Apple has officially launched the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, which are equipped with innovative Apple Intelligence and provide a personalised, privacy-focused AI experience.
These new models bring advanced Camera Control, a 48MP Fusion camera, and a powerful A18 chip, delivering a performance boost and enhanced battery life. With improved features for both photography and everyday tasks, these models are set to redefine user experience.
iPhone 16 launch: Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16 starts at Rs 79,900, while the iPhone 16 Plus is priced at Rs 89,900. Both models will be available in five bold colors: ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black. Storage options range from 128 GB to 512 GB. Pre-orders will begin on September 13, and the iPhone 16 will be available starting on September 20 in over 58 countries, including India, the US, the UK, and Japan.
iPhone 16 launch: Apple Intelligence features
Apple Intelligence is the standout feature in the iPhone 16 lineup. It is designed to simplify daily tasks by understanding personal context and drawing from it to create more personalized experiences. This system ensures privacy with its Private Cloud Compute technology, balancing on-device and server-based processing for efficient and secure performance. Apple Intelligence enhances writing across various apps, offering systemwide tools for rewriting, proofreading, and summarising text. It also extends to audio transcriptions, automatically generating summaries for recorded calls in the Notes and Phone apps.
Notifications are now more intelligent, with prioritized messages in the mail surfacing time-sensitive emails and providing necessary information at a glance. Siri has been revamped with a new design and improved language understanding, enabling users to switch between voice and text while engaging in more natural conversations. Siri will also gain new abilities, from content recognition to interacting across multiple apps, and will support ChatGPT for further functionality.
Like the iPhone 16 Pro series, Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update with iOS 18.1, which will roll out next month. Initially available in US English, it will expand to other languages and regions, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, later this year. Apple Intelligence will also support additional languages such as French, Japanese, and Spanish in 2024.
iPhone 16 launch: Generational leap with the A18 Chip
The A18 chip is at the heart of the iPhone 16’s performance, substantially improving speed and power efficiency. Built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology, the A18 chip supports large generative models, running machine learning processes up to 2x faster than its predecessor. The 6-core CPU is 30 percent faster than the A16 Bionic chip while using 30 percent less power, and the 5-core GPU delivers 40 percent faster graphics performance.
The iPhone 16 models for gaming enthusiasts support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, providing more realistic lighting effects and higher frame rates. Game Mode in iOS 18 ensures smoother gameplay, with improved responsiveness for wireless accessories like AirPods and game controllers.
iPhone 16 launch: Cameras
The iPhone 16 lineup introduces Camera Control, which integrates hardware and software for a more intuitive camera experience. Users can quickly launch the camera, take photos, and start video recording with a simple press of a tactile switch. The camera preview allows for easy adjustments to zoom, exposure, and depth of field. Later in the year, Camera Control will unlock additional features, such as identifying objects, finding restaurant details, and integrating third-party tools like Google and ChatGPT.
The 48MP Fusion camera with a 2x Telephoto option offers users two cameras in one, allowing for closer framing of subjects. The Ultra Wide camera supports macro photography and captures up to 2.6x more light for enhanced image quality. Both models also feature spatial photo and video capture, providing remarkable depth for Apple Vision Pro users to relive precious memories.
Next-generation photographic styles enable users to personalize their photos with real-time adjustments to colors, highlights, and shadows. These customizable styles are rendered during live preview and can be applied or reversed after capturing the image. Additionally, video recording has been enhanced with Spatial Audio, and new audio editing tools like Audio Mix allow users to adjust the sound post-capture for a more professional result.
iPhone 16 launch: Sleek Design and Enhanced Durability
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus boast a sleek design with industry-leading durability. Both models feature a stronger back glass, water and dust resistance, and Apple’s next-generation Ceramic Shield, which is 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone. Internally, the devices have been redesigned to house a larger battery while improving heat dissipation. This reengineered design, combined with iOS 18’s power management features, significantly boosts battery life.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are in two sizes, 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, with a Super Retina XDR OLED display. The Dynamic Island feature, introduced in earlier models, enhances the user experience by providing seamless interaction with notifications and controls. The Action button, borrowed from the Apple Watch Ultra, offers quick access to functions like the camera, flashlight, voice memos, and more.
iPhone 16 launch: Sustainability
As part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the iPhone 16 models are designed with over 30 percent recycled content. The enclosure is made from 85 percent recycled aluminum, and the battery features 100 percent recycled cobalt. Additionally, over 95 percent of the lithium used in the devices is recycled, a first for the iPhone. The packaging is entirely fiber-based, which aligns with Apple’s goal of eliminating plastic from its packaging by 2025.
