On September 9, Apple launched the iPhone 16 series, which brings significant improvements and changes to the standard and Pro models. Apple confirmed that these new iPhones are designed specifically for Apple Intelligence, powered by the new A18 chip on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and the A18 Pro chip on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 series will be available for pre-order in India starting September 13, with general availability starting September 20. Here are the details:
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: what’s new
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature significant changes in performance and utility, as well as notable aesthetic updates, such as vertically stacked rear camera sensors.
The iPhone 16 models feature the new A18 chip, which delivers increased performance with the same generation of chipset as the Pro models. The A18 chip features a 16-core Neural Engine (Neural Processing Unit) to handle AI tasks, enabling on-device processing of upcoming Apple Intelligence features. It also includes a 6-core CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a 5-core GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), with the GPU supporting advanced gaming features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing. With the A18 chip, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus users will also have access to AAA video game titles previously exclusive to the Pro models.
Apple also introduced a new dedicated camera control button. This capacitive button allows users to adjust camera controls like zoom, exposure, and depth of field using touch gestures. A “lighter pressure” feature is expected in the coming months to help users frame the subject. The camera control button functionality will also be available on third-party apps like Snapchat.
Also read: iOS 18 to launch on September 16, Apple Intelligence features to roll out later
Through the camera control button, Apple introduced Visual Intelligence, which allows users to record, search, or process data from real objects. Users can also perform visual searches on Google or send data to OpenAI’s ChatGPT for help.
The iPhone 16 features a 48MP main sensor, which Apple calls the “Fusion Camera.” This main camera functions as a 2-in-1 camera, allowing users to take high-resolution images or switch to a 2x telephoto mode. The standard iPhone 16 models also feature a new 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera with autofocus. Apple has also brought space photos and video recording capabilities to the standard iPhone models.
Apple replaced the Mute button on base iPhone models with the customizable Action button, similar to the Pro models.
iPhone 16: price in India
128GB storage: Rs. 79,900
256GB storage: Rs. 89,900
512GB storage: Rs 109,900
iPhone 16 Plus: price
128GB storage: Rs. 89,900
256GB storage: Rs. 99,900
512GB storage: Rs 119,900
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: what’s new
The iPhone 16 Pro lineup features the new A18 Pro chip, which also features the same 16-core Neural Engine as the A18 for AI data processing. While the CPU configuration remains the same, the A18 Pro gets an additional GPU core for enhanced graphics processing.
In terms of design, the iPhone 16 Pro models feature larger displays. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display. While the overall design remains largely unchanged, the Pro models also feature the new Camera Control button to adjust camera actions using touch gestures. A new Desert Titanium color option is available for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
While many camera control options are available on the standard models, some advanced features are reserved for the Pro models. Later this year, iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users will be able to lock focus and exposure using a two-stage shutter.
In terms of camera upgrades, Apple has introduced 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 120 frames per second (fps) with the new 48MP Fusion Camera. This feature will be available in video and slow-motion modes, with users able to adjust the playback speed from within the Photos app.
Apple has also improved the built-in microphone on the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. The new iPhone 16 Pro features four “studio-quality” microphones to capture realistic audio. A new audio mixing feature lets users adjust the balance of voices in videos, offering options to reduce background noise, focus on the subject’s voice, or create a balanced sound mix.
The iPhone 16 Pro models get improved battery life. Apple says the iPhone 16 Pro Max can deliver up to 33 hours of video playback, while the Pro model lasts up to 27 hours.
iPhone 16 Pro: price
128GB storage: Rs 119,900
256GB storage: Rs 129,900
512GB storage: Rs 149,900
1TB storage: Rs. 169,900
iPhone 16 Pro Max: price
256GB storage: Rs 144,900
512GB storage: Rs 164,900
1TB storage: Rs. 184,900
First published: September 10, 2024 | 9:55 a.m. IST
