It’s glowtime: all you need to know about the iPhone 16
At its splashy keynote on Monday, the Cupertino giant announced a host of changes – subtle and relatively significant – to its smartphone. Here are the main takeaways…
Words: Josh Lee
On 9 September, 2024, at its biggest event of the year, Apple announced it will be releasing a slew of new devices into its roster, the headline products of which are the new iPhones. Promoted with the tagline ‘It’s Glowtime’, the Cupertino juggernaut’s splashy showcase was also pinned around an upgraded Apple Watch and a set of new AirPods.
It was, however, the lineup of smartphones that drew much of the attention, as well as information on new AI features that will be fed by Apple Intelligence, the venture’s own AI software.
Tim Cook speaking at the Apple keynote. Image: Getty
“The next generation of iPhone has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up. It marks the beginning of an exciting new era,” stated chief-exec Tim Cook.
Here are the key takeaways from Monday’s announcements.
How many new iPhone models will there be?
Four iPhone 16 models were unveiled: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
What colours will they be available in? And how big are they?
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in five colours. Image: Apple
The standard options will be designed in teal, pink, ultramarine, black and white (and they will have 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screens).
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in four colours. Image: Apple
The Pro models, meanwhile, will come in the following options: silver, white, black and desert. They will be available in 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens – the latter of which being Apple’s largest smartphone display to date – and the bezels have been trimmed down a fair amount, resulting in a sort of pure appearance.
What are the main changes, features-wise?
Camera Control. Image: Apple
In terms of looks, they will be fairly similar to past models. The key difference, however, is that they will exhibit a new Camera Control (or Capture) button, which will have a similar function to a shutter button on a conventional DSLR; notably, on the iPhone, sliding your finger will show you the various zoom options; a hard press will capture a photo; and holding it down will record.
Moreover, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have eschewed a diagonal alignment of the camera setup for a vertical one, and they also have an Action button, first seen on the 15 Pro – this, essentially, is a substitute for the Mute switch and has now advanced to the point where you can configure it to open various features, such as the torch.
How much damage will it do to the wallet?
The iPhone 16 is priced at £799; the iPhone 16 Plus at £899; the iPhone 16 Pro starts at £999; and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will cost £1,199.
The new models can be pre-ordered in the UK and US from 13 September; they’ll then be on full sale on 20 September.
And what about Apple Intelligence?
It’s said that Apple Intelligence – well, a “beta” version at least – will be rolled out in the US, in October, in the iOS 18.1 software update. In December, a “localised” version will arrive in the UK.
Images: Apple
This much anticipated software will see Siri given a makeover, and there will be brand-new writing tools and functions, including those that can draft emails, formulate customised emojis, and facilitate ‘exciting image creation’.
For those out and about, you can also point your iPhone camera at a café, restaurant, bar or any general place of business, and Siri can expand on its details and information. For example, if you aim it at an eaterie, you’ll be shown menus and opening hours.
You can also search for photos and edit objects out – and, rather importantly, users will be given access to ChatGPT.
Anything noteworthy about Apple’s other new hardware?
Apple Watch Series 10. Image: Apple
To mark the first decade since the unveiling of the OG Apple Watch, Apple has pulled the curtain on the Watch Series 10, which features the biggest screen given to the venture’s timepiece (up to 30 per cent larger than previous models). The edges have a curved, organic look, and the OLED display has a wider angle, allowing for better readability if not viewing from a flush perspective. Spotting health issues, such as sleep apnea, is a marquee new feature.
The AirPods 4 will feature shorter stems and personalised spatial audio. Perhaps most significant is that it’ll work in tandem with Siri to recognise your gestures – for example, you can either accept calls with a nod of the head, or reject them with a shake. Ignoring the office just got a little easier.
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