Regretting or not regretting the huge iPhone 16 Pro Max

You know it's the biggest of the range so writing on it has to be good, but switching to the iPhone 16 Pro Max has me wondering whether I made the right or an enormously wrong decision. This new 58keys video will not answer the issue for either you or me, but here's what I think writers should consider.
LINKS:
Support 58keys on Patreon: www.patreon.co...
Join the Writer's Mailing list too: eepurl.com/gQTqTT
Buy my book on Amazon US: amzn.to/3KhF19P
Or Amazon UK: amzn.to/3IzZm94
If you buy through my Amazon links, they may chuck me a penny or two. Or they won't. Either way, it will never cost you anything extra.

[@bjornbaumann9575]

Bought the 16 Pro Max coming from an iphone 13 (regular one). First day I thought I would give it back because it felt huge. Second day I thought I give it a try. Third day I almost forgot about it starting to like it. 4th day I felt the screen and battery to be amazing. Now, 3 weeks later I can’t imagine going back to the smaller size. The Pro Max is just amazing. A pure joy to use every time I touch it.

[@jayemery]

I feel the same way. My 16 Pro Max brings me so much joy every time I pick it up (especially caseless). The regular Pro is a two handed device to me anyway, so might as well go for the Pro Max!

[@Somali1971]

As an outstanding educator and reviewer, you truly deserve a million subscribers.

[@GaelyneGasson]

I just returned the iPhone 16 Pro that I bought. With all the new buttons, there's no where you can put your fingers to hold the phone that won't cause a button to be pressed. I very happily went back to my iPhone 14 Pro Max and apologised to it. So from my perspective, you made the right decision with the max version.

[@WilliamGallagher]

Made me smile there, about apologising to the phone.

[@junyaiwase]

I think you’re just old ive had the same phone since launch and rarely have that issue, hyperbole for sure

[@WilliamGallagher]

@junyaiwase no, I can see it - although I’m clearly older. I’ve been having some trouble finding the Camera Control button when I mean to. Button placement is taking me a time.

[@maturenerdzone]

@@junyaiwaseNot old. Disabled hands and the silicone cover may have made the button problem worse for me.

[@randomterror7]

Personally, I can’t stand the lightning cables so I’ll never be able to go back to 14 pro.

[@gstevens6948]

I’m going 16 Pro Max very soon, thanks for the videos man, you’re a gentleman and a scholar sir. ❤

[@tripley66]

Phone wars. You are reading a person who still has a SE22. Will not change until I have to do so. As far as sound, truly, I try to make as many calls as I can on my landline at home. Now that you see I'm in the dinosaur era, tell me why you don't use a phone case on any iPhone. That really intrigues me.

[@WilliamGallagher]

I don't appear to need a case -- one incident in 16 years of using iPhones -- and I like the bare phones much more than any cases I've tried.

[@tripley66]

@@WilliamGallagher Indeed, they are so attractive and then to cover them up...I just might take your lead. Thank you.

[@WilliamGallagher]

@tripley66 please be careful with them, though. I’ve heard people say their case is AppleCare insurance.

[@tripley66]

@@WilliamGallagher Ah, yes, good point! Got it.

[@HPRshredder]

I am in a similar boat, but a few things that have helped me: 1.) Remembering that I had a larger phone before, and it eventually became "invisible" (stopped consciously noticing it) 2.) After getting used to it in the past, it made it hard to switch to the smaller phone, because the large screen was so nice for watching videos/web browsing 3.) The Arc Pulse case (makes it feel caseless, but gives it protection, and the corner bumpers rest in your palm and help with grip). Very unique. Some may find it ugly, but many swear by it after trying it. I was formerly caseless myself though, but it feels a bit risky given the size. I also tend to put my phone in my shirt pocket. 4.) Enabling the "reachability" setting in accessibility options within settings. This allows you to do a swipe down from the bottom of the screen to the bottom edge which brings down things at the top of the screen and lets you reach them making is usable with one hand in a pinch. 5.) Designing my layout with all my most used applications accessible from the side of the phone I typically pick it up with. I've resolved to stick with this one and stop worrying if I made the right choice, as if I still don't like it after a year, it'll have the highest trade-in value. But last night I noticed for the first time it disappeared as I was using it again. The newness sort of wore off and I could tell I was getting used to it.

[@tonyskinner994]

With regard to viewing a PDF and having the page selector in the view for landscape, if you tap in the little box at the top of the main page where it shows the page number ("1 of 25" or whatever) it will go full screen without the page selector visible. Tap again to redisplay the selector.

[@WilliamGallagher]

Brilliant, thank you hugely. I've just read 80-odd PDFs in a row and I wish I knew this before then, but I know it now.

[@zalden2565]

For what it’s worth, I had some of your same concerns about the size and weight. I decided to go with the max version all the way back during the 11 Pro Max era. Honestly, I’ve never regretted it. I have larger hands, though I don’t consider them to be abnormally or superhumanly largeand I have no issues using the phone with one hand. I kind of rested on my pinky and my thumb can reach probably at least 85% of the screen, all about the very top left corner, which is rarely an issue. Interestingly, I always found the 12 and 13 minis to be rather endearing devices. I even considered switching to them and they have actually done it. Had it not been for the horrendous battery life when compared to the Pro maxes of the years before.

[@MarbsMusic]

I used my phone for so many things, both work and home related, that I always get the Max for the batter and extra screen size. I don't have huge hands, at least not for a guitarist, but have used large phones for so long perhaps I'm use to it now. I did upgrade from the 14 PM to a 16 PM recently and I love it, I didn't think it would be much of an upgrade but the batter life is definitely better and I love USB-C and the new video options. Very real review, thank you!

[@Kj_002]

Lovely vid and nice audio too

[@nick_francis]

I went with a pop socket this year and no case. It’s a brilliant combination and will help with managing the larger size. Get a good pop socket tho, the magnetic type not sticky tape.

[@WilliamGallagher]

Oh? There's a magnetic version? One of the reasons I never even tried Pop Socket was that I didn't like the idea of sticking one on permanently. I'm still not sure about them, but you're making me reconsider.

[@GaelyneGasson]

@@WilliamGallagherI can confirm there are MagSafe pop sockets. Not very useful with a case, but darn handy without one. Highly recommended.

[@Intoxicated4768]

The magnetic pop socket was the only way I was able to use my 15ProMax. Other wise it was too cumbersome and always felt like I was going to drop it.

[@EstiloInAction]

Note 8 >iPhone 13 mini>16 ProMax Loving it! Already filmed massive amounts in a week of ownership. Absolutely flawless device. Samsung....give me log and ProRes (Without motionCap app) and I'll switch back. Writing on a Galaxy Tab S7+

[@Xavierdredeuce]

The pro is just more convenient for me but I guess it’s boils down to preference.

[@albin2232]

Apple has completely overlooked the sales potential of an iPhone 16 Sub-Par. I think think they would sell well.

[@LouisLuzuka]

I’m so torn between the sizes I prefer the pro size not the max 😅

[@jayemery]

13:27 boss man! I knew I loved you for some reason 😂 I’m not a writer but I really love your presentation style and look forward to your take on Apple products.

[@LouisLuzuka]

Did you enjoy the upgrade from the iPhone 15 pro 😮

[@davemeadows6688]

William, no case? No screen protector either? And did you go for the 256GB or the 512? I got the 512 but so far only used 100 so the 250 would’ve done. Thanks.

[@WilliamGallagher]

I went for 256GB. I shoot a lot of videos and need space but storage is so expensive with Apple. I spent about £200 on a Lexar Go SSD that lets me plug 2TB into the phone -- and, crucially, then plug the same drive into my Mac for copying off files.

[@alexpiptom]

No idea how the KZbin algorithm suggested you but loved your video and I’m a new subscriber. Nice to see the perspective of a fellow Brit, and love your none showy style. I’m hoping you do more tech stuff now 😂 I’m making the decision between the pro max and pro at this very moment. I have a 13 pro max but really want to downsize!

[@WilliamGallagher]

Well, that's made my day, thank you.

[@pug_63]

@@WilliamGallagherSame here. I’m currently using a 13 Mini (same footprint as the iPhone 7) with a 5th Generation iPad Mini. My kids got the mid year dark green 13 Pro, and I absolutely HATE the weight of their phone (love the colour, though). If Apple don’t give us a new iPad Mini this year, I’m looking to upgrade my iPhone to the 15 or 16 Pro or the regular 16. Thanks for the content.

[@WilliamGallagher]

@@pug_63 Thanks. I am a sucker for a good colour so Desert Titanium is definitely a positive of my new phone.

[@karinhart489]

Why would I want the surfboard model of an expensive iPhone? I have a non fancy iPad with a Logitech keyboard case/cover that I read, write & watch on. My plan is to replace my iPhoneSE with the home button & lightning port for iPhoneSE4 with smartypants chip & a usb-c next March: less expensive but a big upgrade for me without it becoming a surfboard.

[@WilliamGallagher]

I think the 16-inch MacBook Pro is a surfboard. And when I tried an external case and keyboard on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, I thought it was a windbreaker. So in comparison, even though I think the iPhone 16 Pro Max is big, it doesn't seem that big. Maybe this is the moment when I've decided that yes, I like it. Hmm.

[@RuralSquirrelJuror]

Loved the review. Getting the Pro Max but I’m treating it as a mini tablet. I liked the iPad mini but the RAM was such a bottleneck and I don’t necessarily want to take my 13” iPad everywhere

[@WilliamGallagher]

Thank you. I'm much the same: I'll be using my iPad on a job tomorrow but right now I'm about to take a tea break and read a book -- and it will be on my Max.

[@pug_63]

I’m hoping that rumours about an updated iPad Mini are true. Currently using the 5th Gen, and it’s showing its age. If there’s no new Mini by the New Year, I’m probably going for a Pro Max (15 or 16).

[@nochipmunks8692]

A very helpful and informative video thank you sir

[@WilliamGallagher]

Thank you, that's very good of you to say.

[@SFAutor]

I'm still using my iPhone 14 Pro and am hesitant to buy a new one because I don't see any use for it at the moment. However, my triplets are already queuing up, waiting for me to pass on my iPhone. I think I'll definitely wait until Apple Intelligence is available in German, then I'll reconsider. However, if Apple needs a few more months to resolve the differences with EU legislation and implement AI for the German language, I might just wait for the upcoming 17 series iPhones next year. Greetings from Stuttgart, Thomas.

[@WilliamGallagher]

That made me smile, the image of your triplets crowding around you, trying to touch your iPhone. But how would they divide it between them? I skipped the iPhone 14 Pro and so went from the 13 to the 15 and I think that meant I got more in my update. I like the iPhone 16 Pro Max now, but I think there's a very strong argument to wait for the 17 range.

[@SFAutor]

@@WilliamGallagher Yes, three children (one girl, two boys) makes it difficult, because they all love Apple and want an iPhone. So far, my wife and I have the same model and both hand the phones down to the boys. Our daughter has always had a mind of her own and particularly liked the iPhone SE (because of the colours). She's been using the SE2 for a long time and if Apple offers a new one in spring (SE3?), she'll get one from us as a gift. Currently, the boys are using our previous iPhone 12 Pros, but the battery in both of them is starting to wear out.

[@WilliamGallagher]

@SFAutor Your daughter has style and all three have great parents.

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@WilliamGallagherwhat do you think about going from 15 pro to 16 pro max is it worth it 😮

[@HR1S]

This was great!

[@WilliamGallagher]

Thank you, that's very good of you to say.

[@reflectionrecon]

Nailed it on the head. Cant make up my mind as well.

[@WilliamGallagher]

Let's be positive: we'd be happy with either, just maybe happier with one or the other. There. I don't think I helped at all.

[@ChristianMueller]

sorry but carrying a phone in a shirt pocket is ...

[@TheSepticSid]

Flash bang warning at 13 seconds.

[@WilliamGallagher]

I turned the volume down.

[@TheSepticSid]

@@WilliamGallagher haha, no I meant the sudden white screen. But no stress, I was in a dark room sitting way too close to the screen.