iPhone 16 Pro for underwater photography: our 2026 review.

Every year, the release of a new iPhone is an event. For us, divers and underwater photographers, the question is always the same: what does this new model offer underwater? The iPhone 16 Pro arrives with promises. We put it to the test in natural light, our favorite environment. Forget the marketing specifications. What matters is how it actually performs once submerged. Does it hold up against pressure, color loss, and the demands of underwater photography? Let's see together, without any unnecessary fluff.

The iPhone 16 Pro is a very good companion for underwater photography in natural light. It receives an overall score of 4.0/5.

Ideal Profile: The underwater photographer looking for a compact, powerful camera with excellent RAW image quality and good responsiveness. You are willing to invest in a good waterproof housing and manage your battery life. This is a tool for those who want the simplicity of a smartphone without sacrificing image quality.

B1 Optics

The iPhone 16 Pro features a very robust optical system. The 48MP main sensor is a real improvement. It captures a lot of detail, even when the light is low underwater. The 48MP ultra-wide lens is also excellent news. It allows you to capture wide scenes, shipwrecks, or schools of fish without having to step back. The 5x telephoto lens, inherited from the 15 Pro Max, is useful for subjects that are further away. The quality of the lenses is up to par, which is what matters for sharp images.

For more details: **Main sensor:** 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide) Ultra-wide angle: 48 MP, f/2.2, 13mm **Telephoto lens:** 12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 5x optical zoom LiDAR: 3D TOF LiDAR scanner

B2 RAW

The support for ProRAW is a major advantage for underwater photography. This format gives you incredible flexibility in post-production. You can recover information from the dark and light areas of the image. This is crucial for correcting the blue or green tint of the water. Without ProRAW, your options would be very limited. This is what matters to achieve accurate colors and a professional look.

For more information: **RAW format:** ProRAW Video: ProRes video (no ProRes RAW video on the 16 Pro)

B3 Storage

With ProRAW and ProRes files, storage and data transfer become a key factor. The iPhone 16 Pro offers various storage options, from 128 GB to 1 TB. The USB-C 3.2 port at 10 Gbps is excellent news. It allows you to quickly empty your virtual memory cards after a shooting session. No more long waits for transferring your 4K videos. This saves valuable time in the field.

For more details: **Storage:** 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB (NVMe) Connectivity: USB-C 3.2 (10 Gbps)

B4 Thermal

The titanium frame and improved thermal management are positive aspects. Underwater, heat can be a problem for electronics. Titanium helps dissipate heat more effectively than aluminum. This reduces the risk of overheating and condensation inside the housing. This is an improvement that contributes to the reliability of the device when diving. You can film for longer without worrying about it shutting down.

For more details: **Frame:** Titanium (with recycled aluminum for thermal capacity) Cooling: Improved thermal design.

B5 Battery

The battery of the iPhone 16 Pro is 3582 mAh. This is a decent capacity, but for a day of diving with multiple dives, you need to be careful. Filming in 4K and using ProRAW consumes energy. Remember to optimize your settings and disable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when you don't need them. A power bank can be your best friend between dives. Plan ahead so you don't run out of battery at the wrong time.

For more information: * Battery: 13.94 Wh (3582 mAh) Li-ion

Before each diving session, remember to check your external battery. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the right power bank for your dive equipment and desired battery life.

B6 Autofocus

The autofocus on the iPhone 16 Pro is fast and accurate. Underwater, where light is often dim and subjects are moving, this is an advantage. The LiDAR sensor, although primarily for depth sensing, can help with focusing in challenging conditions. You can rely on it to quickly lock onto your subject. This allows you to capture that decisive moment without missing the shot.

For more details: **Autofocus:** Dual-pixel phase detection autofocus (PDAF) Assistant: 3D LiDAR Time-of-Flight scanner

B7 Enclosure

Even a Pro iPhone won't survive underwater without protection. The waterproof housing is your insurance policy. For the iPhone 16 Pro, the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is the reference housing. It offers perfect waterproofing and full access to the touchscreen. It's a necessary investment. Don't compromise on the quality of the housing, it's what protects your valuable work tool.

For more information: **Recommended dive computer:** Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Depth rating: Depends on the dive computer (generally 40m+ for the SeaTouch 4 Max)

Containers

The choice of waterproof case is a crucial point. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is a reliable option. It is robust, dependable, and allows you to use all the touchscreen functions of your iPhone underwater. There are other options available, but always check their compatibility and maximum depth rating. A good waterproof case guarantees that your iPhone won't become a useless brick underwater.

Terrain workflow

Prepare your iPhone before diving. Clean the screen, disable notifications, and put it in airplane mode. Launch the camera app before sliding it into the waterproof case. Underwater, use the camera control button to take pictures. This is more intuitive. Regularly transfer your photos and videos via the fast USB-C port. Organize your files. A good workflow will save you time and avoid frustration.

Key Considerations

**Condensation:** Even with a titanium housing, condensation can occur. Use desiccant packets inside the housing. Always check for moisture before diving. Touchscreen: Underwater, the touchscreen can be unreliable without a suitable housing. The Divevolk handles this very well. * Battery Life: As mentioned, monitor your battery. A day of three dives requires careful management.

Prix

The iPhone 16 Pro is an investment. The price of the phone, plus the cost of the speaker system, represents a significant budget. However, you get a versatile and high-performing tool that also functions as an excellent phone. Consider it an investment in your passion. Quality comes at a price.

The iPhone 16 Pro is an excellent choice for underwater photographers shooting in natural light. Apple has put a lot of effort into photography and video capabilities. The ProRAW format, the improved sensors, and the titanium frame make a difference. It's a device that allows you to capture stunning images. It requires some attention to detail in preparation and battery management. But the results are worth it. If you're looking for a compact and powerful tool for your underwater explorations, the 16 Pro is a very serious contender. It will faithfully accompany you on your adventures.

Want to master underwater photography with your iPhone 16 Pro? Discover our specialized training courses on AquaExposure Training. We will teach you all the techniques to enhance your photos using natural light. Join the AquaExposure community and share your passion with us.

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Overheating and condensation on smartphones in underwater housings.

Are you hesitating between several devices? Use our underwater photography equipment comparison tool to compare this device with other tested models.