You see… The upcoming iPhone 16 series could technically be the most diverse iPhone lineup ever – especially when it comes to screen size options. Believe it or not, Apple has never (ever) released four iPhones with four different screen sizes.
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While on paper it sounds like Apple is giving you more options than ever before, I see it a little differently. It may be that Apple is trying to meet the needs of the majority of people who want phones with large screens, but does that mean you have “more choice than ever before”?
Or let me put it this way: Does 0.2 inches matter when it comes to “more choice”?
The wide range of Apple's iPhone 16 models is real – but it's like choosing between shoe sizes 8, 8.2, 8.4 and 8.6
Leaked iPhone 16 series specs that may or may not be true.
Although Apple is about to launch four iPhones with four different screen sizes, the difference between the smaller and larger displays of the iPhone16 (6.1 inches), iPhone16 Plus (6.7 inches), iPhone 16 Pro (6.3 inches) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9 inches) may not give you as much choice as you think.
If you look closely, you will see that the choice you have to make is not that significant. The jump of 6.1 inches on the iPhone16 up to 6.3 inches on the iPhone 16 Pro and from Plus to Pro Max it is only a
0.2 inches.
Choosing between 6.1-, 6.3-, 6.7- and 6.9-inch phones is like going to a restaurant that only serves main dishes. Even if you're not that hungry, you'll have to order more than you can eat because that's the only option available – no sides or appetizers.
Now, is 0.2 inches a noticeable difference in screen size? Well, yes and no – it depends on you, or rather, on the phone you're upgrading from.
For example, my main phone is an iPhone 13 mini, which means I can probably feel the difference that 0.2 inches can make. But that's not the case for most people.
The iPhone 16 proves once again that iPhone manufacturing is a balancing act – larger entry-level iPhones do not (yet) mean professional features
Leaked dummy models of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
All in all, Apple might give the impression that they are iPhone16 series, the reality is that the choice is not as diverse as it could be. But here's an example of giving iPhone users a wider range of options…
If Apple had kept the 5.4-inch iPhone Mini, it would have given iPhone users a truly different option. But now, with the iPhone16 Series: The screen options available are all large or… larger, creating the illusion of variety.
Frankly, Apple is focusing on what most people want, which is (according to sales figures) iPhones with larger screens.
However, this also has side effects: It also means that the smaller and larger iPhone 16 models have to be differentiated in a different way – and no longer just by screen size like in the good old days.
Basically, you can't have it all – a standard iPhone with a big screen… AND 120 Hz. At least not until Apple adds more premium features to the iPhone 17 Pro, i.e. gives the standard model a ProMotion screen. iPhone17 doesn't stop people from buying the more expensive Pro model.
Of course, this also means that those who prefer smaller phones should settle for the 6.1-inch iPhone. And while I don’t necessarily want to say that the form factor of my iPhone 13 mini should make a comeback, perhaps a 5.8-inch iPhone would have been more attractive to those looking for a truly pocket-sized device?
Apple is already setting the stage for the iPhone 17 Slim 2025 – heavy iPhone 16 Pro models will create demand for lighter iPhones – not just larger ones
Rumor has it that the smaller iPhone 16 Pro will weigh 194g, so I don't think the iPhone 17 Slim can come soon enough.
Looking at the leaked specs of the iPhone 16 Pro, I have to say I would have liked more choice in terms of weight, Apple. Maybe the iPhone Slim is a good idea after all. Tim Cook & Co. are setting the stage for the slimmest and lightest iPhone ever. But that won't come until next year…
At the end iPhone16 The series will indeed offer iPhone users the most diverse iPhone lineup ever. However, the selection is quite limited.
If you're happy with a larger phone, then of course you have a number of options. But if you were hoping for something really different, like a really compact device or something lightweight but still 'Pro', then you're out of luck…
Anyway, if I decided to buy the 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro I would probably choose it because it seems to offer a good balance compared to the rest.
Well, with one notable exception – the weight of 194g, which seems a bit excessive for a phone with a 6.3-inch panel.
This is also why I might keep my iPhone 13 Mini even if I upgraded to a larger iPhone 16 Pro model. At 141g, my Mini is too unique to give away.