Apple officially revealed its latest iPhones at the Glowtime event on Monday, where CNET had a chance to try them out. The base models, predictably named iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, come with several key upgrades.
Among the most notable improvements are the addition of a dedicated camera control "button," an Action button (previously exclusive to Pro models), a new A18 processor, and enhanced zoom camera quality. Apple is positioning these as the first phones designed with Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features, reflecting the broader trend among tech companies integrating AI into their flagship products.
The iPhone 16 starts at the same price as last year's model—$799 for the 128GB version, while the 128GB iPhone 16 Plus begins at $899. Preorders begin Friday, with in-store availability on September 20.
One of the most exciting new features is the redesigned rear camera bump, where the sensors are now aligned vertically, reminiscent of earlier iPhones like the X, XR, and 11. This layout allows the iPhone 16 to capture spatial photos and videos, compatible with Apple's Vision Pro headset.
A dedicated camera control button on the side of the phone introduces new functionality. Tapping it takes a photo, sliding adjusts the zoom, and double-pressing switches modes. This feature, inspired by the QuickTake introduced with the iPhone 11, makes photo and video capture more intuitive without obstructing the screen.
Apple is also debuting a new tool called "visual intelligence," which uses the camera to gather information about objects or places in view, similar to Google Lens. This feature, though, won’t be available at launch and is expected later this year.
The 48-megapixel main camera remains, now accompanied by an upgraded ultrawide sensor that can capture up to 2.6 times more light, enhancing low-light photography.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 models now come with the Action button, allowing users to set shortcuts for various functions, including opening apps, turning on Do Not Disturb, or even ordering coffee.
In terms of display, the iPhone 16 retains the same 6.1-inch screen, and the iPhone 16 Plus keeps its 6.7-inch size, while the Pro models feature slightly larger displays. The A18 processor powers both models, enhancing performance and tapping into Apple’s AI capabilities. Apple claims the battery life is improved, with two additional hours of video playback for the iPhone 16 and up to four more hours for the iPhone 16 Plus when streaming video.
Charging speeds over MagSafe have also been improved, reaching up to 25 watts compared to 15 watts on the iPhone 15. The phones will also support USB-C charging and wireless charging using Qi2.
The new iPhone 16 lineup comes in vibrant colors, including white, black, ultramarine blue, teal green, and pink. With the new Camera Control, Action button, improved processor, and AI integration, the iPhone 16 is shaping up to be a significant upgrade, though whether Apple Intelligence justifies the jump remains to be seen.
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