Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro in September 2024, with the marketing mainly focused around Apple Intelligence, Camera Control, and upgraded Pro cameras. The key story was that the smaller Pro model became much closer to the Pro Max in terms of what it could do. The 16 Pro gained a larger display, a 5x zoom Telephoto camera, and the same core performance as the bigger (and more expensive) Pro Max model.
The 16 Pro sold well, making up around 16% of America’s iPhone sales in the December 2024 quarter, according to research firm CIRP. Reviews were also positive, mainly relating to the improved camera that was previously limited to the Pro Max models. According to The Guardian, this made the Pro model a stronger high-end option, and certainly an improvement from the previous generation.
In 2026, the iPhone 16 Pro is a strong refurbished buy. It’s a recent model with all the advanced features you would expect of a modern iPhone, and with years of updates likely to come, it’s certainly a reliable option.