Apple’s newest phones are official. As expected, the company unveiled its latest iPhones at its “Glowtime” event on Monday, with the base models expected to be called the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Prices remain the same as last year’s phones: the 128GB iPhone 16 starts at $799 and the 128GB iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899.
As expected, the new iPhones will have a redesigned camera bump on the back that aligns the sensors vertically, similar to what was seen on the back of the iPhone X, XS, XR, 11, and 12 (the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 had diagonally aligned rear cameras). By aligning the cameras vertically, they should be able to capture spatial photos and videos that can be viewed on Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
More from the Apple event
Of particular interest to anyone looking to improve their photo and video capture, there’s now a dedicated camera shutter button on the side of the device, which Apple calls “Camera Control.” Apple has long claimed that the iPhone is comparable to DSLRs and that a dedicated shutter button could make capturing moments and memories even easier. The device notes that you can now “set various camera functions” by sliding your finger along the side.
The iPhone 16’s “Camera Controls” let you adjust camera functions more quickly.
Clicking the button takes a photo, while swiping can adjust the zoom. Double-pressing can change modes or settings. Apple says the “camera controls” can be used in third-party apps. The main camera remains a 48-megapixel camera, while there’s a new ultra-wide-angle sensor that Apple says “can capture up to 2.6 times more light.”
The camera button isn’t the only new feature on the iPhone 16 lineup. Both models get an “action button” similar to the one on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This button lets you set shortcuts to open specific apps or tasks (like putting the phone on Do Not Disturb, turning on the flashlight, or placing a direct coffee order at Dunkin’).
The displays on the new phones will be similar to those on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus in 2024: 6.1 inches on the smaller model and 6.7 inches on the larger Plus. Those looking for larger displays will have to look at the new iPhone 16 Pro (now 6.3 inches) and 16 Pro Max (now 6.9 inches). The Pro models will also have improved cameras and faster processors.
All iPhone 16 models run iOS 18 on the new A18 processor, which can take advantage of the company’s new features Apple Intelligence AI features. Apple says the iPhone 16 will have a “bigger battery,” but did not reveal how much longer the battery will last during the presentation. Like the iPhone 15 line, the phones can be physically charged via USB-C.
A new “Visual Intelligence” feature, accessed by holding down the Camera Controls button, lets you use the camera and Apple Intelligence to scan the world around you. Apple says it can identify objects for shopping on Google or use AI services like ChatGPT to help with homework.
The new basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be available in white, black, “ultramarine” (blue), “teal” (green) and pink.
This story is evolving.
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