The iPhone 16 series is here: Apple Intelligence-ready, bigger Pro phones, and new Camera Control
Apple has taken the wraps off its latest smartphone line, the AI-powered iPhone 16 series.
The tech giant unveiled the new devices at its "It's Glowtime" event on Sept. 9 (Sept. 10, Philippine time). Like previous iterations, there are four models in the range, including the iPhone 16 (6.1-inch), iPhone 16 Plus (6.7-inch), iPhone 16 Pro (6.3-inch), and iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9-inch).
The new iPhone line is Apple's first device to be built on its artificial intelligence, Apple Intelligence.
Other significant changes include the bigger display on the Pro versions, the different camera array on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, improved cameras, and the new Camera Control button for taking photos.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus get a design refresh as they're now fitted with a vertical camera array instead of the diagonal one seen on the iPhone 15.
And instead of the square bump for the camera, there's now a slimmer pill-shaped bump housing the two shooters, including a 48MP fusion shooter capable of macro photography and spatial photos and videos.
Like the previous line, the new phones feature the Dynamic Island, MagSafe charging, and USB-C port.
The new iPhone 16 and 16 Plus also now come with the Action Button, which first debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro. This button replaced the mute switch and can be programmed to perform different functions like turning on the camera, launching a shortcut, translating a phrase, and more.
Additionally, Apple introduced another button on the iPhone: the Camera Control button, which sits on the lower right-hand side below the power button.
This button, like its name suggests, can be used to capture photos and videos. Once pressed, it will automatically open the Camera app.
Similar to a camera, a light press will clear the UI so you get a better view of the screen. When you hold and swipe, you can go through different controls like aperture, exposure, and zoom.
This time, all iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are going to be powered by the same A18 Bionic chip capable of running Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence is the tech giant's AI software that can generate text and images for users as well as fulfill requests.
The tech giant said that the AI will begin rollout in October.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will come in seven colors including Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, Black, and White.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Apple's Pro devices just got beefier as the iPhone 16 Pro now comes with a 6.3-inch display while the iPhone 16 Pro Max gets a larger 6.9-inch display.
These models will also feature the Camera Control and Action buttons.
"Built from the ground up with Apple Intelligence," Apple said that the new Pro phones will have the best battery life yet.
Powering the device is the A18 Pro Bionic helping it run Apple's AI, and other features unique to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max such as ray tracing on games.
For cameras, the Pro and Pro Max are getting a 48MP fusion camera, 48MP ultrawide lens, and 5x telephoto shooter with the tetraprism design.
The Pro phones are also capable of shooting 4K video at 120 fps, perfect for cinematic slow-motion shots.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will come in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, and White Titanium.
Here's how much the phones are priced:
- iPhone 16 - P54,990
- iPhone 16 Plus - P62,990
- iPhone 16 Pro - P69,990
- iPhone 16 Pro Max - P84,990