As tech gets faster and faster, Apple is leading the charge with the iPhone 16. This latest iPhone not only shows off Apple’s design and functionality but also AI. With each new iPhone, Apple pushes the limits of what a phone can do, and the iPhone 16 is no exception.
In this post, we’ll examine the iPhone 16’s top features, from design to performance to the intelligent bits that make it a game changer in the smartphone space. Whether you’re an Apple fanboy or thinking of switching, the iPhone 16 promises to deliver an experience that’s both intuitive and efficient. Join us as we explore the amazing features of Apple’s latest flagship phones and how they’re designed for Apple Intelligence.
Should I Buy an iPhone 16?
Launched in September 2024, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are Apple’s latest flagships. They are available alongside the more premium iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. With each new release, Apple refines its offerings, and the iPhone 16 series is no exception.
Why iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus?
For most people, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are the perfect choice, and now is a good time to buy one. These models come with the new A18 chip, which means faster performance and Apple Intelligence features. That means faster processing speeds, better graphics, and better power efficiency, so you can game and multitask without any hiccups.
The dual-lens camera system takes amazing photos so that you can take pro-quality pictures easier than ever. Whether it’s family gatherings, landscapes, or everyday moments, the iPhone 16 camera performs in all lighting conditions. The new Camera Control button gives you quick access to the camera, so you never miss a shot. The customizable Action button gives you personalized shortcuts so you can access your favorite features with one tap.
Price and Value
Starting at $799, the iPhone 16 is a great value for its features. It’s got features for casual users and tech enthusiasts. If you want more advanced features, the iPhone 16 Pro models have the A18 Pro chip, bigger screens, ProMotion for smoother visuals, and a triple-lens camera system for even better photos. These are for users who want the best performance and everything from their devices.
Upgrading from Older Models
If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 13 or earlier, the iPhone 16 is a great choice. It has a new superfast chip and Apple Intelligence support, which means Siri, photo recognition, and more will be better. However, you’ll still get old model features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite, which can be life-saving in emergencies.
Budget Options
For those on a budget, Apple has options like the $429 iPhone SE, which has older tech but is still good enough for everyday use. If you want a more recent model, the prior-generation iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus start at $699, and the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus start at $599. These models are still great and good options if you don’t need the latest features.
Pick the Right One
Choosing the right iPhone is a big decision, and you need to consider your needs and wants. Whether it’s camera, performance, or budget, there’s an iPhone for you. Check out our buyer’s guides to help you choose the right one for you.
The 2024 iPhone 16 Lineup
Apple has released the 2024 iPhone 16 lineup featuring the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus as the consumer-focused flagships with prices starting at $799. The pro-focused iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have more features and start at $999.
Four to Choose From
Like the iPhone 15 lineup from last year, the iPhone 16 has four models to fit different user needs and wants. The lineup is:
iPhone 16: 6.1 inches
iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7 inches
iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3 inches
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches
While the Pro and Pro Max have bigger screens this year, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are the same size as last year. This consistency in size makes it easier to upgrade from previous models and get used to the new tech.
Value and Performance
While some of the best features are reserved for the iPhone 16 Pro models (which is why they cost more), the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are great devices that will last for years to come. They’re good for everyday use, photos, and entertainment, so they are perfect for the average consumer.
I think the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are a great balance of performance and price. If you don’t need the latest and greatest features, these models will give you a solid experience without the hefty price tag. The A18 chip means casual users will get fast performance, and multitasking and gaming will be a breeze.
Design and Display
In terms of design, the iPhone 16 models look a lot like the iPhone 15 models. They have an aluminum frame, frosted glass back, and Dynamic Island, which houses the front-facing TrueDepth camera and other sensors for Face ID. The Super Retina XDR OLED display is protected by a next-generation Ceramic Shield, which is 50% tougher than before, so it can withstand drops and scratches.
While the overall design hasn’t changed much, Apple has introduced a new vertical rear camera layout instead of the diagonal one before. It also has two new buttons: the Action button, which allows for customizable shortcuts, and the Camera Control button, which gives you quick access to the camera for spontaneous photography.
Colors and Connectivity
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in five colors: ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black, so that you can express yourself. For connectivity, the models have a USB-C port for charging, which is industry standard. However, the data transfer speed is still USB 2.0, which is the same as last year.
A18 Chip and Camera on iPhone 16
Apple has taken a big step forward with the new 3nm A18 chip that powers all the iOS 18 Apple Intelligence features. This chip supports new features like Writing Tools, new Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and more. The 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU are designed for performance and efficiency.
Performance Boost
The 16-core Neural Engine in the A18 chip runs machine learning models 2x faster than the A16 chip. So, tasks that require AI processing, like image recognition and natural language processing, will be much faster and more efficient. Thanks to hardware-based ray tracing, the CPU is 30% faster, and the GPU is 40% faster and 35% more efficient. This is great for gaming and graphics-heavy apps for a smoother and more immersive experience.
Thermal Design and Gaming Performance
Apple has reworked the internal design of the A18 chip for better heat dissipation and overall chip performance. With this, the A18 can sustain up to 30% more gaming performance. So you can play for longer without throttling or overheating, which is a common issue with high-performance devices.
Action and Camera Control Buttons
This year, Apple has brought the Action button from the iPhone 15 Pro to all iPhone 16 models. With a single button press, you can access various customizable functions like flashlight, camera, Shazam, Translate, and more.
Also, Apple has introduced a new Camera Control button, which is similar to the Action button but designed specifically for camera use. This touch and pressure-sensitive button can be used to launch the camera, take photos, record videos, and adjust camera settings. It’s modeled after the shutter button of a DSLR camera, so photographers will love it. Third-party apps can also use the Camera Control button to extend its functionality beyond the native camera app.
Visual Intelligence and Advanced Camera Features
With iOS 18.2, you can use the Camera Control button for visual intelligence, a new AI feature that gives you information about objects and places. Just point the camera at an object and press and hold the Camera Control button, and you’ll get information like restaurant hours and menu items. This adds a layer of interactivity and utility to the camera, so it’s not just for taking pictures but also for gathering information.
Along with the Camera Control button is a 48MP Fusion camera with a 2x optical quality Telephoto zoom, so you have two cameras in one. Also, there’s a new 12MP Ultra Wide camera with autofocus and macro photography support, which can gather up to 2.6x more light for better image quality in low light. The vertical camera arrangement also supports spatial photos and videos that can be viewed on Apple Vision Pro.
Next-Gen Photographic Styles and Audio Features
The iPhone 16 has next-gen Photographic Styles where you can adjust color, highlights, and shadows in real-time. You can apply adjustments to specific colors instead of the entire image, so you have granular control over the intensity and tone of the effects. Styles can be applied during live previews or after the photo is taken, so you have flexibility in your editing process.
Videos shot on iPhone 16 have Spatial Audio, so you can have a more immersive sound experience when using AirPods or Vision Pro. The new Audio Mix feature allows you to adjust sound after capture, focus on the voice of the person on camera, or create a professional studio-like sound. There is also a wind noise reduction tool to minimize unwanted noise, so you have better audio quality for video recording.
The focus on audio is a big plus for video content creators. Being able to mix audio tracks and reduce background noise can make a big difference in the production value of videos shot on iPhone 16.
Battery Life and Charging of iPhone 16
Apple has improved the battery life of the iPhone 16 series. The battery size is bigger, and with the new A18 chip’s efficiency, you can get up to 2 hours more battery life than the iPhone 15. This is a big plus for those who use their device all day.
Video Playback Time
iPhone 16 Plus: Up to 27 hours
iPhone 16: Up to 22 hours
These longer playback times make the iPhone 16 perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows or making long video calls without worrying about running out of battery.
As someone who uses my phone for streaming and video calls, I find the longer battery life is a game changer. Knowing I can watch movies or attend long meetings without needing to recharge often is a luxury I really appreciate.
Charging
Apple also introduced 25W MagSafe charging for the new iPhone 16 series. But to use this faster charging speed, you need a new MagSafe Charger that supports it. With 25W MagSafe charging, an iPhone 16 can charge up to 50% in 30 minutes, so you can quickly top up your device when you’re in a hurry. Also, the iPhone 16 series supports 15W Qi2 charging, so you have options for wireless charging.
Connectivity
As with the previous few generations, the iPhone 16 series supports 5G connectivity, sub-6GHz, and mmWave in the US. This means you can get faster download and streaming speeds and stay connected on the go.
In the US, iPhone models no longer have a physical SIM card, as carriers have switched to eSIM. This simplifies the design of the device and is more secure and convenient for the user.
Also, the iPhone 16 series supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for better online and accessory connectivity.
Water and Dust Resistance
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. That means they can withstand being submerged up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) for 30 minutes. This is perfect for users who are always on the go or are in environments where water and dust are a concern.
What’s IP68?
In the IP68 rating, the 6 means dust resistance, so the iPhone 16 can keep out dirt, dust, and other particles. The 8 means water resistance, so it can be submerged in water under certain conditions. IP6x has the highest dust resistance rating, so the iPhone 16 is ready for any environment.
With an IP68 rating, your iPhone 16 is safe against splashes, rain, and accidental water exposure. However, to keep your device intact, don’t intentionally submerge it in water.
As an outdoor enthusiast, I think IP68 is a big plus. Knowing my phone can handle unexpected rain or splashes while hiking or at the beach gives me peace of mind. I can capture moments without worrying about damaging my device.
Considerations
Apple says water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Over time, these features can wear off due to normal use. So, while the iPhone 16 is built to withstand certain conditions, you should still take care of it to keep its protective features intact.
Also, Apple’s standard warranty doesn’t cover liquid damage, so be careful when exposing your device to liquids, even if it has an IP68 rating.
Display
Apple is sticking to the same display technology for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, using Super Retina XDR OLED displays with Dynamic Island. There is no new display tech, but the existing one is still great.
Display Specs
iPhone 16:
Resolution: 2556 x 1179 pixels
Pixel Density: 460 PPI
iPhone 16 Plus:
Resolution: 2796 x 1290 pixels
Pixel Density: 460 PPI
Both are great for video streaming and photo browsing.
Brightness and Contrast
Both models have a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits and peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits. Apple claims the iPhone 16 can reach 2000 nits outdoors and one nit minimum brightness this year, so it can be seen in bright sunlight and low-light conditions.
2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and rich colors. Wide color support for true-to-life colors. True Tone adjusts the white balance to match the ambient light, so it’s like reading a paper.
Touch and Feel
Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating to keep the screen clean and smudge-free. Haptic Touch for tactile feedback when interacting with the screen.
Compared to Pro Models
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus don’t have a ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate and an Always-On display for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. While this might be a drawback for some, the standard refresh rate is still smooth for most everyday use.
Durability
The display is protected by next-generation Ceramic Shield material, which is created by infusing nano-ceramic crystals into glass. Apple claims this new Ceramic Shield is “2x tougher” than any other smartphone glass. However, iPhone 16 models can still be damaged when dropped.
Dynamic Island
Dynamic Island is a feature of the iPhone 16. It’s hardware and software integration that enhances the user experience. This design includes the TrueDepth camera sensor for Face ID and the front-facing camera to create a unique interface element that Apple is using.
Design and Functionality
Dynamic Island has two cutouts on the display: a small circular cutout on the right for the front-facing camera and a pill-shaped cutout on the left for the TrueDepth system used in Face ID. Apple software merges these two cutouts into one pill-shaped interface.
Information Center
Apple is turning Dynamic Island into an information center for notifications and, at a glance, updates from various apps and services. So you can get the information you need without interrupting what you’re doing. For example, when you make an Apple Pay payment, Dynamic Island expands into a square to confirm your Face ID scan, giving you immediate feedback and more security. During a phone call, it expands to give you quick access to call controls so you can manage your conversation.
Dynamic Island can show a lot of information: maps, directions, and Apple Music controls. It also integrates with Live Activities so that you can get real-time updates on events like sports scores or delivery status right from Dynamic Island.
Same Across Models
Note that Dynamic Island is not changed on iPhone 16 models compared to previous models. This means Apple is happy with the features and design, which are still a big part of the iPhone experience.
Emergency SOS via Satellite
All iPhone 16 models have the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, which is a game changer. It allows you to connect to satellites when cellular and Wi-Fi are not available. This is super useful for those who venture into remote areas where traditional communication will not work.
How does it Work？
Apple designed the Emergency SOS feature to use the iPhone’s antennas to connect to Globalstar satellites. This satellite communication is for emergency situations when you can’t access Wi-Fi or a cellular tower. To make sure it works, the feature is optimized for open spaces with minimal obstructions like trees so the iPhone can connect to a satellite overhead.
Easy to Use
Apple has a user-friendly walkthrough interface that guides you through holding your iPhone to connect to a satellite. Since sending data via satellite takes time, Apple has a compressed messaging protocol to speed up communication. In open spaces, you can send a short message to emergency services in as little as 15 seconds, which is critical in life-or-death situations.
When you activate Emergency SOS via Satellite, it will ask you a series of questions to gather information quickly for emergency personnel. If text is supported in your area, the answers will be sent to emergency services. If not, the information will be sent to Apple-trained specialists who will contact emergency services for you.
Other Uses and Benefits
While the main purpose of this feature is to let you call emergency services in emergency situations, it also does another important job: updating your Find My Location. This is super useful for those who go camping or hiking off the grid, as it allows family and friends to know where you are so that they can have peace of mind.
Cost and Availability
Emergency SOS via Satellite is free for all iPhone 16 users for the first 2 years. Apple has not announced any cost after the initial 2 years, so we’re all wondering what the cost will be.
Apart from Emergency SOS, iPhone 16 models also support Messages via Satellite with iOS 18, so you can send text messages when cellular service is unavailable. Roadside Assistance via Satellite lets you contact local service providers if you have car trouble in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi. There’s no charge for the satellite service, but you may incur fees from the roadside service provider.