Today marks a significant shift in my tech journey: I’m upgrading to the iPhone 16 Plus after years of using the iPhone SE series. This change is both exciting and bittersweet, as it means leaving behind some of the features I’ve come to love—most notably, the Home button.
A Longtime SE User
Since 2021, I’ve been using the iPhone SE (third generation). Before that, I had the SE second generation, so I’ve been a dedicated fan of the SE lineup for years. What kept me loyal to these models? Two things: the small size and the Home button. The SE offered a comfortable, compact design that fit perfectly in my hand and pocket—a rarity in today’s world of ever-larger smartphones. But the real hero for me was the Home button.
The tactile, physical button provided a sense of familiarity and ease. It was more than a functional feature; it was a comforting constant in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Navigating without gestures felt intuitive, and Touch ID was seamless and reliable. It’s safe to say the button has always been my favorite feature of the SE series.
Moving to the 16 Plus
Now, with the iPhone 16 Plus, I’m stepping into an entirely new world. The larger screen size alone will be a big adjustment—a far cry from the compact SE. But it’s not just the size that’s different; I’ll also have to adapt to a gesture-based interface. While I’ve known this day was coming, it’s still going to take some getting used to. Saying goodbye to the Home button feels like closing a chapter of my iPhone experience.
Another challenge I’ve had with my SE is charging it. The charging port is damaged, which also happened to my last phone. As a result, I rely on a wireless charger most of the time. While wireless charging is convenient at home, it’s not an option in my truck when I need to connect to Apple CarPlay. That limitation always gets under my skin and ticks me off, especially when I’m on the go and need reliable connectivity. I’m hopeful the iPhone 16 Plus will be more durable and finally solve this problem for me.
Looking Forward to New Features
Despite these changes, I’m genuinely excited about the possibilities the iPhone 16 Plus brings. One of the main reasons for this upgrade is the new features available with iOS 18. My SE couldn’t support many of these advancements, and I’ve been eager to explore them. Features like the improved Dynamic Island, enhanced camera capabilities, and longer battery life are just the tip of the iceberg.
Another big reason for this upgrade is how I use my phone for eBay. My current SE constantly crashes and freezes, making it frustrating to manage my listings. The battery dies far too quickly, often cutting me off in the middle of creating or managing listings. I’m looking forward to a phone that can keep up with my workload and give me the time I need to list items without interruption.
The feature I’m most excited about, though, is deeper integration with ChatGPT. As someone who regularly uses ChatGPT, the thought of having even more seamless access is thrilling. Whether it’s through Siri, widgets, or other integrations, this level of connectivity is going to transform how I interact with my phone and streamline so many daily tasks.
Embracing Change
Switching to the iPhone 16 Plus is undoubtedly a significant change, but it feels like the right time to embrace something new. While I’ll always have a soft spot for the SE and its Home button, I’m ready to see what the future holds with this upgrade. The larger screen, modern interface, and cutting-edge features are sure to bring a fresh perspective to my smartphone experience.
Here’s to discovering all the ways the iPhone 16 Plus can make life a little more connected and convenient.
