Tag: iPhone 16 Pro

November 12, 2024
Caviar Launches $9,200 iPhone 16 Pro Collection for Icons
Caviar, a luxury smartphone customizer located in Dubai, has just launched its newest collection named “Visionaries,” which features exclusive custom designs for the iPhone 16 Pro series.
Celebrating Influential Figures
This collection honors key figures, showcasing models inspired by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs. Each device is meticulously made using premium materials, with distinct engravings and meaningful elements that reflect the legacy of these notable individuals.
Detailed Specifications
The Steve Jobs edition begins at $9,340, paying tribute to the late Apple co-founder. It is made of impact-resistant titanium and sports a sleek black PVD finish. The device incorporates a gold-hued engraving along with Apple’s famous logo, highlighted by double electroplated gold for an impressive appearance.
The Trump Great Again edition, which starts at $9,200, celebrates Donald Trump’s anticipated 2024 presidential win. This model features an aerospace-grade titanium frame with a durable black PVD finish, mirroring the architectural style of the Trump Tower. It includes a red centerpiece representing Trump’s signature red tie and his election ballot mark. The design is further enhanced with the engraved slogan “Great Again” as a reference to his campaign, adorned with stars and stripes to pay respect to the American flag.
A Unique Space Experience
The Musk Be On Mars edition, starting at $9,990, honors Elon Musk’s ambitions with SpaceX. A key highlight of this model is an actual fragment from the SpaceX Starship embedded within the phone, sourced from a collector of Starship crash remnants. Finished in a space black color, this model features laser-engraved space scenes and a bas-relief of the Dragon spacecraft. Musk’s name and signature are also prominently displayed, showcasing his contributions to space exploration.
The Caviar Visionaries collection includes the iPhone 16 series, which encompasses the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max from the last generation. With storage choices ranging from 128GB to 1TB, each model is a limited collector’s item, with only 99 units manufactured.
Caviar is recognized for its lavish designs, having previously launched the custom Huawei Mate XT Ultimate that features 24k gold and crocodile leather, along with a gold-plated iPhone 16 Pro in a rare desert titanium shade, starting at $10,630.
Tags: Caviar Visionaries, iPhone 16 Pro, Luxury Smartphone Customization
November 9, 2024
Pixel 9 Pro Production Costs Fall 11% Compared to Previous Model
A new report by Nikkei has revealed that the production cost of Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is around $406. This marks a decrease of about 11 percent compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these two devices are not exactly the same size, which complicates the cost comparison somewhat.
Cost Breakdown of Pixel 9 Pro
Looking at the costs in detail, the most expensive part of the Pixel 9 Pro is the Tensor G4 chip, which costs $80. Following that is the Samsung M14 display, contributing an additional $75 to the total. The camera components account for $61 of the overall cost. The lower manufacturing expense can be partly attributed to the Pixel 9 Pro’s smaller design compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, allowing for a more compact screen and battery.
Comparison with iPhone 16 Pro
On the other hand, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro is more expensive to manufacture, with costs reaching $568. This is a 6 percent increase from the last model. The A18 Pro chip comes in at $135, while the M14 display and camera parts add $110 and $91, respectively.
Despite the higher production costs, both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro are available at the same retail price of $999. The contrast in manufacturing expenses suggests that the two companies have different profit margins. It’s also essential to remember that these figures do not include other significant expenses like research and development, marketing, and distribution.
Google’s Strategy
With the Pixel 9 Pro’s lower manufacturing costs, it appears that Google is focusing on enhancing production efficiency to maintain competitive pricing in the premium market segment.
Tags: iPhone 16 Pro, manufacturing costs, Pixel 9 Pro
November 6, 2024
Google Pixel 9 Pro Materials Cost $400, Cheaper than Pixel 8 Pro
A recent report from Nikkei reveals that Google has successfully created its new flagship phone, the Pixel 9 Pro, at a lower production cost than previous models, even with enhancements in various hardware and software features.
Cost Breakdown of Pixel 9 Pro’s BOM
The estimated Bill of Materials (BOM) for the Pixel 9 Pro is around $406, which is about an 11% decrease from the BOM of the Pixel 8 Pro. This cost reduction mainly results from savings on the display and camera parts, which are often optimized by manufacturers to make premium devices more affordable for customers.
A closer look at the component breakdown shows that key parts like the Tensor G4 processor, the display, and the camera contribute to the BOM. The display, sourced from Samsung, now costs $75, while the camera system is priced at $61. These amounts are significantly lower than those of earlier Pixel versions.
Comparison with iPhone 16 Pro’s BOM
In comparison, Apple reportedly incurs around $568 to produce the iPhone 16 Pro, a device recognized for its high-quality construction and premium pricing. The cost breakdown for Apple’s device includes $110 for the same Samsung M14 display, $91 for advanced camera components, and $135 for the A18 Pro chipset. The higher BOM for the iPhone can be attributed to Apple’s choice of pricier components to set apart its high-performance devices in the premium smartphone sector.
While Google’s Pixel devices often outperform Apple’s in terms of image quality, much of this success is credited to software processing. Google emphasizes cost-effective component choices while prioritizing features like AI-driven software enhancements. The company also invests heavily in software development (including AI), which is not reflected in the BOM cost.
Future Implications: Potential BOM Increase for Tensor G5
The costs of processors play a crucial role in the BOM, influencing both performance and energy efficiency. The Pixel 9 Pro’s Tensor G4, priced competitively at $80, may not reach the performance levels of Apple’s $135 A18 Pro chipset or the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which costs nearly $200. This price difference showcases each company’s unique strategies in chipset design and the real-world performance expectations for their flagship products.
Even though the Pixel 9 Pro has a lower BOM, Google’s choice to save on materials such as the display and camera does not imply a reduction in quality. The Pixel series is known for its outstanding photography and seamless integration with Google’s AI software, ensuring a competitive user experience without raising prices.
Looking ahead, while the current Tensor G4 remains affordable, there are speculations that Google’s next Tensor G5 processor will be manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm process. This change from Samsung Foundry’s 4nm technology is anticipated to enhance performance and efficiency. However, this shift may also increase production costs due to the higher expenses associated with advanced semiconductor technologies.
If these costs do rise, it could affect pricing for future Pixel devices. Although pricier, the 3nm Tensor G5 might deliver essential optimizations, tackling issues that Pixel users have encountered with past Tensor processors, such as heat management and battery longevity.
Tags: iPhone 16 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, Tensor G4
October 31, 2024
iPhone 16 Pro Display Review: Lags Behind Pixel 9 Pro XL and S24 Ultra
DxOMark has released their findings on the iPhone 16 Pro’s display, and Apple enthusiasts may need to prepare for some disappointing news. Much like the regular iPhone 16, the performance isn’t up to par, with the iPhone 16 Pro falling short not only against Samsung’s S24 and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro series but also its own predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro.
Performance Ratings
Scoring a mere 150 points, the iPhone 16 Pro lands in 17th position in DxOMark’s global rankings, trailing behind the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which achieved a top score of 158 points. The Samsung S24 Ultra follows closely with 155 points, while last year’s iPhone 15 Pro earned 151 points in the same evaluation.
Positive Aspects
On a brighter note, the display on the iPhone 16 Pro is still quite commendable for a flagship device. As per DxOMark, it features vibrant and accurate colors whether you’re indoors or outside, providing a visually pleasing experience overall.
However, there are several critiques worth noting from DxOMark. Notably, the luminance and contrast levels of the display are somewhat lacking under certain conditions, which can hinder readability. Additionally, the average brightness for both HDR 10 and SDR videos is inconsistent, raising concerns about performance.
Design Issues
A significant change for the iPhone 16 Pro series is the thinner bezels, but this seems to have backfired. According to DxOMark, the reduced bezel size results in more frequent accidental touches, which detracts from the overall user experience.
In spite of these shortcomings, the iPhone 16 Pro remains a solid competitor in the flagship market. DxOMark even described the display as ‘impressive’ in their summary. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to overlook how far the Pixel 9 Pro XL (currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon) and the S24 Ultra are ahead in this area, which may be difficult for those expecting more from this year’s iPhone models to accept.
Tags: iPhone 16 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Samsung S24 Ultra
September 23, 2024
iPhone 16 Pro Users Report Touchscreen Freezing Issues
If you have recently acquired a device from Apple’s iPhone 16 series, particularly the 16 Pro or Pro Max, you may have encountered some touchscreen problems. Fortunately, you are not alone—numerous reports are emerging on various online platforms, especially Reddit, where many iPhone 16 Pro users are voicing similar concerns.
Touchscreen Unresponsiveness
The issues seem to be related to unintended touches, particularly on the right side of the screen where the new camera button is placed. Users have noted that any contact in this sensitive area can temporarily freeze the entire display, with only the home bar remaining responsive. However, 9to5Mac has pointed out that "the problem seems to affect all four screen edges equally."
More specifically, the problem arises when users inadvertently rest their skin on these sensitive regions, leading to system delays or total unresponsiveness. This makes it extremely difficult to swipe or tap, hindering navigation on the device.
Case Sensitivity and Software Design
Users on Reddit have observed that the issue is simpler to trigger when the phone is used without a case. Nonetheless, some individuals still experience the problem even when their device is protected, although it becomes less frequent. Others speculate that the software might have been intentionally developed in this manner to avoid unintended touches while using the camera button.
This situation suggests that a highly sensitive palm rejection algorithm might be responsible for the troubles, as noted by Khaos Tian on Mastodon. He demonstrated that when palm rejection activates, it locks out all touch functions on the iPhone 16. In contrast, he compared this to an iPhone 13 mini, which does not exhibit the same freezing, indicating that the problem may be unique to the iPhone 16 series. Interestingly, some users, like u/cl0ugh, reported that they could not replicate the issue on their iPhone 16 Pro running iOS 18.1 beta, while others have not encountered any problems.
Temporary Solutions and Future Updates
Currently, users are turning to temporary fixes, such as steering clear of the problematic area or utilizing their left hand for interaction, which can be quite cumbersome. Apple has yet to comment officially on the matter, but discussions in forums reveal that many users are hopeful for a prompt software update to resolve this bug.
To check if your iPhone 16 Pro is impacted by this issue, you can perform a touchscreen test similar to this one.
u/Known_Tap_1462 via r/iPhone and 9to5Mac
Tags: iPhone 16 Pro, palm rejection, touchscreen issue
September 23, 2024
iPhone 16 Pro Camera Button May Lead to $750 Repair Costs
As the Apple iPhone 16 series becomes available to consumers, initial feedback is coming in, revealing a range of opinions. While users are pleased with the device’s performance in areas like processing speed, heat control, and camera features, one particular aspect is attracting negative attention.
New Feature Concerns
This year, Apple has added a new capacitive button on the side of the iPhone 16. Designed for easy access when the phone is held horizontally, this button is intended to act as a camera shutter, complete with a tactile vibration response. Apple’s goal was to enhance the photography experience by mimicking a traditional camera feel. However, many users are less than thrilled. Numerous individuals are labeling this feature as one of Apple’s biggest letdowns yet. To make matters worse, the cost of repairing this button is astonishing.
Repair Costs Alarmingly High
The capacitive button carries a hidden financial burden. Reports reveal that it consists of nine different parts, which considerably heightens the chances of malfunction. If the button fails, Apple categorizes it under “other damage,” leading to exorbitant repair costs. For the iPhone 16, fixing it can cost up to 4,399 RMB (~US$624), while the iPhone 16 Pro can reach as high as 5,299 RMB (~US$751). These figures imply that repairing the button might necessitate a motherboard replacement, adding to the overall dissatisfaction.
Tags: capacitive button, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
September 20, 2024
iPhone 16 Pro Drop Test: Ceramic Shield Durability Revealed
Now that the iPhone 16 Pro series is officially launched with a starting price of at least $999, potential buyers are eager to see how the newest "latest-gen" Ceramic Shield displays perform in real-life situations, particularly if dropped from around 12 feet onto concrete, like near the Sydney Opera House.
Vlogger’s Drop Test
Australian vlogger MadMatt claims to have conducted the "world’s first" drop test on the new iPhone 16 Pro Max. During this test, the high-end device did sustain some damage, including scratches and a non-functional display by the end of the experiment. In comparison, the 16 Pro experienced more severe damage in a drop test performed by AppleTrack host Sam Kohl.

Kohl’s test revealed that the display of the new model failed after just a few drops, while both MadMatt’s Pro Max and the previous 15-series device held up better. It’s possible that the 16 Pro encountered some bad luck, as the device’s frame might have impacted the newly designed slim-bezel display at an unfortunate angle during the drop.
Durability Observations
Despite the damage, the 16 Pro’s display glass appeared to be "tougher" overall; the cracks that formed during the test did not spread outward as quickly as they did on the 15 Pro. However, the 16 Pro was ultimately rendered unusable, with the camera bump barely attached—indicating that the rear panel lacks the same reinforcement as the front glass.
Interestingly, the new Desert Titanium finish seems more susceptible to visible wear compared to the Natural version. This could be a consideration for buyers, especially since Apple’s silicone MagSafe cases are currently available for 14% off on Amazon as of September 20, 2024.

Tags: Ceramic Shield, drop test, iPhone 16 Pro
February 19, 2024
Exciting Leak: New Colors Unveiled for Apple iPhone 16 Pro
We are still a fair number of months away from the launch of the next iPhone, that is, the iPhone 16. However, the rumor mill has already started churning out new information. Looks like Apple‘s iPhone 16 Pro might be getting some cool new colors. Word on the street (or rather, the internet) is that there could be a “Titanium Gray” and a “Desert Titanium” option soon. This tip comes from a social media post by Majin Bu, who’s known for sharing Apple rumors. But, keep in mind, their predictions are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of accuracy.
New Color Options: 'Desert Titanium' and 'Titanium Gray'
The new “Desert Titanium” color is said to be a deeper, more intense version of the iPhone 14 Pro‘s gold, while “Titanium Gray” could remind you of the iPhone 6‘s space gray. “Desert Titanium” does look like a pretty unique and striking color, and if the rumors are true, it will attract a lot of attention. It’s still up in the air if these colors will replace any of the current ones or if they’re just going to be new additions.
Expansion of iPhone 16 Series
Previously, it was revealed that the iPhone 16 series will introduce five distinct models to cater to various market segments. The lineup includes the iPhone 16 SE, 16 Plus SE, iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. For the first time in a while, we can expect to see a strategic merge of the iPhone SE product line into the broader iPhone 16 portfolio, hinting at Apple’s intention to offer more options to consumers at different price points.
As with all rumors, it’s good to wait for more confirmation before getting too excited. But it’s definitely interesting to think about these potential new looks for the iPhone 16 Pro. What’s your opinion on these rumored colors? Would you consider buying an iPhone in one of these new shades?
Tags: Apple, iPhone 16 Pro, Rumors
January 24, 2024
Rumor: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max to Include 48MP Custom Sony Sensor, 14Bit ADC, and DCG Support
iPhone 16 Pro Max to Feature Enhanced Camera Capabilities
According to a recent report by @digitalchatstation, the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max is set to include a 48MP 1/1.14″ Sony IMX903 customized main sensor. This sensor will utilize double-layer transistor technology, along with 14Bit ADC and DCG support, promising improved image quality compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Innovative Camera Design
In addition to the advanced sensor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will also introduce a periscope telephoto lens. This new feature will come with a design change, as the screen's edge curvature increases to resemble a subtle curve of equal depth.
Speculations from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro series may adopt 1MG+7P molded glass-plastic hybrid lens modules. The Pro variant is expected to feature a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max variant will boast a larger 6.9-inch display.
Dual 48MP Sensors and Improved Front Camera
Ming-Chi Kuo also highlights a significant imaging upgrade for the iPhone 16 Pro, as it will be equipped with dual 48MP sensors, a first for Apple, along with a 12MP telephoto lens. The iPhone 16 Pro may even offer a 120mm tetra-prism telephoto lens, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The front cameras of the iPhone 17 series models are also set to receive an upgrade, featuring a 24MP sensor and a 6P lens.
Enhanced Video Shooting Experience
Apple plans to introduce a novel camera button, codenamed Nova, specifically designed for video shooting. This button will utilize capacitive buttons and force sensor functions, aligning with Apple's dedication to enhancing the video recording experience.
Premium Construction and Performance
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will retain the premium grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) construction from the iPhone 15 Pro, ensuring a sleek and durable appearance. While overall design changes are minimal, Apple may introduce new color options.
In terms of performance, analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu anticipate the integration of the A18 Pro chip, Wi-Fi 7 support, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 modem. These additions will ensure 5G download speeds of 7.5 Gbps. Moreover, the series is rumored to feature a graphene-based battery with a capacity of 3355 mAh and a new battery stack design, potentially enabling 40W wired charging.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is poised to set new benchmarks in camera capabilities and overall performance.
Tags: Apple, iPhone 16 Pro
November 14, 2023
Apple Turns to iOS 18 for Reviving Lackluster iPhone 16
Major iOS 18 Upgrade Essential for Unimpressive iPhone 16
Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 15 series and the new operating system iOS 17 at a September event. However, the tech giant wasted no time and immediately began working on the iPhone 16 and iOS 18. It seems that Apple had good reason to start early, as iOS 18 is expected to bring significant changes to the iPhone.
Issues with iOS 18 Development
In recent weeks, iOS 18 has been in the spotlight due to some issues in its development process. Apple has suspended the development process to address these issues, showing their commitment to delivering a high-quality operating system. The company understands the importance of iOS 18 in revolutionizing the iPhone experience.
Lack of Innovation in iPhone 16
Industry predictions and insights from Mark Gurman suggest that the iPhone 16 series may not bring significant hardware changes. While there may be an increase in screen sizes, Apple plans to compensate for the lack of hardware innovation with software updates. Apple has already completed the basic versions of iOS 18 and macOS releases, but the suspension of the development process indicates the presence of underlying problems.
Concerns about iOS 18 Features
While the specifics of the new features in iOS 18 remain unknown, recent developments have raised concerns that Apple may go overboard with the new version. Balancing new hardware and features can be challenging, and there is a possibility that the iPhone models receiving the iOS 18 update may disappoint users in terms of performance.
Expected iPhone Models to Receive iOS 18 Update
Not all iPhone models are guaranteed to receive the iOS 18 update. In the past, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X did not receive the iOS 17 update. This year, it is expected that three models from the current lineup will not be eligible for the update. The following is a list of iPhone models expected to receive the iOS 18 update:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023)
- iPhone 15 Pro (2023)
- iPhone 15 (2023)
- iPhone 15 Plus (2023)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022)
- iPhone 14 Pro (2022)
- iPhone 14 (2022)
- iPhone 14 Plus (2022)
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021)
- iPhone 13 Pro (2021)
- iPhone 13 (2021)
- iPhone 13 mini (2021)
- iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)
- iPhone 12 Pro (2020)
- iPhone 12 (2020)
- iPhone 12 mini (2020)
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 11 (2019)
Please note that this list is subject to change and may not be final.
With iOS 18 expected to bring significant changes, Apple is working diligently to resolve quality issues and deliver a remarkable operating system. The combination of software updates and potential hardware improvements will determine the overall success of the iPhone 16 series. Apple enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the release of iOS 18 and the next generation of iPhones.
Tags: IOS 18, iPhone 16 Pro