Enhanced Design, New Photography Tools, and AI – What’s New on iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
Published on September 10, 2024
This year’s Apple September event introduced four new iPhone models, focusing on enhancing the excellent features of last year’s lineup. As expected, the base models are the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max deliver more high-end features and better specs overall.
The latest iPhone lineup delivers many hardware and software changes, such as a refreshed design, Apple Intelligence, new photography experiences, and an all-new “Camera Control” switch. So, let’s take a closer look at what’s new on iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max.
Refreshed Design with Focus on Durability
The base iPhone 16 models feature enhanced durability, as they include the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which is 50% tougher than the last generation. Predictably, they come in two sizes: 6.1 and 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR displays with OLED technology. They now also include the Action Button and the Camera Control switch.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature larger displays than the previous generation: 6.3 and 6.9-inches. They’re powered by Super Retina XDR displays, and they still have Always-On and ProMotion technologies. Like the base models, this year’s high-end iPhones include the Action Button and the Camera Control switch.
Due to the abovementioned changes, your old iPhone 15 case won't work with the iPhone 16 models, as they have new hardware buttons and dimensions. That said, some things have remained the same. For example, the iPhone 16 is still waterproof up to 6 meters and 30 minutes and ships without a SIM card tray in the US, while other countries can still use regular SIMs and eSIMs.
Privacy-Centric Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence, the name for a series of Apple’s AI-powered features, is coming to all iPhone 16 models. In iOS 18, which powers this year’s iPhones, you’ll be able to use writing tools and create images based on text descriptions, and there’s also a much-improved version of Siri that can handle more complex requests.
- Writing Tools: Apple Intelligence allows you to proofread any text, instruct AI to write text, and rewrite to sound more friendly or professional.
- Image Creation: You can transform a rough sketch into an image, as well as create all-new Genmojis based on how people look in real life.
- All-New Siri: Featuring an all-new design, Siri can handle more complex requests, it’s aware of what’s on your screen, and more.
- Other AI Features: Apple has integrated ChatGPT natively, and the Notes and Phone apps can now capture audio recordings and transcripts.
Photography and Videography Improvements
Apple’s smartphones have always been known for their extraordinary cameras, and the iPhone 16 lineup is no different. The base models come with 48MP Fusion and 12MP Ultra Wide cameras, allowing you to apply AI-powered “Photographic Styles” as well as recording Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP Ultra-Wide camera, and a 5x Telephoto camera. These models can record video in 4K/120fps, read data faster to avoid shutter lag, record Spatial Audio, and use AI to reduce noise. Like the base models, they also feature “Photographic Styles” with intensity sliders.
All-New “Camera Control” Switch
All iPhone 16 models have a new hardware feature called “Camera Control.” This is a hardware switch/button on the right-hand side, used to access the camera, take a photo, and record video. By sliding their finger, users can frame the shot and adjust additional options, such as zoom, exposure, and depth of field.
The “Camera Control” button is also poised to receive additional features next year. By clicking and holding it, users can check restaurant hours and ratings, add events from a flyer to their calendars, and more. Third-party apps will also receive access to this hardware feature, meaning you can use it with Snapchat, Instagram, and similar apps.
New Communication and Safety Features
Another thing in common for the entire iPhone 16 lineup is the newly expanded range of communication features that rely on a satellite connection. Using “Emergency SOS,” users are able to send and receive texts, emojis, and “tapbacks” over iMessage and SMS when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Also, “Emergency SOS” now supports live video, which enables users to share a live feed with participating emergency dispatchers. Plus, it’s worth noting that roadside assistance via satellite is coming to the UK as well.
Performance and Battery Improvements
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are powered by the all-new A18 chip. It’s a 6-core CPU that is 30 percent faster than the previous generation. It also has an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine, which is in charge of processing Apple Intelligence requests. Plus, Apple notes that the A18 chip uses 30 percent less power.
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max use the new A18 Pro chip, which is more energy efficient. Plus, these models are physically larger than before, which should result in noticeable battery improvements. Also, Apple says that the 6-core GPU of the high-end iPhone models offers 20 percent faster gaming performance.
It's also worth noting that the latest iPhones add at least one hour of extra battery life compared to the previous generation. You can still use your old adapter to charge your iPhone 16, but remember that it now supports faster MagSafe charging, up to 25W. You'll need a freshly updated MagSafe charging puck to take advantage of that.
Finally, we'll add that the iPhone 16 lineup retains the prices of last year's models, which also means that the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are now cheaper by $100. You can preorder iPhone 16 models starting this Friday, September 13, and shipping will begin September 20, 2024.
Overall, the latest iPhone lineup is a solid improvement over the previous generation, with enhancements across the board. That said, this is where we conclude our guide on what’s new in the iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max. Let us know what you think via the comments section below.
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