Is it normal to have tiny points or scratches inside the camera lens on a new iPhone 16 Pro Max?

It is not intended that there should be foreign objects inside the lens. It is difficult to see if it is a grain of dust. Unfortunately, it has happened that dust particles have crept under the camera lens - even on a brand new model. I have experienced it myself. As it is in your picture, it is not something that damages your iPhone, and as you write yourself, it does not interfere with your photos. But if it were my iPhone, I would be a little worried about whether my new phone was extra exposed to dust/foreign objects under the lens, over long periods of use.

You have to decide for yourself where your tolerance is. I would personally go back to where it was purchased and ask them to exchange it for a new one. Apple delivers premium devices, so they must also live up to their brand and deliver flawless devices, out of the box. Fortunately, this is often the case - but mistakes happen.

The 16 Pro Max is discontinued.

Unless you got a real deal on it from your carrier or another authorized retailer who still had it on the shelf, I'd say return it and go buy something from a legitimate source.

You're welcome. I hope you get a perfect unit in exchange - because that's how it should be.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max was discontinued at the end of September 2025, and there are still plenty of authorized retailers who have them in stock and are selling them at a discount, so there is nothing abnormal in them still being sold, and they should still be 100% perfect.

My experience is that Apple is usually good at replacing their devices if there are problems. But since the device was not purchased directly through Apple, it is the store in question that decides what should happen. But as I said, there is nothing suspicious in the fact that 16 Pro Max is still being sold. All carriers in my country still sell them, with a good discount.

Where was this iPhone purchased?

What country?

What is the model number on the box and in settings>general>about?

Apple has replacement devices to handle warranty issues as they arise over the years.