We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.
Apple had a challenge with their iPhone 16 release this year. In 2023, they managed to ride the hype of a titanium casing and the Action Button. But 2024 is all about AI integration, a topic the company has deliberately avoided publicly discussing to much before their event.
The Samsung S24 Ultra has set the bar for what a smartphone should bring to the table this year with elements like live translation and article summaries. Dynamic Islands and reduced bezel sizes won’t cut the mustard this time around for Cupertino.
So what did Apple cook up for the iPhone 16 release? Let’s delve in.
iPhone 16 Release Date
The exact announcement date of the iPhone 16 was the 9th of September 2024 at the Keynote event ‘It’s Glowtime’. This was no surprise, seeing as Apple usually unveils its new iPhones in early September, followed by a pre-order period and then a wide release a week later.
We also saw the release of some more exciting models such as the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and an all-new AirPods lineup, including AirPods 4 and an updated AirPods Max with USB-C.
Here’s a timeline of supposed events concerning the iPhone 16 lineup here:
What’s new with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus?
The standard iPhone 16 and its larger counterpart, the iPhone 16 Plus continue the legacy of their predecessors, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. While the overall design language remains largely unchanged, there are a few intriguing tweaks.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a vertically aligned camera system, a departure from the familiar diagonal arrangement seen in previous models. This strategic repositioning enables the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus to capture an improved Spatial Video, a feature that promises to integrate with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
In terms of dimension and weight specifications, please see the below table comparing the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
Additionally, the incorporation of the Action Button, which was previously exclusive to the Pro models, has been implemented across the entire lineup.
What’s new with The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max boast larger displays, with the iPhone 16 Pro sporting a 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 16 Pro Max 6.9-inch panel.
Further Improvements
The reduction in bezel size, a hallmark of Apple’s design, aims to further enhance the immersive viewing experience.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are powered by a more advanced iteration of Apple’s custom silicon, the A18 Pro chip. This potent processor, combined with an increase in RAM, supposedly delivers a significant boost in performance and efficiency, laying the groundwork for the integration of Apple Intelligence features.
Size and Spec Changes for the iPhone 16, Plus and Pro Models
As you will see below, the general size of the standard Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are the same as their 15 model predecessors (with a slight difference in weight).
However, the flagship offerings in the 2024 iPhone 16 lineup, have undergone some notable changes in their dimensions and specifications.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences in the iPhone 16 lineup:
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 7.8 mm | 8.25 mm | 8.26 mm |
| Height | 147 mm | 160.5 mm | 149.6 mm | 163.0 mm |
| Width | 71.5 mm | 77.8 mm | 71.45 mm | 77.58 mm |
| Display | 6.1″ (155.9 mm) | 6.7″ (170 mm) | 6.3″ (159.31 mm) | 6.9″ (174.06 mm) |
| Screen Border | Not listed | Not listed | 1.2 mm | 1.15 mm |
| Weight | 172 grams | 201 grams | 194 grams | 225 grams |
As the data clearly indicates, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max see a notable increase in their overall dimensions, with the Pro Max model leading the charge. The displays on both these Pro devices have grown, with the Pro reaching a 6.3-inch panel and the Pro Max boasting a 6.9-inch screen- the largest display on any iPhone ever!
Alongside the physical changes, the weight of these flagship models have also seen a slight uptick, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max tipping the scales at a hefty 225 grams. This increase in heft can be attributed to the larger displays and the potential for more advanced internal components.
Pricing
Apple has followed its usual pricing strategy. The entry-level model starts at $799, with the iPhone 16 Plus starting at $899 and the iPhone 16 Pro ranging from $999.
Higher storage versions like the iPhone 16 Pro Max have a base price of $1199.
Why smartphones ain’t so hot
Smartphones are no longer the hot new thing. Smart rings and VR headsets will be hogging headlines for at least a few years to come. That means there is less power for smartphones to impress and therefore demand more money.
Design
Early Leaked prototypes indicated that the iPhone 16 may feature repositioned main cameras to a vertical alignment, resembling the layout seen on the iPhone 12. The working theory for this was, that it will enable the recording of spatial video for use with Vision Pro headsets.
And the rumours were correct! However, not when it came to the Pro and Pro Max models!
The lineup has also benefitted with the addition of a new ‘Camera Control Button’ on the right-hand side. This Capture Button allows the user to take easy-access video without opening the main camera app and gives the feeling of a real camera click via a capacitive sensor. It also allows users to control zoom and focus with touch and pressure sensitivity.
Under-display Face ID
While there were rumours of under-display Face ID technology, replacing the notch with a single cutout for the selfie camera, we now expect it to appear in the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is also the largest model by size, as we stated above.
But what about the iPhone 16 Colours?
The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models are available in a range of vibrant hues, including blue, green, pink, and white, alongside the classic black and silver.
The Pro models, on the other hand, offer a more sophisticated palette, with shades like Space Black, White Titanium, and a new Desert Titanium option.
iPhone 16 Camera
The iPhone 16 camera is all about resolution and zoom.
One of the more memorable updates is the inclusion of AI in the iPhone 16 camera systems.
Apple had a lot to compete with, seeing as the S24 Ultra includes new features like reflection removal and AI-powered background augmentation.
However, the new iPhone 16 is built with Apple Intelligence heavily in mind.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Camera
Apple has gifted these Pro model iPhones with 3 rear cameras. The power of A18 Pro apparently allows for images to achieve ‘professional-level colour grading’.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Camera
Apple has equipped the Pro models with a powerful trio of rear cameras, with the A18 Pro chip apparently enabling images to achieve ‘professional-level colour grading.’
These models feature a new 48MP Fusion camera, which includes a 2x optical-quality telephoto option, essentially providing users with two cameras in one for enhanced creative control and higher image quality.
This is a substantial upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro, which had a 12MP ultrawide lens. Additionally, the Ultra Wide camera now includes a 12MP sensor with autofocus, enabling macro photography and capturing up to 2.6 times more light for improved low-light performance.
The iPhone 16 Pro also introduces new video capabilities, such as 4K recording at 120 fps, support for ProRes video when connected to external storage, and enhanced wind noise reduction for videos. The addition of Spatial Audio allows for immersive sound recording, and users can now adjust sound post-capture using the Audio Mix feature. If you watched the Apple event, you’ll know that the iPhone 16 Pro camera is good enough for the artist The Weeknd to shoot a music video, so it might just be good enough for you.
Another key development is the integration of AI in the iPhone 16 camera systems. The device introduces Photographic Styles, allowing real-time adjustments to color, highlights, and shadows with a better understanding of skin tones for personalized portraits. The S24 Ultra included features like reflection removal and AI-powered background augmentation, but the iPhone 16, with its A18 Pro chip, pushes Apple Intelligence further, allowing for even more advanced photography and videography features.
The Pro models also feature a 5x Telephoto camera, giving users the ability to capture distant subjects with more clarity and detail. Combined with AI enhancements and zero shutter lag for 48MP ProRAW photos, the iPhone 16 Pro lineup is meant to offer a professional-grade photography and videography experience.
A18 Processor
All iPhones in the 16 lineup feature the A18 chips made with TMSC’s N3E manufacturing process.
The CPU is divided into two performance cores for demanding tasks and four efficiency cores for lighter workloads. According to Apple, this CPU is 30% faster than the one in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. Apple also claims that the A18 chip delivers the same level of performance as the previous generation while consuming 30% less power.
Furthermore, The A18 Pro is 15% faster than the A17 Pro.
We have spoken about the A18 and A18 Pro chips in terms of the iPhone camera above.
iPhone 16 Apple Intelligence
iOS 18 brings a much improved Siri powered by Apple’s own Large Language Model called ‘Ajax’. This enables the iPhone 16 to perform things like live translation, message drafting and other generative functions. In this way, we see similar developments to that of the S24 Ultra.
To complement these AI upgrades, we’re expecting an AI-powered microphone to improve voice recognition and enable users to interact with AI features more effectively.
Siri has long been a bit of a lame duck; unused by most and not very helpful to the rest. But the iPhone 16 is different.
Siri can now extract information from users’ text messages, such as TV show or music recommendations from friends, and provide reminders, he said.
“You can simply say, ‘Send Erica the photos from Saturday’s barbecue,’ and Siri will find the photos and send them right away,” said the senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi.
Federighi further mentioned that users could point their camera at a restaurant to view reviews, check the menu, make a reservation, identify a dog breed or landmark, or even add an event to their calendar.
Additionally, the software will have the capability to generate visual images based on natural language prompts.
iPhone 16 Battery
The iPhone 16 is designed with a larger battery, working in tandem with the A18 chip to deliver a significant boost in battery life, even with all the new features. This means you can game, stream, and listen to music for longer.
With the new MagSafe charger, you can enjoy even faster wireless charging—up to 25W using a 30W power adapter or higher, allowing you to reach 50% charge in about 30 minutes.
Here’s a table that details the battery life for each model in the iPhone 16 Lineup:
| iPhone Model | Video Playback | Video Playback (Streamed) | Audio Playback |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | Up to 22 hours | Not specified | Up to 80 hours |
| iPhone 16 Plus | Up to 27 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 100 hours |
| iPhone 16 Pro | Up to 27 hours | Up to 22 hours | Up to 85 hours |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Up to 33 hours | Up to 29 hours | Up to 105 hours |
This shows a vast improvement over the iPhone 15’s battery life. Compared to the iPhone 15 the iPhone 16 has:
- Up to 7 more hours of video playback on iPhone 16 Plus
- Up to 2 more hours of video playback on iPhone 16
WiFi 7 and 5G Modem
With the official release of the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple has confirmed significant advancements in Wi-Fi technology across its new models.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature Wi-Fi 6E, an upgrade from the previous generation’s Wi-Fi 6. This technology leverages the 6 GHz band to offer enhanced performance, reduced latency, and improved spectrum utilization, providing speeds of up to 9.6 Gb/s in optimal conditions.
In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are equipped with Wi-Fi 7, the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, introduces substantial improvements over Wi-Fi 6E, including the ability to utilize 320 MHz channels and support for multi-link operations.
This results in a potential maximum speed of up to 40 Gb/s, making it up to 2.4 times faster than Wi-Fi 6.
The 2024 iPhone 16 Lineup Comparison Table
Here’s a little comparison table that compares the basic information between all models in the iPhone 16 lineup:
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Processor | A18 Chip | A18 Chip | A18 Pro Chip | A18 Pro Chip |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB (base), 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB (base), 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Camera System | Dual 48 MP Rear, Spatial Video | Dual 48 MP Rear, Spatial Video | Triple 48 MP Rear (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto), Tetraprism 5x Optical Zoom, 4K recording at 120 fps | Triple 48 MP Rear (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto), Tetraprism 5x Optical Zoom, Possible Super Telephoto Periscope, 4K recording at 120 fps |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours video playback | Up to 26 hours video playback | Up to 29 hours video playback | Up to 32 hours video playback |
| AI Features | Generative AI in Apps | Generative AI in Apps | Generative AI, AI-powered camera features | Generative AI, AI-powered camera features |
| Design | Action Button, Capture Button | Action Button, Capture Button | Action Button, Capture Button, Slimmer Bezels | Action Button, Capture Button, Slimmer Bezels |
| Material | Aerospace-grade Aluminum | Aerospace-grade Aluminum | Grade 5 Titanium | Grade 5 Titanium |
| Software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Price (Starting) | $799 | $899 | $999 | $1199 |
| Thickness | 7.84 mm | 8.28 mm | 8.25 mm | 8.26 mm |
| Weight | 172 grams | 215 grams | 194 grams | 225 grams |
| Colours | Blue, Green, Pink, White, Black, Silver | Blue, Green, Pink, White, Black, Silver | Space Black, White Titanium, Desert Titanium | Space Black, White Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| Release Date | September 20, 2024 | September 20, 2024 | September 20, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
Key Updates:
- Processor: iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have the A18 Chip; iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the A18 Pro Chip.
- Storage: The base storage for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is 128 GB, with options for 256 GB and 512 GB. The Pro models start at 256 GB, with higher options available.
- Camera System: The iPhone 16 models have a dual 48 MP rear camera setup. The Pro models feature advanced camera systems with tetraprism and a possible periscope lens for the Pro Max.
- Material: The iPhone 16 models use aerospace-grade aluminum, while the Pro models use grade 5 titanium.
Conclusion
So, how is the iPhone 16 shaping up?
Apple was probably hoping that Vision Pro would give them the ‘win’ over its competition. But, if the AI integration trend is followed by other brands, then Apple will have to focus on the iPhone as much as any other year.
The iPhone 16 can’t just be another incremental upgrade on the iPhone 15. There has to be something meaty there, which should come from artificial intelligence. Whether they like it or not, Apple has to play the AI game at some point.
Review: Why I Switched to the 14-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro!
FAQ
When is the new iPhone coming out?
We’re expecting to see the iPhone 16 in September 2024 if Apple sticks to their historical smartphone release schedule.
Will the iPhone 16 be a big change?
Apple is rumoured to be changing the camera sensor layout to a vertical format, a bit like the iPhone 12. This is so the new iPhone can shoot spatial video for Vision Pro. Apple is also likely to incorporate extensive AI capabilities into iOS 18 such as upgrades to Siri and generative features like message suggestions.
How big is the iPhone 16?
There are no confirmed dimensions yet, but rumours suggest slightly larger iPhones in 2024. The standard iPhone 16 will be 6.1 inches, the iPhone 16 Pro 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches.
Will the iPhone 16 have titanium?
The iPhone 16 will use the same Grade 5 Titanium as the iPhone 15.
Photo by N.Tho.Duc on Unsplash
Before you go join my newsletter list for a weekly behind-the-scenes video of a tech content creator!
