Apple has officially launched its new iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This year’s lineup, unveiled at Apple HQ in Cupertino, introduces a suite of AI-driven features, improved camera controls, longer battery life, and a more refined design.
Key Takeaways
- Cheaper than last year: iPhone 16 models start at A$1,399, slightly less than last year’s prices.
- New AI features: “Apple Intelligence” brings advanced AI tools for smarter photo editing and text generation.
- Camera upgrades: Improved 48MP main camera, with Pro models adding 5x telephoto zoom.
- Better battery life: Longer battery life across all models, with faster charging.
- Sustainability moves: Increased use of recycled materials and renewable energy.
Price and availability
The iPhone 16 starts at A$1,399, and the iPhone 16 Plus is available from A$1,599. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at A$1,799, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at A$2,149. Each model is available in three storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The Pro models offer a new “Desert Titanium” colour alongside classic options like black, white, and natural titanium.
Pre-orders for all models will commence on September 13, with the phones available in stores across Australia and over 50 other countries from September 20.
Design and display
Apple continues its focus on durability and design consistency with the iPhone 16 lineup, using its signature Ceramic Shield front cover, now touted as tougher than any smartphone glass. The back is constructed from 85% recycled aluminium. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come in five colours: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models introduce “Desert Titanium” and continue with “Natural Titanium,” “White Titanium,” and “Space Black Titanium.”
The standard models feature 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR displays with OLED technology for vibrant colours and deep contrast. The Pro models offer slightly larger displays with advanced refresh rates and enhanced brightness.
Enhanced camera and new controls
The camera systems across all models see significant improvements. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature a 48MP main camera with 2x optical-quality zoom and a 12MP ultra-wide camera for macro photography. The Pro models enhance this setup with a third camera that offers 5x telephoto zoom and advanced low-light performance. Both models also support spatial photos and videos designed for immersive viewing on the Apple Vision Pro headset.
The new “Camera Control” feature includes a touch-sensitive button that can be customised for various functions, such as launching the camera, activating shortcuts, or accessing specific app controls. The Pro models also introduce a two-stage shutter button for more refined control over photography.
Performance boost with the A18 chip
The new A18 chip, built on a second-generation 3-nanometer process, is designed to offer a 30% increase in CPU performance and a 40% boost in graphics compared to the A16. Apple claims this will result in smoother multitasking, faster app performance, and more efficient battery usage, with up to 30% longer battery life.
The chip also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a more immersive gaming experience, making it compatible with new AAA game titles.
Introduction of “Apple Intelligence”
The standout feature of this release is the integration of “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of AI-powered tools that promises enhanced personalisation and improved user experience. Apple Intelligence enables features such as text generation, photo editing, and object recognition using the device’s camera. This AI integration also brings new capabilities to Siri, including contextual understanding and the ability to switch seamlessly between voice and text commands.
Battery life and charging improvements
Battery life sees a notable improvement across the lineup. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers the best battery performance in an iPhone to date, with up to 33 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 Pro provides up to 27 hours. The standard models also see a boost, with longer-lasting batteries powered by the A18 chip’s efficiency. All models support faster 25W charging via MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging standards.
A strategic shift for Apple
Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone 16 lineup marks a strategic pivot toward integrating artificial intelligence more deeply into its product ecosystem. The new features are designed to keep the brand competitive amid increasing pressure from rivals like Huawei, which is set to release its own new products within hours of Apple’s announcement. Additionally, this move follows Apple’s recent partnership with OpenAI to enhance Siri with generative AI capabilities.
Apple is betting big on AI to differentiate itself in a saturated market. While the new models offer incremental updates in design and hardware, the integration of AI features may set the stage for a more interactive and personalised user experience. Whether these enhancements are enough to drive upgrades remains to be seen, but they certainly indicate Apple’s direction for the future.
