The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have been announced, with a new vertical camera bump, a faster processor, and the addition of both Action and Camera Control buttons.
Apple unveiled the two models at its September 9 “It’s Glowtime” event, alongside the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both of the regular iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models have broadly the same design as their predecessors.
The rear cameras have been redesigned and are now in a vertical arrangement, specifically to facilitate shooting Spatial Photos. Images taken with the new camera system can be viewed in 3D in Apple Vision Pro.
That camera system now comprises a 48MP Fusion camera with a 2x Telephoto option, plus a new 12MP Ultra Wide camera. Alongside the cameras, Apple claims that what it calls next-generation Photographic Styles will help users personalize their images.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus both feature the new 3nm A18 processor, which is up to 30% faster than the iPhone 15. It’s twice as fast for Machine Learning, and includes 17% more memory bandwidth specifically so it can support Apple Intelligence.
Apple’s summary of iPhone 16 features
The screen sizes remain the same as before, at 6.1 inches for the iPhone 16, and 6.7-inches for the iPhone 16 Plus. Apple says that the updated ceramic shield is 50% tougher than the previous generation, and twice as strong as the glass on any other smartphone.
Apple’s iPhone 16 now comes in five colors:
- Ultramarine
- Teal
- Pink
- White
- Black
The most noticeable visual difference when compared to the iPhone 15 range, though, is that the rear two cameras are now arranged vertically instead of diagonally.
The two cameras include a primary wide camera, with 1x and 2x optical zoom. The second camera is an ultra wide one for the .5x zoom out, which has also been improved with a faster f/2.2 aperture to improve low-light photography.
But then there is also the addition of a customizable Action Button, which was previously introduced with the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022, and then the iPhone 15 Pro series in 2023.
The new Camera Control button gives quick access to taking photos or adjusting features
A last visible difference is the addition of a Camera Control button, which is new to the whole range and appears on all four models of iPhone 16. By default, the Camera Control button makes taking photos a one-press job, but it also has options, such as which camera app it opens.
iPhone 16 adds a new 12MP Ultra Wide Camera system
For taking photos quickly, a light press brings up a minimal camera app interface, but allows for the user to slide to zoom. Apple says that developers will be able to bring Camera Control to third-party apps, such as Snapchat.
That will depend on developers adopting the new control, so it is likely that apps will begin using it over the next months. Also coming later this year is Apple’s own additions to Camera Control, letting it work with visual intelligence.
Pressing and holding on it starts examining the surroundings, with data detectors for animals, faces, restaurant names, and dates. The same Camera Control button will also be able to give users quick access to searching Google or ChatGPT.
Alongside images, the new cameras can capture video in Spatial Audio for playback across AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, and surround sound systems. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro has a new Audio Mix feature that lets users adjust sound after capture, rearranging the spatial balance and improving noise reduction.
The new iPhone 16 colors
On the inside of the chassis, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have been given larger batteries. Apple says that the chassis has been reengineered to allow for that larger battery and provide better heat dissipation, but it has not as yet quoted battery life.
Apple will start taking pre-orders for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus on Friday, September 13, with shipping beginning a week later on September 20. The iPhone 16 will start at $799, and the iPhone 16 Plus at $899.
