would be to wait for the iPhone 17 line and make a decision at that point. And if your only reason for wanting to upgrade is for Apple Intelligence, definitely keep the phone you have.
iPhone 16
I've got the iPhone 16 and had a 12 Pro previously. I don't think the camera is as good when it comes to night photos, according to my partner, but to me it's a good phone. Battery life could be better. Apple Intelligence isn't bad, but I only use the Chat GPT Siri feature. The summaries can either be useful or annoying.
There's a few extra buttons on the device, here's what I've done with them:
Action Button (above the volume keys) - Seeing AI
Camera Button (on the right side) - QR Code Scanner (you can change it in the Settings app). Makes the camera button less useless and scanning QR codes less annoying.
Hold Off
I would say hold onto your phone for a little longer. The iPhone 16E introduced new components made by Apple instead of third party companies, and from what I understand that has had a significant, positive, extension on battery life. Considering the iPhone 16E is the entry level model, I have no doubt the iPhone 17 series will only improve on this technology and that the battery will be extended even further. As long as your phone still works, I'd hold off on upgrading, because while Apple Intelligence is a nifty nice to have upgrade, it's hardly essential. The personal context feature on the other hand, will be the game changer if it is as good as we are told it may be. But we won't know for another few months at best, by which time the iPhone 17 series will be nearing its launch date anyway.
I'd hang on to your 13.
89% isn't too bad, and Apple intelligence hasn't advanced enough to make it all that useful, in my opinion, except for the writing tools.
Thanks
Thank you so much for all the helpful advice! After considering your feedback, especially regarding the still excellent condition of my iPhone 13 and the upcoming iPhone 17, I've decided to hold off on upgrading for now.
Best regards: Indra 🙏🏻 🙇🏻♂️
Love my ultramarineiPhone 16!
I had an iphone 13 pro which I purchased the year it was released. It was a good phone, but the phone was starting to have what were, to me at least, overheating issues and its battery was deteriorating. Also, face ID only worked when it wanted to, and there were a few other frustrations. So, when the iphone 16 was released and one of the color choices was essentially my all-time favorite color, I knew I'd end up retiring my 13 pro. I actually managed to make myself wait until this past January; got my 16 on January 28, and after resolving a minor glitch with regards to getting my eSim transferred, I haven't looked back. I can't comment too much on Apple Intelligence, but I love having the startup and shutdown sounds for my phone, and visual intelligence is a very nice feature. The best feature, though, at least for me, is the dedicated camera button. It just makes taking pictures a lot easier, at least for me. I was apprehensive about losing the mute switch, but the action button serves the same purpose, and VO tells me if my phone is in ring mode or silent. True, I lost access to having a lidar sensor, but it's pretty obvious at this point that I never actually used the lidar when I had it. My iPhone 16 hasn't ever given me a moment's trouble, and I fully intend to keep it until it's no longer supported or otherwise becomes completely unusable. Bottom line, I think it's absolutely worth upgrading, no matter which flavor of the iPhone 16 you choose.
@Missy Hoppe
when you upgrade to iPhone 16, how much your iphone 13 pro battery health condition? Below 80%?
17 will be out soon
Just a heads up, the iPhone 17 should be released in about 5 months, give or take.
Just something to consider.