The iPhone 16 Hype

I remember the first time I held an iPhone in my hand. It was the iPhone 4, and I was convinced it was the future. Fast forward to today, and here we are with the iPhone 16, and the hype machine is still going strong. But is it really all that?

A man in a white shirt sits at a desk with a laptop, talking on his phone.
Photography by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Published: Thursday, 12 June 2025 10:57 (EDT)
By Alex Rivera

So, Apple has just dropped its shiny new iPhone 16, and as usual, the tech world is buzzing. According to Phonearena, the new ad for the iPhone 16 is all about what they’re calling the 'best new feature.' But let’s take a step back. Every year, Apple rolls out a new 'best feature' that’s supposed to change everything. Remember when Face ID was the future? Or when the notch was revolutionary? Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing: the so-called 'best feature' of the iPhone 16 might not be as groundbreaking as it seems.

Let’s break it down. The feature in question is a new advanced camera system that promises to make your photos look like they were taken by a professional. Sounds cool, right? But here’s the kicker: how many of us are really using our iPhones to take professional-grade photos? Sure, we all love a good selfie or a quick snap of our lunch, but do we need a camera that could rival a DSLR? Probably not.

And that’s where the irony comes in. Apple is marketing this feature like it’s going to change the way we use our phones, but in reality, most of us will probably never use it to its full potential. It’s like buying a Ferrari to drive to the grocery store. Sure, it’s nice to have, but do you really need it?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the iPhone 16 isn’t a great phone. It’s sleek, it’s fast, and it’s packed with all the latest tech. But let’s be honest: how much of that tech are we actually using? Most of us are texting, scrolling through Instagram, and maybe watching a YouTube video or two. Do we really need a phone that can shoot in 8K or has a LiDAR scanner? Probably not.

But Apple knows how to sell a dream. They’ve been doing it for years. Every new iPhone is marketed as the next big thing, the device that’s going to change your life. And every year, we buy into it. We line up outside the Apple Store, we pre-order, and we convince ourselves that this new phone is going to be the one that finally makes us more productive, more creative, more… something.

And then, a few months later, we’re back to using it for the same old stuff. Texting, scrolling, and maybe taking a few photos of our cat. The truth is, most of us don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with the latest iPhone. But we buy it anyway, because Apple has convinced us that we do.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Should you rush out and buy the iPhone 16 just because it has a fancy new camera? Probably not. If you’re happy with your current phone, there’s no need to upgrade just for the sake of it. Sure, the iPhone 16 has some cool features, but are they really going to change the way you use your phone? Probably not.

In fact, if you’re still rocking an iPhone 15, you’re probably not missing out on much. According to TechRadar, the differences between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro are minimal at best. Sure, the iPhone 16 is newer and more powerful, but unless you’re a hardcore tech enthusiast, you probably won’t notice much of a difference in your day-to-day use.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you really need from your phone. If you’re someone who loves having the latest and greatest tech, then by all means, go for the iPhone 16. But if you’re like most of us, and you’re just using your phone to stay connected and maybe snap a few photos here and there, then you’re probably fine sticking with what you’ve got.

So, the next time Apple drops a new iPhone and tells you it’s got the 'best feature' yet, take a moment to think about whether you really need it. Because chances are, you don’t.

Phones