Video Review: Four Days With the iPhone 14 Pro Max

Apple on Friday released the new iPhone 14 models, and MacRumors videographer Dan picked one up on launch day. He's been using the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro Max non-stop since it came out, and over on the MacRumors YouTube channel, has shared his initial thoughts on the day-to-day experience with the latest iPhone.


Dan's mini review highlights his issues with setting up the eSIM, the usefulness of the always-on display, the functionality of the Dynamic Island, how the new 48-megapixel camera fares, and more. Make sure to watch the video, and stay tuned to the MacRumors website and the MacRumors YouTube channel because we have more in-depth ‌iPhone 14‌ video content coming, plus Apple Watch Ultra and AirPods 2 coverage.

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Top Rated Comments

Benlurks1010 Avatar
30 months ago
“Dynamic Island is something that you don’t really notice much” That would make it a success, in my opinion.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tomtad Avatar
30 months ago

The pro max is 1/4 of a kilogram ,can you imagine that ?
Sure I could pick it up. But holding it for any length of time just can't be a nice experience.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thadoggfather Avatar
30 months ago

This is anything but a relaxing fireside chat. I typically enjoy Dan's reviews, but his anti-eSIM rant in this video is embarrassing. I went from a physical SIM to an eSIM on ATT in all of about 5 minutes. The process worked seamlessly, as it did for everyone I know who received their new phone last Friday. If you're going to use a small discount carrier with your top-of-the-line iPhone, I'm not sure why you would expect that to be easy.
Counter point - is Dan an Apple employee? Does he have to keep a lid shut on his experience or gaslight us and himself?

Is your iPhone 14 any less of a good device, can it withstand his slight criticism? Of course it can, it’s an inanimate object
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thadoggfather Avatar
30 months ago
I could see a huge difference with outdoor visibility too personally (from 12 pro to 14 pro max), even with sunglasses on

Nice video, Dan!

I also agree with team Space Black
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SFjohn Avatar
30 months ago
We are dealing with bleeding edge technology, and of course there’s some pain, especially on the first day. No system is ever perfect. In retrospect (from this thread) I can see it would have been helpful if Apple was to message that to ease this transition, 1) Make sure you’re running the latest iOS and 2) If your iPhone is eSIM compatible to make the change beforehand. Then set up your iPhone 14. Hopefully people can use this info to make their transition easier. ??
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
acecert Avatar
30 months ago
I view the esim comments as the carrier's responsibility. They knew it was coming and some did a better job than others preparing for it. I had a good experience fortunately but am sorry that your carrier didn't do a better job for its customers.

Roll out of the software has been a little rough this time. Concerns rolling in over the camera vibrating in some circumstances with doing videos, calls through CarPlay not being able to be heard at full volume on the other end, etc. I'm sure Apple will address in future software updates but it does make me wonder...don't they test/see this stuff before launch?

I had the iPhone 13 Pro Max...I'm not really seeing the full benefit yet of upgrading and hoping the dynamic island will play more of a role. I did decide to turn off my "always on." I just didn't find it much help or necessary and my battery does drain slightly faster with this phone and the new software. I like the home screen customization and hope they will allow for more widgets to be added than what it currently provides.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)