Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, boasting significant advancements including:
New A18 chip
Camera Control
Powerful 48MP Fusion camera
Improved battery life
128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities
Both models are available in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes and come in five colors: black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine. Pre-orders start on 13 September 2024, with general availability beginning on 20 September.
The A18 chip represents a leap in performance and efficiency, thanks to second-generation 3-nanometer technology. With a 30% faster CPU and a 40% faster GPU compared to the A16 Bionic, the iPhone 16 is optimised for graphics-intensive gaming and computational photography. The 16-core Neural Engine accelerates machine learning models, making the chip suitable for advanced AI tasks. This power also extends battery life and enables new features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing, supported by iOS 18’s Game Mode for smoother, more responsive gaming experiences.
The device’s design features the latest-generation Ceramic Shield that is twice as tough as glass on any other smartphone. The reengineered internal layout accommodates a larger battery and improves heat dissipation, contributing to prolonged battery life. The Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology and Dynamic Island offers an exceptional viewing experience. The new Action button provides quick access to various functions like the camera, flashlight, voice memos and even in-app features.
One of the standout features is the innovative Camera Control system, integrating hardware and software to offer tactile and touch interactions, allowing users to quickly launch the camera, take photos and start video recording. This system also supports third-party apps such as Snapchat. The Camera Control can enhance visual intelligence, helping users learn about objects and places quickly by simply pointing the camera.
The 48MP Fusion camera system provides a 2x Telephoto option, essentially offering two cameras in one. The new 12MP Ultra Wide camera, now with autofocus, supports macro photography and captures up to 2.6x more light for enhanced image quality. Next-generation Photographic Styles allow real-time adjustments to color, highlights and shadows, offering more personalisation than typical filters. The camera system can also capture spatial photos and videos that can be relived with remarkable depth on Apple Vision Pro.
Video recording capabilities have also been updated, with the addition of Spatial Audio for immersive listening experiences. The new Audio Mix feature leverages advanced machine learning to adjust sound post-recording, focusing on voices and reducing environmental noise, including wind.
The iPhone 16 lineup enhances communication and safety features. It allows for satellite-based messaging when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, offering end-to-end encrypted texts, emoji, and Tapbacks. A new Emergency SOS Live Video feature lets users share live video feeds with emergency dispatchers. Roadside Assistance via satellite, initially available in the US, will expand to the UK as well.
Built to leverage Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 integrates advanced AI models within a privacy-centric framework called Private Cloud Compute. This system flexibly distributes processing tasks between on-device capabilities and Apple’s dedicated servers. New Writing Tools enable text rewriting, proofreading, and summarising across the system. Siri has also been redesigned for more natural interactions, with richer language understanding and the ability to switch seamlessly between text and voice. Siri now provides extensive product knowledge and can take context-specific actions.
In terms of environmental features, the new iPhones are part of Apple’s 2030 carbon-neutral initiative. They use more than 30% recycled materials overall, including 85% recycled aluminum and 100% recycled cobalt in the batteries, and are delivered in entirely fibre-based packaging.
Apple’s enhancements make the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus not just more powerful but also more intuitive, providing compelling reasons from Apple for users to upgrade or switch to these new models.
