Apple launches iPhone 16 with AI capabilities, dedicated camera button
What's the story
Apple has introduced its latest smartphone, the iPhone 16, at the "It's Glowtime" event held in Cupertino.
The new device is built around Apple Intelligence, and incorporates advanced generative AI features that were previously announced at WWDC in June. It comes with a dedicated camera button.
The handset is crafted from "aerospace grade" aluminum, and comes in colors including ultramarine, teal, and pink.
Display upgrades
iPhone 16 features enhanced display
The iPhone 16 boasts an improved display with a ceramic shield that is 50% stronger against scratches and drops.
The display sizes are available in 6.1- and 6.8-inch options, offering a brightness range from as low as one nit to as high as 2,000 nits.
A significant design update is the addition of a dedicated camera button on the sid,e for quick photo capture or video recording by holding down the button.
Tech specs
Camera button and internals
The dedicated camera button on the iPhone 16 uses Apple's Taptic Engine to detect swipes and pressure levels for different features.
Users can adjust camera settings like zoom by sliding their finger on this touch-sensitive button.
The device is powered by Apple's 3nm A18 chip with an enhanced neural network, specifically designed for the company's new generative AI models.
It includes a six-core CPU with four efficiency cores, promising up to 30% faster performance than its predecessor, the iPhone 15.
Camera enhancements
A look at the cameras
The main camera of the iPhone 16 is a 48MP unit with dual lenses arranged vertically, a shift from last year's diagonal layout.
The camera provides 2x telephoto at "optical quality."
An updated ultra-wide camera with auto-focus can capture up to 2.6x more light for low-light images and also supports macro mode.
These new features enable the device to capture spatial photos and videos viewable on the Vision Pro headset.
Pricing details
Pricing and additional features
The base model of the iPhone 16 (128GB) is priced at ₹79,900, while the Plus variant starts at ₹89,900 (for 128GB).
The device also includes an Action button that debuted on last year's Pro models, and has now been extended to lower-end versions.
This customizable button can be set up for various functions like activating the flashlight or recording voice memos, triggering Shortcuts, or adjusting a Control Center setting in iOS 18.
System upgrades
Thermal system and gaming performance
The iPhone 16 features a new thermal system made from 100% recycled aluminum, replacing the copper one from previous models.
This upgrade is expected to reduce overheating and enhance temperature regulation, providing up to 30% higher sustained performance while gaming.
The device also supports hardware-accelerated ray-tracing for improved frame rates.
Games like Assassin's Creed Mirage and several Resident Evil titles, previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, will now be available on the iPhone 16.