At its Glowtime event on Monday, Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, introducing significant updates including a vertical camera layout and the integration of Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 16 is available in five colors and boasts improved durability, being both water and dust resistant.
The devices feature a Ceramic Shield that is 50% tougher than previous models, enhancing their resilience.
The iPhone 16 sports a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch screen. The pricing starts at $799 for the 128GB model of the iPhone 16 and $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus. Pre-orders will begin on September 13, with both models set to be available in the U.S. starting September 20.
Both models include a new action button and a side button for camera control. They are powered by the A18 Bionic chip, which features a 16-core Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for enhanced AI capabilities and 17% more memory bandwidth, built on a 3nm architecture.
The camera system has been upgraded to a 48-megapixel main camera that combines 48MP and 12MP photos into a 24MP image for improved detail and light capture. The camera also supports a 2x zoom option and can shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second with Dolby Vision HDR. The new f/1.6 aperture allows for 1.6 times more light, enhancing low-light photography.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are designed to support AAA games, including titles like Resident Evil 7 Biohazard and Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, with the iPhone 16 delivering 30% higher sustained performance for gaming due to new thermal optimizations.
Both models feature a larger battery, which, combined with the A18 chip and improved power management, results in significantly enhanced battery life. The A18 chip includes a 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, optimizing power usage.
In addition to hardware improvements, the iPhone 16 lineup introduces Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system that enhances user experience through features like Camera Control, advanced writing tools, and personalized notifications. Apple Intelligence will begin rolling out in a beta version next month, with further updates planned throughout the year.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus mark a new era for Apple, combining advanced technology with user-friendly features to enhance everyday tasks and improve overall functionality.