The MacRumors Show: iPhone 16 Pro First Impressions - MacRumors
Skip to Content

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 16 Pro First Impressions

After some hands-on time with the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through our first impressions of the new devices.


We consider some of the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro's most noticeable features and improvements, such as longer battery life, the 48-megapixel ultra wide camera, enhanced microphones, overhauled Photographic Styles, and the 5x telephoto camera. We also explore our mixed feelings about the all-new Camera Control button. We also discuss the revamped design of the Apple Watch Series 10, as well as the fit improvements and active noise cancellation capabilities of the AirPods 4. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips:

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion about our favorite iOS 18 features.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Jon Prosser, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.

Popular Stories

TMRS 113 Is Apples HomeView Worth the Wait Thumb

The MacRumors Show: Was HomeView Worth the Wait?

Friday October 16, 2026 9:12 am PDT by
Apple this week finally announced the HomePod mini 2, a new Apple TV 4K, and its "HomeView" smart home hub. On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through our reactions to the announcements. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Apple's HomeView costs $299 and combines a 7-inch square display with Siri AI, FaceTime, music playback, and smart home...
TMRS 213 Welcome Home Event Thumb

The MacRumors Show: Apple's Smart Home Products Are Coming

Friday October 9, 2026 8:36 am PDT by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we look ahead to Apple's recently announced October 13 event and its expected push into the smart home market, including a dedicated home hub, the HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Apple is expected to introduce its first smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV...
TMRS 114 iPhone Duo and Pro and Tell

The MacRumors Show: iPhone Duo Arrives, Touchscreen MacBooks Next

Friday October 23, 2026 8:48 am PDT by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through the reception to the iPhone Duo as it goes on sale today, what to expect from next week's "Pro and tell" experience, and the iPod's 25th anniversary. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos The iPhone Duo launches today, starting at $1,999, with a 5.4-inch outer display that unfolds into a 7.6-inch inner...

Top Rated Comments

27 months ago
What improvements??
It’s the same phone
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
carrrrrlos Avatar
27 months ago
Possibly the most 'gimmicky' iPhone release. Passing once again.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
27 months ago

They literally paid China half a trillion dollars to have a market there (well, around 300 billion). They weren't selling in China and the CCP agreed to help market the iPhone there in exchange for the money. This actually happened, regardless if it makes sense to you or not.

https://www.theinformation.com/articles/facing-hostile-chinese-authorities-apple-ceo-signed-275-billion-deal-with-them

Couple that with all the chip manufacturing they invested in China, and the numbers are very high. It's because of China that their market valuation is what it is today.

It wasn't paid all at once. It was paid over 5 years, but it more than paid off for them.
so roughly half the amount you said. got it.

also a deal “worth” including business deals, investments and worker training. This could all be included in its foxconn deals as well.

this isn't paying 275 billion dollars outright in any form
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
27 months ago
i hope Dan is feeling better. he definitely seemed miserable here.
there’s a growing sense that everyone covering Apple is over it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen morale and enthusiasm this low before amongst the professional enthusiasts.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
27 months ago

I totally disagree with Hartley. Maybe he got a bad unit. The camera control is not as bad as he makes out. After all he has had the phone 48 hours. I double click twice and the camera immediately opens, it’s not slow and certainly is faster than going to the screen clicking the camera icon and turning the phone to take a picture.
And I agree with you. I'm really digging the camera control button. Which for landscape orientation puts the button where it belongs.

As far as shake goes... when *making* (as opposed to taking) photos, especially ones I care about, I always use two hands, and the camera button is right where it needs to be, and there is no shake. It's far better than tapping the red "button" on the screen from a stability aspect.

All in all, it's an excellent upgrade for making photos.

And I especially like the photo browser app. Where I can fluidly zoom the grid in and out while scrolling to find a past photo I'm looking for. At the moment I have more than 28,000 photos on my phone and the new Photos app is killer for going through them.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
27 months ago
Same here. I can't live with gold. I don't find black too severe, but I am afraid of how the paint could get scuffed. I'm not crazy about "natural" either. By far the best color Apple has ever had with iPhone Pro models has been Pacific Blue. Gorgeous!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Halloween Weekend Brings Discounts on Apple Accessories and Pre-Orders
Halloween Weekend Brings Discounts on Apple Accessories and Pre-Orders
17 minutes ago
Apple Has Released More Than 25 New Products in the Past Two Months
Apple Has Released More Than 25 New Products in the Past Two Months
26 minutes ago
Local Code Launches as Free, Private AI Assistant Tool for Mac
Local Code Launches as Free, Private AI Assistant Tool for Mac
1 hour ago
Apple Acquires Ascend.io
Apple Acquires Ascend.io
2 hours ago
HomePod Mini 2 Launches Today: All the New Features
HomePod Mini 2 Launches Today: All the New Features
2 hours ago
AirTag 2 4-Pack Drops to New Low Price of $69.99
AirTag 2 4-Pack Drops to New Low Price of $69.99
2 hours ago
Rian Johnson's iPhone Camera App Goes Viral
Rian Johnson's iPhone Camera App Goes Viral
2 hours ago
Where Did All the iPhone Duos Go? Mostly to Apple's Stores
Where Did All the iPhone Duos Go? Mostly to Apple's Stores
5 hours ago
Apple's Touchscreen MacBook Pro Could Ship 1.5M Units in 2027
Apple's Touchscreen MacBook Pro Could Ship 1.5M Units in 2027
5 hours ago
New Apple TV 4K and iPad Mini: RAM Amounts Revealed
New Apple TV 4K and iPad Mini: RAM Amounts Revealed
14 hours ago
Apple Executive Comments on New iPad Mini Lacking 120Hz Display
Apple Executive Comments on New iPad Mini Lacking 120Hz Display
18 hours ago
Here's a Hands-On Look at HomePod Mini 2's New Two-Tone Colors
Here's a Hands-On Look at HomePod Mini 2's New Two-Tone Colors
19 hours ago
Apple Lowers App Store Fees in Taiwan Starting October 31
Apple Lowers App Store Fees in Taiwan Starting October 31
20 hours ago
HomeView Pre-Order Returns to $289.99 on Amazon
HomeView Pre-Order Returns to $289.99 on Amazon
20 hours ago
Apple Avoids Showing Pinched Fingers on iPad Mini Page in South Korea
Apple Avoids Showing Pinched Fingers on iPad Mini Page in South Korea
20 hours ago
Old 'Popcorn Time' App Left Hundreds of Thousands of Macs at Risk
Old 'Popcorn Time' App Left Hundreds of Thousands of Macs at Risk
21 hours ago
You Can Turn Off the New MacBook Pro's Touchscreen Functionality
You Can Turn Off the New MacBook Pro's Touchscreen Functionality
22 hours ago
MacBook Pro Mini-LED vs. OLED Buyer's Guide: Every Difference
MacBook Pro Mini-LED vs. OLED Buyer's Guide: Every Difference
23 hours ago
Where to Pre-Order Apple's New MacBooks, iPad Mini, and iMac
Where to Pre-Order Apple's New MacBooks, iPad Mini, and iMac
1 day ago
Apple Releasing HomePod Mini 2 Tomorrow With These New Features
Apple Releasing HomePod Mini 2 Tomorrow With These New Features
1 day ago
How macOS Adapts Its Controls for Touch on the New MacBook Pro
How macOS Adapts Its Controls for Touch on the New MacBook Pro
1 day ago
Just Got an iPhone Duo? Try These Features First
Just Got an iPhone Duo? Try These Features First
1 day ago
Apple Announced Scott Forstall's Departure 14 Years Ago Today
Apple Announced Scott Forstall's Departure 14 Years Ago Today
1 day ago
Best Buy Opens Pre-Orders for PROLED XDR MacBook Pro With $100 Bonus Gift Cards
Best Buy Opens Pre-Orders for PROLED XDR MacBook Pro With $100 Bonus Gift Cards
2 days ago
Here's Everything Apple Announced This Week
Here's Everything Apple Announced This Week
2 days ago
Here's a Real-World Look at the New MacBook Pro's Glowing Apple Logo
Here's a Real-World Look at the New MacBook Pro's Glowing Apple Logo
2 days ago
How Accurate Were Rumors About Apple's OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro?
How Accurate Were Rumors About Apple's OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro?
2 days ago
Apple Has 8 New Products Available for Pre-Order
Apple Has 8 New Products Available for Pre-Order
2 days ago
iPhone Duo: Turn the Hinge Into an App Launcher
iPhone Duo: Turn the Hinge Into an App Launcher
2 days ago
OLED MacBook Pro vs. Mini-LED MacBook Pro: Size and Weight Compared
OLED MacBook Pro vs. Mini-LED MacBook Pro: Size and Weight Compared
2 days ago