Apple has officially launched the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, marking a significant leap forward in mobile technology with advanced features built for Apple Intelligence. These new devices, powered by the cutting-edge A18 chip, boast notable improvements in camera capabilities, efficiency, and user experience. Available in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature enhanced camera systems, including the new Camera Control and a 48MP Fusion camera, while introducing a highly customizable Action Button and offering improved battery life.
Key Features and Innovations
Apple Intelligence
At the core of the new iPhone 16 series is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, an AI-driven system designed to enhance everyday tasks through context-aware features. Apple Intelligence integrates deep learning models, allowing users to engage with more personalized and relevant content while maintaining strict privacy standards through Private Cloud Compute. This system can adapt to the user’s context, making tasks like managing notifications, writing, and interacting with apps more intuitive. A key innovation is the systemwide Writing Tools, which provide proofreading, summarizing, and text-enhancement capabilities across apps like Mail, Notes, and third-party applications.
One of the standout features of Apple Intelligence is its ability to transcribe and summarize audio during phone calls, with participants being notified when recording starts. After the call ends, Apple Intelligence provides a summary of key points, offering convenience in recalling important details. Apple Intelligence is expected to evolve further, offering capabilities such as Image Playground, which will allow users to create unique images using simple text descriptions or even modify photos of people to generate playful visuals.
A18 Chip
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are powered by the all-new A18 chip, which delivers a substantial boost in both performance and efficiency. Built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology, the A18 chip features a 6-core CPU that is 30% faster than the previous A16 Bionic chip while consuming 30% less power. The A18’s 16-core Neural Engine enhances machine learning capabilities, running models up to twice as fast as its predecessor. This chip is particularly optimized for large-scale generative models, further enhancing the Apple Intelligence system.
For gamers, the 5-core GPU in the A18 provides a 40% increase in performance and introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting effects, achieving up to five times the frame rate compared to software-based ray tracing. These improvements make iPhone 16 a viable option for demanding AAA games such as Honor of Kings: World, offering a high-performance gaming experience.
Camera Control and Photography Features
One of the most significant enhancements to the iPhone 16 lineup is the new Camera Control system, which seamlessly integrates hardware and software for a more intuitive photography experience. With just a click, users can quickly launch the camera and take photos or start video recordings without delay. Camera Control is powered by a high-precision force sensor and a capacitive sensor that allows for touch interactions, enabling users to adjust settings such as zoom, exposure, and depth of field with ease. This system also allows for macro photography with the 12MP Ultra Wide camera, capturing subjects in stunning detail.
The 48MP Fusion camera offers a 2x optical Telephoto option, essentially giving users two cameras in one. The Ultra Wide camera can gather up to 2.6 times more light, resulting in higher-quality images, especially in low-light conditions. Furthermore, users can now capture spatial photos and videos that can be viewed with remarkable depth on Apple Vision Pro, offering a new way to relive memories.
Another new feature, Photographic Styles, allows users to personalize their photos by adjusting specific colors and tones, providing a deeper understanding of skin undertones for more natural-looking results. Unlike traditional filters, Photographic Styles can be applied in real time during a live preview or edited after the photo is taken.
Action Button
Apple has introduced an innovative Action Button on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, which allows users to quickly access a variety of functions with a simple press. By default, this button switches between Ring and Silent modes, but users can customize it to perform other tasks, such as opening the camera, flashlight, or specific apps like Voice Memos, Shazam, or Translate. The Action Button can also be integrated with third-party apps, providing even more versatility for users.
Design and Durability
Both iPhone 16 models are designed with durability in mind, featuring the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which is 50% tougher than the previous generation and twice as tough as glass found on other smartphones. The internal design of the iPhone 16 lineup has been reengineered to allow for a larger battery and improved heat dissipation, resulting in a significant boost in battery life. The devices are also water- and dust-resistant, ensuring longevity.
The Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology provides an exceptional viewing experience, while the Dynamic Island offers interactive notifications and live activities. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available in five bold colors: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Environmentally Friendly Design
As part of Apple’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature more than 30% recycled content overall. The battery, for the first time, includes 100% recycled cobalt, and over 95% of the lithium used is recycled. Apple is also prioritizing the use of renewable electricity in its manufacturing processes, ensuring that all Apple facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Enhanced Communication and Safety Features
The iPhone 16 lineup introduces satellite communication capabilities for users who find themselves outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. With Messages via Satellite, users can send and receive texts, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS, ensuring connectivity in remote areas. The satellite messaging system in iOS 18 is end-to-end encrypted, offering enhanced security for users.
In addition to satellite messaging, the iPhone 16 series includes Emergency SOS Live Video, which allows users to share a live video feed with emergency dispatchers during critical situations. This feature will be particularly useful in providing visual context in emergencies, helping responders assess the situation more effectively.
Later this year, Roadside Assistance via Satellite will expand to the U.K., allowing users to connect with roadside assistance providers in case of car trouble when off the grid.
Pricing and Availability
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities. Pricing starts at $799 (U.S.) for the iPhone 16 and $899 (U.S.) for the iPhone 16 Plus, with pre-orders beginning on September 13 and availability starting on September 20. Customers in more than 58 countries, including the U.S., Canada, China, Germany, and Japan, will be able to order the devices, with availability in additional countries, including Macao and Vietnam, on September 27.
To incentivize upgrades, Apple is offering trade-in credits ranging from $180 (U.S.) to $650 (U.S.) for iPhone 12 or newer devices, while customers trading in their devices with a carrier offer could receive up to $1,000 (U.S.) in credits for an iPhone 16 Pro.