iPhone 16: Finally, the iPhone 16 range has launched and it’s Apple’s biggest design changeRead More. As people decide whether to pony up the cash to upgrade, industry observers have seen incredible leaps forward and a few underwhelming shortcomings with Apple’s new flagship devices.
Design Evolution
There’s a very subtle, barely perceptible design evolution with the iPhone 16, with edges that are a little more curved to feel in the hand while preserving the same flat-sided look we first saw with the iPhone 12.
Standard models will receive a new camera set-up, which has the lenses aligned vertically, rather than diagonally, which will allow them to record in spatial video (a feature previously exclusive to the Pro models).
-Apple is bringing a new “Capture Button” to all iPhone 16 variants with pressure-sensitive dedicated camera controls.
This actual button allows for focus, zoom, and shooting without pressing on the screen and improves the photographic experience by a large margin.
Performance Leaps
The iPhone 16 series is entirely fueled by Apple’s next-generation processors — the A18 on the regular editions and the A18 Pro on high-end models.
These chips offer between 15 to 20 percent faster CPU performance and 25 percent faster graphics performance than the older generation.
The battery life gets a small bump, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasting as much as 30 hours of video playback — about two hours more than the device it replaced.
Fast charging isn’t class-leading, but generally it favors playing it safe, with the 68W charging taking about 30 minutes to reach 50% of the battery (when used in concert with the included charger).
Camera Capabilities
The camera system has also had a big spruce up, with the Pro models now sporting a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens instead of 12MP, and a new and improved 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom.
So the standard iPhone 16 models, have got the 48MP main sensor of last year’s Pro lineup, a serious upgrade for the base models.
Apple’s got a lot of focus on AI-powered photography features, like improved low-light Night mode performance and a new “Photographic Styles 2.0” system that gives users more control over the look while avoiding Icky over-Retouching of people’s skin tones.
Enhanced Compatability with Apple’s Intelligent Features
One of the more talked about features is Apple’s seamless implementation of Apple Intelligence throughout the iPhone 16 range.
These AI functions consist of suggested smart replies in Messages, automatically generated email summaries, intelligent Siri interactions, and photo editing features, which is able to erase unwanted objects from photos or reframe images.
Pros:
Enhanced performance via A18/A18 Pro chips
Improved cameras on both models
New Capture Button for easy consumer control over settings and functionality while shooting photos
All-in-one AI features via Apple Intelligence
Improved battery life, particularly in the Pro models
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iPhone 16 Cons:
Minor design changes could make you less incentivized to upgrade from iPhone 14/15
Local storage is still 128GB, but file sizes from high-res photos and videos keep increasing
Charging remains slower than on Android rivals
Some Apple Intelligence features are not available in all regions or require an Internet connection.
Price hikes on the Pro models might turn some potential buyers away
Certain AI capabilities won’t be available at launch, but they’ll arrive over time
The iPhone 16 is also more like the next evolution of Apple. Performance gains and camera enhancements are significant, but for recent iPhone owners, the advancements are more incremental than revolutionary.
But if you’re coming from an older model, it’s prudent to say that the iPhone 16 series is Apple’s most polished and feature-rich smartphone to date, taking in cutting-edge technology and the ecosystem play that its enthusiasts have been craving.
