iPhone 16 Displays and Bezels: Here's What's New
- Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max now boast bigger screens—here’s how much.
- The new Ceramic Shield promises better durability, but does it live up to the hype?
- Expecting razor-thin bezels? Think again—see how they really measure up.
Apple has made some notable updates to the iPhone 16 series, particularly in the display and bezel departments. This year, the company has expanded the display sizes for its Pro models, introducing incremental changes that may or may not meet user expectations.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Close-up of the enhanced Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 16 Pro for added durability.
Display Enhancements
Larger Screens
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have both seen an increase in display size:
- iPhone 16 Pro: Upgraded from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Expanded from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches.
Despite these increases, Apple has maintained the same Super Retina XDR Display technology across all Pro models, including ProMotion. The maximum brightness for all models remains unchanged at 1000 nits, with peak HDR brightness reaching 1600 nits and outdoor peak brightness at 2000 nits. The resolution improvements are as follows:
| Model | Resolution | Pixel Density (ppi) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro | 2622x1206 | 460 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 2556x1179 | 460 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 2868x1320 | 460 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 2796x1290 | 460 |
A noteworthy addition is a 1 nit minimum brightness level, which Apple has also implemented in the Apple Watch. This feature could enhance the always-on display functionality, though the iPhone 16 lacks this specific capability.
Photo via Apple Inc. // A detailed look at the iPhone 16 Pro’s updated Super Retina XDR Display technology.
Improved Durability
Both Pro models now feature a second-generation Ceramic Shield coating, which Apple claims is 50% tougher than its predecessor. This upgrade aims to bolster the screen’s resilience against scratches and drops.
Bezels: A Closer Look
Expectations vs. Reality
Rumors had hinted that the iPhone 16 Pro Max would feature extraordinarily thin bezels, potentially as slim as 1.15mm. However, the actual bezels are notably thicker than anticipated. According to Kristijan Lucic, “The iPhone 16 Pro Max bezels are thin, but not as thin as rumored” (Lucic, September 10, 2024). The tech behind the bezels, referred to as Border Reduction Structure (BRS), has delivered a design akin to the Samsung Galaxy S24+ rather than the ultra-thin edges initially expected.
Industry Comparisons
Ice Universe, a prominent tipster, observed that while the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s bezels are slim, they are not groundbreaking. He noted that Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra is likely to feature even thinner bezels than those on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Summary
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have certainly introduced larger displays and a tougher Ceramic Shield coating. However, the much-anticipated reduction in bezel thickness has not fully materialized. While the display improvements are welcome, especially the new minimum brightness feature, the bezels have not achieved the revolutionary status some had hoped for.
Apple’s latest offerings continue to deliver high-quality screens with incremental improvements. However, for those seeking dramatic changes in bezel design, it seems the iPhone 16 series may not fully meet those expectations.
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