Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, two key models from its new iPhone 16 series lineup, which will serve as their flagship devices for the next year. These “non-Pro” versions come with some notable design tweaks and new features, making them a fresh upgrade from their predecessors. Both models also feature Apple Intelligence, bringing powerful AI capabilities that were previously exclusive to Pro variants.
The iPhone 16 retains its 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus continues with a larger 6.7-inch display. Both devices still offer a 60Hz refresh rate, lacking the 120Hz Pro Motion technology found in the Pro models, but they maintain the Dynamic Island feature, housing the 12 MP TrueDepth camera with auto-focus and Face ID integration.
One of the most significant design changes appears in the rear camera setup. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus now feature a dual-camera system with a new vertical alignment. The camera housing is no longer in the familiar rounded rectangle shape, which marks a new design direction. The primary camera remains a 48 MP Fusion Camera with f/1.6 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and phase detection autofocus (PDAF). This camera supports 2x telephoto zoom through cropping, enabling 12 MP photos without the need for a dedicated telephoto lens.
Alongside the main camera, there’s a 12 MP ultra-wide lens with a 120° field of view and f/2.2 aperture. This lens supports auto-focus and is capable of macro photography. Together, the dual-camera system enables spatial photo and video capture, producing a 3D-like effect for photos and videos.
For the first time, Apple has introduced two new buttons to the iPhone 16 series. The Action Button, positioned above the volume controls, replaces the traditional alert switch and allows for customizable functions, such as launching specific apps or tasks. On the right side, below the power button, there’s a Camera Button. Unlike a physical button, it’s a capacitive touch area that responds to gestures, offering quick access to the camera and other features.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are powered by the A18 chip, which is manufactured using a 3nm process. While similar to the A18 Pro found in the Pro models, the A18 in these models comes with a 5-core GPU. This chipset features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to handle on-device AI tasks, bringing Apple Intelligence to these devices.
Apple Intelligence introduces a suite of AI-driven features that streamline user interactions. For instance, AI can suggest responses for messaging and emails, while Siri benefits from improved voice recognition for better command understanding. This AI integration will roll out in selected countries, starting with the U.S. in October 2024.
Additionally, a new Visual Intelligence feature, accessible through the Camera Button, allows users to search directly from images captured by the camera. This feature connects to search engines like Google and AI models like ChatGPT for deeper insights and search capabilities.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offer the same storage configurations as their predecessors: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. Apple has slightly increased the battery capacity in both models, although specific details were not provided. For context, the iPhone 15 featured a 3349 mAh battery, while the iPhone 15 Plus housed a 4383 mAh battery. The new models also support faster 30W wireless charging via MagSafe technology.
iPhone 16 also available in White, Black, Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with a glass back and aluminum frame, maintaining their premium feel. Both models offer IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in various environments.
The pricing for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus is as follows:
- iPhone 16 (128 GB): USD 799
- iPhone 16 Plus (128 GB): USD 899
- iPhone 16 (256 GB): USD 899
- iPhone 16 Plus (256 GB): USD 999
- iPhone 16 (512 GB): USD 1099
- iPhone 16 Plus (512 GB): USD 1199
Running on iOS 18, the iPhone 16 series is expected to be available for pre-order soon. This release marks a new chapter in Apple’s smartphone design and innovation, blending incremental hardware upgrades with cutting-edge AI features to enhance user experience.
