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iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: here there are all the new features of Apple’s phones

Everything that Apple has announced at the It's Glowtime event

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: here there are all the new features of Apple’s phones
David Bernal Raspall

David Bernal Raspall

  • September 9, 2024
  • Updated: December 21, 2024 at 8:42 AM

Apple has officially unveiled the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. The phones for this 2024 come with a long list of changes that include a slight redesign, much better performance, and significant changes in the cameras. Let’s take a look at all the innovations of both models.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: inheriting the best from the Pro models

The new iPhone 16, both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus, share the design of their predecessors, but with some modifications that modernize it. One of the most notable changes is the new vertical arrangement of the cameras. A change that not only has aesthetic purposes, but also aims to improve spatial video capture and, for the first time, spatial photos, the format that we can then enjoy on our Vision Pro.

The size of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus remains the same as in the previous generation, with screens of 6.1 and 6.7 inches, respectively. However, Apple has introduced new buttons: the Action button, which replaces the mute switch, and the new capture button, designed to take photos and videos more quickly and efficiently.

Thanks to the “Camera Control” capture button, it is now easier than ever to take photos or record videos, similar to a traditional digital camera. A touch on the button opens the camera app, while a gentle press focuses the shot. A strong press takes the capture, while we can swipe our finger over it to control the zoom.

In a fusion of hardware and software, a single touch opens the camera. A second touch takes a photo, while if we hold it down, we record video. The button has haptic feedback and recognizes the gestures we make on the surface. A light touch allows us to focus, frame, and access zoom. If we touch it twice gently, we access the rest of the controls. The system is compatible with third-party applications.

Regarding the colors, a range of truly interesting tones is confirmed: pink, blue, green, black, and white will shine with a frosted glass back that contrasts with the color of the device’s frame.

Chip A18, power for Apple’s Intelligence and much more

As for its power, the iPhone 16 is equipped with the new A18 chip, which represents a more than substantial leap in efficiency and performance thanks to its 3-nanometer manufacturing. A chip that allows for greater overall speed and, specifically, in artificial intelligence and machine learning, key elements for the integration of new functionalities in iOS 18.

Thanks to this power, Apple Intelligence shines in the new iPhone 16. There are several necessary generative models that the new iPhones run to handle virtually any request and need with our personal context. When the A18 needs more, Apple’s private cloud takes care of the most demanding requests.

An exclusive feature of Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 is the ability to perform a visual search with Visual Intelligence. A single tap on the Camera Control button gives us quick access to more information about the world around us. The system is compatible with third-party applications. It can also be used to ask ChatGPT.

Price and availability

The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the regular model and $899 for the Plus model. Both iPhones will be officially available on September 20th, while pre-orders will open next Friday the 13th.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: the biggest and most powerful iPhones

The Pro line of iPhones has made a notable jump in size. The iPhone 16 Pro now features a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max reaches 6.9 inches, making them the largest devices from the company to date.

This increase in size is accompanied by a significant reduction in bezels, maximizing the usable screen area without significantly increasing the size of the body.

Regarding color, the iPhone 16 Pro maintains the use of titanium, but now with an even more elegant finish. The new colors include a variant of Desert Titanium, a golden tone with bronze undertones, in addition to the traditional black, white, and space gray.

One of the strong points of the Pro range is, of course, its camera system. Both Pro models now include an Ultra Wide camera with 48 megapixels, which translates into a significant improvement in photo quality, especially in low light conditions. In addition, the Tetraprism telephoto lens, which allows for 5x optical zoom, is now available on both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, a feature that was previously reserved only for the larger models.

The increased power of the chip in these iPhones allows the AI models that power the photo taking to be more capable and provide us with substantial improvements in every shot. Photographic styles are the main beneficiaries, styles that we can even see before taking the photo.

Video recording also gets attention with the ability to capture in 4K at 120 frames per second, ideal for smoother and more detailed videos. Just like with the iPhone 16, the Pro models feature a dedicated capture button for taking photos and videos.

The iPhone 16 Pro also improves its audio capabilities. It features four microphones for better sound quality and spatial sound capture. It also offers a more immersive audio experience with Audio Mix, an artificial intelligence system that separates ambient sound from voice in any recording.

Now we can record a second audio track in the Voice Memos app. We can play music while recording on top and then isolate any of the tracks with just a touch of a button.

Chip A18 Pro: the tip of the iceberg of the news

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature the A18 Pro chip inside. An enhanced version of the A18 that includes more cores in its neural engine, allowing for superior performance in artificial intelligence tasks. With improved CPU and GPU cores, as well as several dedicated components for different tasks, this is the most powerful chip ever seen in a phone.

This chip is also key to improving the energy efficiency of the device, which, combined with the new graphene-based cooling system, allows for greater autonomy.

Price and availability

The iPhone 16 Pro starts at 999 euros for the Pro model and 1199 euros for the Pro Max model. Both iPhones will be officially available on September 20th, while pre-orders will open next Friday the 13th.

Apple Store Download

With the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone performance and technology. While the standard models offer modest but significant improvements, the Pro line stands out for its larger displays, advanced cameras, and increased power. Both models, with the addition of new buttons and superior performance, position themselves as leading options in the mobile technology market for 2024.

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