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 some promises. We put it to the test in natural light, our preferred environment. Forget marketing specifications. What matters is how it performs once submerged. Does it hold up against pressure, color loss, and the demands of underwater photography? Let's find out together, without any unnecessary preamble.

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

B1 Optics

The iPhone 16 Pro features a very robust optical system. The main 48 MP sensor is a real advantage. It captures a lot of detail, even when light levels are low underwater. The 48 MP ultra-wide angle lens is also excellent news. It allows you to capture wide scenes, wrecks, or schools of fish without having to move 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 LiDAR TOF scanner

B2 RAWProRAW support 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. It's essential for achieving 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 consideration. 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 dive session. No more long waits to transfer your 4K videos. This saves valuable time in the field.

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

B4 Thermal ManagementThe titanium housing 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. It's an improvement that contributes to the device's reliability during dives. You can film for longer without worrying about it shutting down.

For further information: Housing: Titanium (with recycled aluminum for thermal capacity) Cooling: Improved thermal design

B5 Battery

The iPhone 16 Pro battery 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. Consider optimizing your settings and disabling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when you don't need them. A power bank can be your best friend between dives. Plan ahead to avoid running out of power at the wrong time.

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

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

B6 AutofocusThe autofocus on the iPhone 16 Pro is fast and accurate. Underwater, where light is often limited and subjects are moving, this is a significant advantage. The LiDAR system, while primarily for depth sensing, can also assist with focusing in challenging conditions. You can rely on it to quickly lock onto your subject. This allows you to capture the decisive moment without missing your shot.

For more information: Autofocus: Dual-pixel phase detection autofocus (PDAF) Assistance: 3D TOF LiDAR scanner

B7 Housing

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

For more information: Recommended Housing: Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Depth Rating: Depends on the housing (typically 40m+ for the SeaTouch 4 Max)

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

Field 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 housing. 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 prevent frustration.

Important 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 life. A day of three dives requires careful management.

PricingThe iPhone 16 Pro is an investment. The price of the phone, plus the cost of the housing, represents a significant expense. However, you get a versatile and high-performing tool that also functions as an excellent smartphone. 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 videography. The ProRAW format, the improved sensors, and the titanium housing 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 dedicated training courses at AquaExposure Training. We'll teach you all the techniques to enhance your photos in natural light. Join the AquaExposure community and share your passion with us.

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Smartphone Overheating and Condensation in an Underwater Housing.