The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models go on sale on September 20. Apple introduced the iPhone 16 series during its “Glow Time” event earlier this month.
Along with updated processors and other mechanical improvements, which include larger displays for the Pro models, the iPhone 16 series boasts some of the most iPhones to date, chief among them being Apple’s latest AI suite, Apple Intelligence.
Among additional enhancements, all four iPhone 16 models offer a new Camera Control button that allows a range of photo and video modifications with touch-responsive movement. The ordinary iPhone 16 models also acquire the Action button from the prior Pro model.
Released Models
The iPhone 16 series, featuring four models—
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
All four models match the lineups of recent generations.
Apple eliminated its Mini portfolio with the iPhone 14 series; thus, those expecting to see an iPhone “Mini” model again were out of luck.
Contrary to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, there fails to be an iPhone 16 “Ultra” variant with enhanced technologies. Although this model is frequently rumored, its arrival this time around wasn’t foreseen.
IPhone 16: Release Date
September 20, 2023 saw the release of the iPhone 16 range of values. Now, each variant is ready for purchase globally.
Top Features Of The iPhone 16 You Must Know
Price
The purchase price is the same as the iPhone 15 series:
- The iPhone 16 Price: 128GB model starts at $799.
- iPhone 16 Plus Price: $128GB model starts at $899.
- iPhone 16 Pro Price: The $128GB model starts at $999.
- The initial price for the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max is $1,199.
Cameras
The 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide cameras on the conventional iPhone 16 models are precisely the same as those on the iPhone 15 models; nevertheless, the 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 12MP 5x zoom cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro models vary.
The iPhone 16 Pro’s zoom camera has been improved from 3x, as it was in the iPhone 15 Pro, to the same 5x zoom as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and this is the major hardware development Apple made in the iPhone 16 series.
In addition to that, Apple made a standard range of modifications and upgrades to the cameras in the iPhone 16 series, in the sense that if you’re used to up-to-date iPhone photo quality, it won’t necessarily result in better images.
As is expected, any individual switching from preceding iPhone models—such as the iPhone 12 and older—will significantly enhance camera quality.
Apple integrated autofocus to the ultrawide camera on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to boost focus, and the camera additionally facilitates macro photography. In addition to capturing 2.6 times more light for higher-quality images, the new extremely wide sensor will also result in more effective low-light performance.
Moreover, Apple’s Vision Pro headset can be used to view multidimensional video and multidimensional photo capture on the beginning iPhone 16 gadgets. Additionally, the company modified the unwelcome noises, such as wind, for video recordings in the entry-level iPhone 16 models.
Upgrades exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models feature a subsequent sensor for the primary camera that reduces shutter latency to ease the capturing of subjects in motion, like children, animals, flowing hair and clothing, and so on.
Apple introduced 4K video recording at 120 frames per second (fps), allowing 4K quality slow-motion video capture. When paired with compatible accessories such as AirPods and Vision Pro, the iPhone 16 Pro models are capable of recording spatial audio using four “studio quality” microphones. Systems for home entertainment have been identified by Apple to possess the ability to play spatial audio.
Performance
Only the iPhone 16 Pro models utilise the more powerful A18 Pro version, whereas all four iPhone 16 models are powered by Apple’s most recent A18 CPU.
Apple claims that the base A18-powered iPhone 16 devices outperform the A16-powered iPhone 15 by up to 30% and the A14 Bionic-powered iPhone 12 by up to 60%. Apple states that there has been a 40% improvement in GPU performance, which should translate into greater gaming performance.
Addressing the iPhone 16 Pro models, Apple claimed that the A18 Pro processor can do AI tasks 15% quicker than the A17 Pro processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro. The A18 Pro is up to 22% faster than the A17 Pro, according to the firm.
AI, or ‘Apple Intelligence’
In Apple’s newly endorsed AI service, Apple Intelligence, there were several perspectives that Apple presented on new features and capabilities included in the iPhone 16 series as well as in the iPhone 15 Pro models that also support the same.
Battery life
Apple touted a “big boost in battery life” for the base iPhone 16s. The basic iPhone 16 can play back 22 hours of video according to the company’s specs, compared with 20 for the iPhone 15.
Apple also called the iPhone 16 Pro Max the best iPhone battery life ever. According to the company’s specs, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could attain 33 hours of video playback, up from 29 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Better battery life on all four models is courtesy of larger batteries and greater efficiency via the iOS 18 operating system and the A18 and A18 Pro processors.
As we fully benchmarked the iPhone 16 series, our assumption is that if the iPhone 16 Pro Max was to feature the “best iPhone battery life ever,” then it should at least outdo the iPhone 15 Plus, which scored the highest rating we have ever had for a phone.
Displays
Apple, for the first time since the iPhone 12 series in 2020, has revised the display sizes of its iPhones, specifically for the iPhone 16 Pro variants. The iPhone 16 Pro’s display has increased to 6.3 inches from the iPhone 15 Pro’s 6.1 inches, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s showcase has grown to 6.9 inches from the previous 6.7 inches. The display specifications are as follows:
- iPhone 16: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 60Hz refresh rate.
- iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 60Hz refresh rate.
- iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 120Hz ProMotion, always-on display.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 120Hz ProMotion, always-on display.
While the peak brightness for the iPhone 16 series remains at 2,000 nits, the screens can go down to as low as 1 nit; this makes screen time more comfortable in complete darkness.
Additionally, Apple has freshly fitted the second generation of Ceramic Shield glass, which the company claims is twice as durable as “any other phone glass” and 50% tougher compared to the first one.
However, ProMotion technology from Apple, promoted as a 60Hz refresh rate and less than expected on high-end handsets in this price range, is still missing on the cheapest iPhone 16 models.
Design
The vanilla variants of the iPhone 16 received a makeover with an elongated oval rear camera configuration with cameras similar to that of the iPhone X/XS series but come only with two cameras, while the iPhone 16 Pros remain to have the same standard three rear cameras year in and year out.
Apple stated that it was the iPhone 16 Pro models that had the “thinnest borders ever seen on any item” that they have ever launched. However, owing to the increased display sizes, the iPhone 16 Pro models are marginally taller and heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro.
The regular iPhone 16 models come back with an aluminium frame, whereas in the case of the Pro models, they also inherited the titanium framework of the iPhone 15 Pro generation. In fact, all four versions of the iPhone 16 come with the slightly softened edged contour design first seen with the iPhone 15 models.
The vanilla versions of the iPhone 16 are available in ultra-soft shades such as Ultramarine, a blue colour, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. The colours of the iPhone 16 Pro models are Black, White, Natural, and Desert Titanium. Further, more information on the various colours of the iPhone 16 can be found in our colour overview of the iPhone 16.
New Buttons
Apple also included a new Camera Control button across the board on all four iPhone 16 models. It’s a tether switch comprising haptic feedback, which can feel your touch and gestures, and with various presses, taps, and swipes, a number of functions are enabled. Pressing the Camera Control button, as you would on any other button, opens the camera app on the whole of the iPhone 16 lineup, while pressing takes a photo. Pressing and holding on the button initiates a video recording. Lightly tapping the button while in the camera app summons zoom control, and two quick light taps bring up finer controls. The Camera Control button on the 16 Pro models also will let you switch between camera lenses and photographic styles.
Apple said the Camera Control button will work in third-party apps like Snapchat, too, and its functionality is available broadly to developers to add into their apps. It also replaced the iconic silent switch on the base iPhone 16 with the Action button that was introduced previously with the iPhone 15 Pro models. It seems that from the iPhone 16 onwards, we can kiss goodbye to the silent switch, which appeared on that very first iPhone back in 2007. Apple even made the Action button further useful with support for third-party apps. It demonstrated the Action button starting a car with the FordPass app, for example. The Action button does just about what it says on the label, too: toggle on and off a Focus mode; open camera; toggle flashlight; start/stop a voice memo; open Magnifier app; open Translate app; enable a shortcut in the Shortcuts app; or quickly access an accessibility feature.
Some Of The New Features Include:
- A new writing tool feature that can convert shorthand notes to their complete sentences in emails or documents.
- Dressing up AI emojis via the types of emojis that one wishes to create with a prompt method.
- Creating images on some new Image Playground app with the prompt provided.
- The group helps with going through and studying family photos, as well as creating an album sequence to tell the story with the photos.
- Composing emails within the Email app and notifications with keywords and topic summaries.
- Scribbling down important details or the minutes of the meeting and then creating a summary of thanks to AI.
- AI indicators to assist in capturing photographs with regards to places and themes.
Apple AI does not stop on Siri enhancement only, but further enhancement on Siri awaits tremendous improvement. Siri used to only respond to voice commands, but now you will be able to query Siri by typing.
Additionally, Siri can identify what’s on the screen and respond to your commands. For example, if someone sends you a song name in a message, you can ask Siri to “play that,” and your phone will begin playing the song without heading to the music app yourself and searching for music manually.
Furthermore, Siri may perform more tasks for you by using voice commands, like sending a screen shot over a message app to your friend.
The company declared firmly that it will process enquiries on Apple’s servers or on-device wherever feasible with the goal to prioritize privacy.
As the iOS 18.1 beta begins to roll out ahead of its official release in October, Apple Intelligence will be available as a free update. We expect to launch more AI features in the next few months.
How To Purchase An iPhone 16?
To buy an iPhone 16, follow these steps:
- Pre-order Online: Apple’s website and the Apple Store app both allow users to pre-order the iPhone 16 series. Preorders usually open at 5 a.m. PDT/8 a.m. EST, and it’s best to move promptly because demand can trigger delays in delivery to increase. Pre-order purchases are shipped around the official release date of September 20, 2024.
- Retailers and Carriers: You can also purchase the iPhone 16 through major retailers like Best Buy and carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. These carriers often offer trade-in deals that can give you up to $1,000 in discounts if you trade in your old device and sign up for unlimited plans.
- Pricing: The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively. Starting at $999, the Pro models convey more sophisticated features, including larger screens and superior cameras.
- Trade-in Offers: According to the type of phone you currently own, Apple offers trade-in possibilities where you can receive up to $650 in credit, making the purchase more affordable. In addition, many carriers have their own trade-in offers.
Reasons To Buy iPhone 16
In the review section of iPhone 16. We suggest that iPhone 16 is an excellent pick for anyone desiring an upgrade because it delivers several remarkable improvements. Here are some grounds why you ought to buy it:
- Enhanced Camera Features: The 48-megapixel Fusion camera in the iPhone 16 has a 2x optical-quality telephoto zoom, which considerably improves photography—particularly for macro and lighting conditions. The new Camera Control button makes camera settings more accessible and configurable by providing a DSLR-like experience.
- Performance Boost: The iPhone 16’s A18 CPU allows for faster processing and enhanced visual performance, rendering it ideal for multitasking and gaming. A redesigned thermal system allows it to run consistently without overheating.
- Action Button: With the iPhone 16, Apple has added a highly configurable Action Button that allows you to access shortcuts to the camera, flashlight, and numerous other more advanced tasks using the Shortcuts app.
- Battery Life & Charging: With the new 25W MagSafe charging, wireless charging can be accomplished more quickly, and the battery life is possible to extend by up to two hours beyond its predecessor.
- Display and Dynamic Island: Despite the display being reminiscent of the iPhone 15, the Dynamic Island technology has been improved, resulting in a more flawless multitasking browsing experience that adequately displayed live activities. Nevertheless, the phone is still deprived of the always-on display as well as the 120Hz refresh rate, which are exclusive to the Pro variants.
- Using Apple Intelligence, Future Proof: The iPhone 16 is ready for advanced AI capabilities even though certain algorithms, like visual intelligence, aren’t fully functional. Thus rendering the phone an appropriate investment for the future. These enhancements may make the iPhone 16 a desirable purchase for those who own an iPhone 14 or older, especially since you enjoy gaming, photography, or need a battery life boost.
Final Thought:
If I weren’t so obsessed with the 5x optical zoom offered by Apple’s flagship phones or so used to the buttery smooth nature of 120Hz refresh rate displays, I’d be all over the iPhone 16. There are a lot of people in that boat, which is why it’ll sell like hotcakes. Again.
