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iPhone 16 Features You Need to Know: What’s New and Exciting in Apple’s Latest Release

byWiredufred Published:

Introduction

Apple's iPhone 16 lineup has arrived with a host of exciting new features and upgrades that you need to know. Debuting in late 2024, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus build on the foundation of the iPhone 15 series and introduce innovations like Apple's A18 chip, enhanced camera capabilities, and even built-in generative AI support. From a redesigned camera layout enabling Spatial Video capture to the new Action Button and Camera Control hardware, the iPhone 16 is packed with upgrades aimed at improving everyday usability. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down all the key features – design changes, display improvements, performance gains, camera upgrades, battery life boosts, and software innovations – with real-world examples and expert insights. Whether you're considering an upgrade or just curious about Apple's latest flagship, read on to learn what makes the iPhone 16 stand out in 2025.


Ultra-realistic iPhone 16 feature showcase: front display and rear triple-camera in soft studio lighting with floating icons for A18 chip, 48MP camera, 120Hz display, battery, satellite, and AI.

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Design and Display Improvements

Bold New Look and Durable Build

At first glance, the iPhone 16 may look similar to its predecessor, but there are subtle yet significant design tweaks. The rear camera module has shifted from the familiar diagonal layout to a vertical stack, reminiscent of earlier iPhonesmacrumors.com. This change isn't just aesthetic – it enables the capture of Spatial Photos and Videos with depth information for Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Reviewers have noted the fresh look, with TechRadar likening the vertical dual-camera bump to "the iPhone X's camera bump on steroids," and confirming that it allows the 16 to record immersive 3D images for VR experiences.

Apple also refreshed the color palette. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come in vibrant new finishes like Ultramarine, Pink, and Teal, which one reviewer praised for adding a bold, stylish flair not seen on the Pro models. On the front, the 6.1‑inch and 6.7‑inch OLED displays (for the standard and Plus models) retain the Dynamic Island introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro, seamlessly blending notifications and live activities into the screen cutout. The display quality remains top-tier with Super Retina XDR panels that deliver rich colors and high contrast. However, note that the base iPhone 16 models still refresh at 60Hz – Apple reserves the silky-smooth ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate for the Pro variants.

Durability gets a boost as well. The iPhone 16 features Ceramic Shield glass with a new formulation that's 2× tougher than any other smartphone glassapple.com. Combined with an aluminum frame (titanium on the Pro models) and IP68 water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes), the device is built to handle daily wear and tear. Apple also redesigned the internal structure to improve cooling and accommodate a larger battery, all while making repairs (like battery replacements) easier. In short, the iPhone 16 looks modern and is built to last, holding its value longer thanks to these durability enhancementsapple.com.


Larger Displays on iPhone 16 Pro Models

If you opt for the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, you'll notice a significant change in screen size. Apple has increased the Pro display sizes to 6.3 inches (Pro) and 6.9 inches (Pro Max) – the largest iPhone screen everapple.com. Despite the bigger displays, the phones are comfortable to hold due to dramatically thinner bezels. Both Pro models use a lightweight titanium frame (introduced with iPhone 15 Pro) for strength and reduced weight. The displays themselves are still OLED Super Retina XDR panels with Always-On capability and ProMotion up to 120Hz, meaning everything from scrolling to animations feels ultra-smooth. With peak brightness around 2000 nits outdoors, you’ll have no trouble reading the screen even under harsh sunlight. The expansive, nearly edge-to-edge screen on the 16 Pro Max makes it a productivity and media powerhouse, ideal for watching HDR videos or editing photos on the go.

Apple’s attention to detail in display and design means the iPhone 16 Pro not only looks sleek but is also highly functional. The titanium alloy chassis provides improved durability and scratch resistance (as observed with the iPhone 15 Pro’s long-term usefreditech.com), and the latest-generation Ceramic Shield covers the front for drop protection. Overall, the design and display updates in the iPhone 16 series combine style with substance – delivering a visually striking phone that's tougher and more immersive than before.


Performance: A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence

Lightning-Fast A18 Chip

Under the hood, the iPhone 16 is powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, which represents a significant leap in performance and efficiency. Built on a second-generation 3-nanometer process, the A18 features a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine optimized for on-device AI tasks. Apple claims the CPU is 30% faster than the previous A16 Bionic, and the 5-core GPU is up to 40% fasterapple.com. In practical terms, this means the iPhone 16 feels snappier in everything from launching apps to playing graphics-intensive games. Mobile games that push the hardware (like the upcoming Honor of Kings: World) run butter-smooth, and thanks to hardware-accelerated ray tracing, graphics are more lifelike with reflections and lighting effects at up to 5× the frame rates of software renderingapple.com.

Despite the power boost, the A18 is also more efficient. It can deliver the same performance as the A16 while using 30% less power. This efficiency translates to cooler operation and longer battery life during heavy use. Apple’s rearchitected internal design and the A18’s power management allow up to 30% higher sustained performance in extended gaming sessions without throttlingapple.com. Early benchmarks and real-world use show that the iPhone 16 can handle multitasking and demanding apps with ease. For example, editing 4K videos or batch processing photos is faster than ever, and even complex augmented reality apps run without hiccups.


Apple Intelligence: On-Device AI Features

One of the headline innovations in the iPhone 16 is its integration with Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features built into iOS 18. Think of Apple Intelligence as Apple's answer to services like Google Lens and ChatGPT, but deeply integrated and privacy-focused. The A18 chip’s Neural Engine is designed for these generative AI tasks, running machine learning models up to 2× faster than iPhone 15’s chip. Although Apple Intelligence features are rolling out gradually via software updates, the iPhone 16 is built for them from day oneapple.com.

So what can Apple Intelligence do? For starters, system-wide Writing Tools can help rewrite or proofread your text in Mail, Notes, and other apps, making it easy to adjust tone or fix grammar with a tapapple.com. Siri is now smarter and more conversational – it keeps context between questions and can handle complex queries with ease, complete with a new glowing orb animation on the screen edge when active. In fact, Siri can tap into on-device information to answer specific questions (e.g. “When is my mom’s flight landing?”) using data from your Mail or Messagesapple.com.

One particularly exciting feature is Visual Intelligence. By using the new Camera Control button (more on that soon), you can search the world around you. For instance, long-pressing the Camera Control allows you to identify objects or places on the spot – you could point your iPhone 16 at a restaurant sign to pull up its ratings and hours or snap a picture of a dog to instantly find its breed. This works in real-time and can even integrate with third-party tools: Apple gives the example of using Google search via Camera Control to shop for an item or invoking OpenAI’s ChatGPT for help with a problem. All of this happens with user privacy in mind, as Apple’s approach uses on-device processing and a feature called Private Cloud Compute to keep your data secure.

It’s worth noting that Apple Intelligence features like Visual Intelligence were not available at launch but were slated to arrive with iOS 18.1 and beyondapple.com. However, the groundwork is built into every iPhone 16. When these features activate, the iPhone 16 (and 16 Pro) will handle them effortlessly, unlike older models that lack the A18’s AI optimizationsmacrumors.com. This emphasis on AI is a clear focus of the iPhone 16 – it marks the beginning of a new era where your phone isn’t just smart, it’s “intelligent” in understanding context and aiding your daily tasks.


Camera Upgrades: More Detail, New Controls, Spatial Video

48MP Main Camera and New Ultra-Wide

The iPhone has long been revered for its cameras, and the iPhone 16 takes mobile photography to the next level. The standard iPhone 16 and Plus now sport an advanced dual-camera system led by a 48‑megapixel Fusion Camera (the main wide lens) and a new 12MP Ultra-Wide lens with autofocusapple.com. The 48MP main camera, first introduced on last year’s Pro models, allows for sharp, high-resolution shots and enables a 2× optical-quality zoom using the middle 12MP of the sensor (essentially giving you a telephoto effect without a third lens)apple.com. This means when you pinch to zoom or tap the 2× option, you still get a crisp image without digital blur – it’s like having two cameras in one.

The Ultra Wide camera sees a notable upgrade by gaining autofocus for the first time on a non-Pro iPhone, which unlocks true macro photography capabilitiesapple.com. You can bring the iPhone 16 within just a few centimeters of a subject – a flower, an insect, a tiny gadget – and the camera will focus to capture intricate close-up details. One reviewer was amazed by how “unbelievably good” the macro shots of flowers turned out, allowing much closer perspective than ever before on a standard iPhonemacrumors.com. The improved Ultra Wide also gathers up to 2.6× more light than the previous generation, which greatly benefits night and low-light shots. In practice, users have found that photos taken in a dim environment (like an outdoor dinner party by candlelight) came out dramatically brighter and clearer on the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 15. Apple also refined its Photographic Styles and image processing pipeline, so colors – especially skin tones, shadows, and highlights – look more natural and can be customized in real time with different stylistic presets.


Introducing the Camera Control Button

Perhaps the most distinctive new hardware feature on the iPhone 16 family is the Camera Control button. This is a capacitive, pressure-sensitive button on the right side of the phone that acts like a pro camera shutter – and then some. With a light press, Camera Control can instantly launch the Camera app and present a live preview so you’re always ready to shootapple.com. A full press “click” captures a photo, and a press-and-hold starts recording video (no need to switch modes on screen). This means you can pull the phone out and start recording an event immediately with a tactile click, minimizing missed moments.

What’s more, the Camera Control supports gesture interactions. While lightly pressing the button, you can swipe your finger to adjust settings like zoom level, exposure, or depth of field without taking your eye off the shot. It effectively mimics a DSLR’s half-press focus and dial adjustments, which pro photographers will appreciate. According to Tom’s Guide, this setup makes the iPhone feel more like a real camera, allowing you to keep the frame steady while tweaking settings one-handed. There may be a learning curve to build the habit (as CNET noted, some users might still reach for the on-screen shutter out of habit at firstmacrumors.com), but the consensus is that Camera Control is a powerful addition for photography enthusiasts.

Apple is also opening up Camera Control to developers. Third-party camera apps like Snapchat or Filmic Pro can integrate its functionality, so users could use it to control features in those apps too. Later in 2024, Apple plans to expand Camera Control with a two-stage shutter function (for locking focus/exposure with a half press) and tie it further into the Visual Intelligence features mentioned earlierapple.com. All told, if you love taking photos or videos, the dedicated Camera Control button on iPhone 16 is a game-changer that elevates the shooting experience.


Pro Camera Features (iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max)

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max up the ante with a triple-camera system and additional pro-grade capabilities. In addition to the 48MP main and 48MP ultra-wide cameras (yes, on the Pro, even the ultra-wide is 48MP with a quad-pixel sensor), the Pro models include a 5× optical Telephoto lensapple.com. Notably, unlike last year, both the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max get the 5× zoom lens (in the 15 series, only the Pro Max had the 5× periscope zoom). This telephoto lets you optically zoom in to capture far-away subjects with great detail – for instance, taking clear shots from the back row at a concert or zooming in on wildlife without disturbing it. With the 5× lens and the 2× in-sensor zoom on the main camera, the Pro models effectively cover a 0.5× (ultrawide), 1×, 2×, and 5× range optically, which is extremely versatile.

Video capabilities also see a huge boost on the Pro tier. Thanks to the powerful A18 Pro chip and a new image signal processor, iPhone 16 Pro can record 4K video at 120 fps in Dolby Vision HDR – a first for any smartphone. This high frame rate allows for silky smooth slow-motion footage at full 4K resolution, and after capturing, you can even adjust the playback speed (e.g. quarter-speed slow-mo or half-speed for a more cinematic effect) directly in the Photos appapple.com. Professional videographers will appreciate that the Pro models can also shoot ProRes and Log video at up to 4K120 and even output directly to external storage for workflow efficiency. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro’s microphones (it has four studio-quality mics) can now record Spatial Audio in videos, adding an immersive surround sound element to your recordings.

Another new feature is the ability to capture Spatial Photographs (3D photos) in addition to spatial videos, again with an eye on the Vision Pro headset experienceapple.com. The improved camera hardware and vertical alignment allow the Pro iPhones to generate a 3D perspective on still shots as well, which is something unique to this generation.

Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera setup is geared toward professionals or avid creators who want the absolute best from a smartphone. It offers zero shutter lag 48MP burst shooting thanks to a faster sensor readout, advanced photo styles with localized tone mapping, and new Audio Zoom and Audio Mix features that use machine learning to isolate voices or reduce noise in videosapple.com. While the standard iPhone 16’s cameras will more than satisfy most users (and actually have many of the same capabilities now, like macro mode and 48MP quality), the Pro pushes boundaries for those who need cutting-edge camera tech.


Battery Life and Charging

One of the most welcome improvements in the iPhone 16 series is better battery life across the board. Thanks to more efficient chips (A18/A18 Pro) and physically larger batteries, Apple is advertising significantly longer usage times. For example, the base iPhone 16 is rated for up to 22 hours of video playback on a full charge, compared to around 20 hours for the iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 Plus steps up to 27 hours. On the Pro side, the iPhone 16 Pro can hit about 27 hours of video playback, and the 16 Pro Max boasts up to 33 hours, which is among the longest endurance in any smartphone as of 2025macrumors.com. In everyday terms, many users find the iPhone 16 Pro Max can comfortably last two full days of moderate use before needing a recharge.

Apple achieved this “huge leap in battery life”apple.com through a combination of the energy-efficient A18 architecture and a redesigned internal layout that fits bigger battery cells. During typical use – browsing, messaging, streaming music, and snapping some photos – the iPhone 16 tends to drain slower than its predecessors. Even under heavy workloads like gaming or 4K video recording, the new thermal design and chip efficiency help it maintain performance without rapid drainapple.com.

Charging has also gotten an upgrade, especially for wireless charging fans. The iPhone 16 still uses a USB-C port (introduced in iPhone 15) for wired charging and data. Wired charging speeds remain similar – about 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 20W or higher power adaptersupport.apple.com – which is plenty fast for a quick top-up. What’s new is the MagSafe wireless charging capability: the iPhone 16 supports up to 25W wireless charging via MagSafe when using Apple’s latest MagSafe charger and a 30W+ USB-C adapter. This is a jump from the 15W limit on previous iPhones, meaning you can now wirelessly fast-charge the iPhone 16 at speeds nearly on par with wired charging. For instance, in tests, using Apple’s new MagSafe puck and a 30W brick, an iPhone 16 got to 50% in just over 30 minutes wirelesslymacrumors.com – a first for iPhones. Do note that older MagSafe accessories won’t achieve the full 25W on the new phones, so you’ll want the updated charger to see this benefit.

The USB-C port on the iPhone 16 standard models supports USB 2.0 data speeds (up to 480 Mbps), while the iPhone 16 Pro/Max supports USB 3 speeds (10 Gbps) for faster data transfer – handy if you frequently move large ProRes video files to a computerapple.com. All iPhone 16 models support the latest Qi2 wireless charging standard as well, ensuring compatibility with next-generation wireless chargers (though Qi2 is capped at 15W similarly to older MagSafe)macrumors.com.

In terms of longevity, these battery improvements mean less stress about daily charging. Many people will find the iPhone 16 can easily get them through a full day and then some. And when you do need to plug in, the faster wireless and sustained wired charging (with less heat throttling) is a nice quality-of-life upgrade. Apple’s batteries also use 100% recycled cobalt now, reflecting the company’s efforts to be more environmentally friendly – and possibly contributing to better battery health over time.


Connectivity and Other Notable Features

Beyond the headline items, the iPhone 16 series includes several updates in connectivity and convenience:

  • Wi-Fi 7: The iPhone 16 lineup is among Apple’s first to support Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) networkingsupport.apple.com. With a compatible Wi-Fi 7 router, the phones can achieve extremely high wireless throughput and lower latency, thanks to 320 MHz channel support and Multi-Link Operation. In plain terms, this future-proofs your iPhone for the next generation of Wi-Fi – ideal for high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming or cloud gaming. Early tests indicate speeds can reach up to 2.4 Gbps under optimal conditionssupport.apple.com. Even if you don’t have a Wi-Fi 7 router yet, the iPhone 16 supports Wi-Fi 6E as well, enabling use of the less congested 6 GHz band for faster, more reliable connections.

  • Dual eSIM Only (in Some Regions): Like recent models, the U.S. version of iPhone 16 has no physical SIM tray – it uses dual eSIM technology exclusivelysupport.apple.com. You can store multiple cellular plans digitally and use two numbers simultaneously (say, personal and work lines). This design improves water resistance by eliminating the SIM slot. In international markets, a nano-SIM tray may still be present for compatibility, but eSIM is supported worldwide.

  • 5G and Satellite Communication: The iPhone 16 of course supports global 5G networks (with the latest 5G SA and mmWave capabilities where available) for blazing fast mobile internet. In addition, Apple has expanded its satellite communication features. All iPhone 16 models can use Emergency SOS via satellite to contact help when you’re off the grid, a feature Apple first introduced with iPhone 14. New this generation, however, is the ability to use satellites to send simple text messages in iMessage and Find My when you have no cellular or Wi-Fi. In iOS 18, you can share your location via satellite or even use Roadside Assistance via satellite (available in certain regions like the U.S. and now parts of Europeapple.com) to call for help if your car breaks down in a remote area. These life-saving features are subscription-free for a period after purchase and showcase how the iPhone 16 can keep you connected in critical moments.

  • Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Other Sensors: The iPhone 16 contains Apple's second-generation UWB chip, which improves precision finding for devices and enables better connectivity with accessories (like unlocking a car with digital keys from further away). All the usual sensors are on board too – Face ID for secure unlock, NFC for Apple Pay, Magnetometer, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, and dual ambient light sensors. Face ID is as fast as ever, and although rumors of under-display Face ID did not materialize for this model (the Dynamic Island is still present), Apple’s biometric security remains top-notch.

  • Software (iOS 18): Out of the box, iPhone 16 runs iOS 18, which brings numerous tweaks and new features beyond Apple Intelligence. Notably, iOS 18 introduces a revamped Control Center, new customization for the lock screen, and enhancements to apps like Messages and Maps. Pairing iOS 18 with iPhone 16 hardware means you get features like Live Voicemail (transcribing callers’ messages in real time), improved autocorrect and dictation (leveraging the neural engine), and the new Journal app for daily logging of memories. Apple has committed to delivering updates to add the remaining Apple Intelligence capabilities over time, ensuring the iPhone 16 will continue to gain functionality after launchapple.com.

In summary, the iPhone 16 covers all the bases on modern connectivity: faster Wi-Fi, the latest cellular tech, and even satellites in the sky. It’s a device engineered to keep you connected and safe, while offering quality-of-life improvements (like less fumbling with SIM cards or cables thanks to eSIM and MagSafe).


iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Key Differences

With four models in the lineup – the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max – it’s worth highlighting what you get by going Pro. Here are the main distinctions:

  • Display and Design: The Pro models have the larger 6.3”/6.9” screens with 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On display support. They also feature a premium titanium frame (versus aluminum on iPhone 16) and come in different colors (often more muted, e.g. Space Black, Silver, etc., whereas the iPhone 16 has the vibrant colors). The Pro devices also have the slimmest bezels of any iPhone, giving them a slightly more futuristic look.

  • Processor: iPhone 16 Pro/Max use the A18 Pro chip, which is a step up with an even more powerful 6-core GPU. While the A18 (non-Pro) already excels, the A18 Pro is designed for “pro performance” – Apple touts it as having industry-leading compute power and even more efficiencyapple.com. In practice, A18 Pro enables things like the aforementioned 4K@120fps ProRes recording and drives the larger display and Always-On features with easeapple.com. Both chips support Apple Intelligence and everyday tasks equally well, but heavy workloads (gaming, video editing) will sustain slightly better on the Pro.

  • Camera System: As detailed earlier, iPhone 16 has a dual camera (48MP wide + 12MP ultrawide). The iPhone 16 Pro adds a third 12MP 5× telephoto lens plus a LiDAR scanner for Night mode portraits and faster AR. The Pro’s ultrawide is also higher resolution (48MP) and the main sensor has some technical improvements (like a second-gen quad-pixel sensor with zero shutter lag burst shootingapple.comapple.com). For photography enthusiasts or professionals, the Pro opens up more creative possibilities – optical zoom for distant subjects, better macro detail from the 48MP ultrawide, and exclusive modes like Macro Night Mode and ProRAW 48MP shooting. Video enthusiasts get ProRes, Log, 10-bit HDR video, etc., on the Pro models, which the standard iPhone 16 lacks.

  • Battery Life: While all models saw improvement, the Pro Max is the endurance king with up to 33 hours video playback as noted. The Plus and Pro aren’t far behind with high 20s hours. In general, the larger the device, the longer the battery life. If battery longevity is critical, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best choice. The standard 6.1″ iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are more “all-day” phones that still leave you with some cushion by bedtime.

  • Memory and Storage: Although Apple doesn’t advertise RAM, the Pro models reportedly come with more memory (8GB RAM) versus 6GB on the standard models, which can help with multitasking and keeping apps alive in the background. Storage options also differ – iPhone 16/Plus go up to 512GB, whereas the Pro/Max can be configured up to 1TB, handy for those shooting a lot of 4K ProRes video.

  • Price: Naturally, all these extras come at a cost. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for 128GB, the 16 Plus at $899, while the 16 Pro starts around $999 and the Pro Max at $1,199 (128GB)apple.com. As you add storage, prices rise further. If those numbers feel steep, consider that Apple and carriers offer trade-in deals (sometimes up to $650 credit for a recent previous model, or even $1000 with certain carrier promos towards a Pro Max)apple.com. Many buyers will weigh whether features like the telephoto camera, ProMotion display, and titanium build justify the roughly $200+ premium for a Pro.

In essence, iPhone 16 Pro models are for users who want the absolute cutting-edge in camera and display tech, or who simply want the biggest screen. The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus share many core features (same main camera sensor, same A18 CPU, Action Button, etc.) and will be perfectly sufficient for most people, while still delivering the generational improvements that make the device a joy to use.


Action Button: Customization and Uses

A major usability change across the entire iPhone 16 lineup is the inclusion of the Action Button. First introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro, this year Apple has brought the Action Button to all models, replacing the old silent/mute switch above the volume buttonsapple.com. By default, a press of the Action Button toggles between Ring and Silent modes (you'll feel a haptic bump confirming the switch). But the real power of the Action Button is its customizability – you can assign it to quickly perform a variety of tasks without unlocking your phone.

Some popular Action Button assignments include launching the Camera app, turning on the flashlight, activating Voice Memos for instant recording, opening the Translate app, or running a custom Shortcut you’ve set upapple.comapple.com. For example, you could set the Action Button to start your morning routine shortcut – press it to turn on your HomeKit lights, play a news podcast, and open your calendar app, all in one go. Another useful assignment is Shazam: with a single press, your iPhone can begin listening and identify whatever song is playing around you, even if the phone is in your pocket.


How to customize the Action Button on iPhone 16:

  1. Open Settings and tap “Action Button.” You’ll see the current assignment and a list of options.
  2. Choose an action from the presets (Silent Mode, Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Focus modes, Magnifier, etc.) or select “Shortcut” to pick a custom shortcut you've created.
  3. Test the button to ensure it performs the desired function. You can press and hold for some actions (like starting/stopping voice recording) or just press to toggle states.

Customizing is straightforward, and you can change the assignment anytime. Additionally, some actions can be context-sensitive – e.g., in the Camera app, the Action Button doubles as a shutter (which complements the new Camera Control button). Apple even allows app-specific uses: in one example, holding the Action Button could unlock your car via a carmaker’s appapple.com. The flexibility is immense.

The takeaway is that the Action Button adds a convenient personal shortcut to whatever you do most often. Instead of only ever muting calls (which can now also be done in Control Center or by a focus mode), that physical button can adapt to you. It's another way the iPhone 16 tries to fit more seamlessly into your life and save you a few taps throughout the day.


Conclusion

The iPhone 16 series represents a thoughtful evolution of Apple’s flagship, blending proven features with cutting-edge additions that enhance the user experience. From the refined design (tougher build and fresh colors) to the display upgrades (bigger Pro screens and Dynamic Island on all models), these phones look and feel modern. Under the hood, the A18 and A18 Pro chips ensure that performance is a non-issue for years to come, while powering new Apple Intelligence experiences that make the iPhone more helpful and personalized than evermacrumors.commacrumors.com. The camera improvements – especially the convenience of the Camera Control button and the inclusion of high-end photography tools on non-Pro models – mean everyone can capture stunning photos and videos with ease. And crucially, Apple has listened to consumers by delivering longer battery life, faster charging, and versatile connectivity (hello, Wi-Fi 7 and satellite messaging).

In 2025, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro stand as powerful, feature-rich devices that cater to both casual users and tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the creative possibilities of the new cameras, the efficiency and speed of the A18 chip, or just need a reliable phone that will last all day and then some, the iPhone 16 lineup has you covered. It’s not a radical redesign of the iPhone, but it refines and expands what an iPhone can do in meaningful ways. If you’re coming from an older model (or even an iPhone 14/15), you’ll notice the sum of many small improvements adds up to a big leap forward. And with Apple's commitment to software updates, the iPhone 16 is likely to get even better over time as more Apple Intelligence features come to life.

For a deeper dive into Apple's recent devices, you can also read our detailed iPhone 15 Pro Max Review – Features, Performance, and Value and the iPhone 14 Pro Max Review – Everything You Need to Know for more context on how Apple’s flagship has evolved over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When was the iPhone 16 released and what is the price?

Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 lineup on September 12, 2024, with devices reaching stores on September 20, 2024apple.comapple.com. The pricing starts at $799 for the base iPhone 16 (128GB) and $899 for the 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Pro begins at $999, and the 16 Pro Max at $1,199 for the base storage modelsapple.com. Prices increase for higher storage tiers (up to 1TB on Pro models). Keep in mind, trade-in deals and carrier promotions can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costapple.com.

What are the biggest new features of the iPhone 16?

The iPhone 16 introduces several notable features:

  • A new 48MP main camera (standard models) with 2× lossless zoom and an improved 12MP ultra-wide with macro capability.

  • The Action Button (customizable in Settings) for quick access to functions, replacing the mute switchapple.com.

  • The Camera Control capacitive shutter button on the side for instant photo/video capture and camera setting adjustmentsmacrumors.commacrumors.com.

  • The A18 chip delivering ~30% faster performance and better efficiency than previous iPhonesapple.com.

  • Apple Intelligence features (via iOS 18) bringing AI-powered tools like advanced Siri, text editing, and Visual Lookup that can identify objects or text via the cameraapple.com.

  • A vertical camera layout that allows Spatial Photo/Video capture for the Vision Pro headsetmacrumors.com.

  • Longer battery life (2–4 hours more video playback than the iPhone 15 series) and faster 25W MagSafe wireless chargingmacrumors.commacrumors.com.

How does the iPhone 16 camera compare to the iPhone 15’s camera?

The iPhone 16’s camera system is a nice upgrade from the iPhone 15’s. Both generations have a 48MP main sensor, but the iPhone 16 uses it to capture Spatial Photos/Videos (3D imagery) thanks to the new vertical alignmentmacrumors.com. The ultrawide camera on iPhone 16 gains autofocus and macro photography, which the iPhone 15’s lacked – so you can take extreme close-ups with the 16 that weren’t possible on the 15apple.com. Low-light performance is also improved; for instance, the iPhone 16’s ultrawide takes in more light, producing brighter night shots compared to the iPhone 15macrumors.com. Additionally, iPhone 16 has the Camera Control button, making it easier to snap photos or videos on the fly than on the 15. (The iPhone 15 Pro introduced an Action Button, but not a dedicated camera shutter button like the 16 has.) Overall, while the base image quality of the main camera is similar between the two, the iPhone 16 offers more versatility and better handling for photography.

Does the iPhone 16 have better battery life than previous models?

Yes, battery life is one of the areas where the iPhone 16 shows a clear improvement. In Apple’s own tests, the iPhone 16 is rated for up to 22 hours of video playback (about 2 hours longer than the iPhone 15), and the iPhone 16 Pro Max reaches 33 hours (about 4 hours longer than the 15 Pro Max)macrumors.commacrumors.com. Users report that the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro comfortably last a full day of typical use with some charge left for the next morning. The larger Plus and Pro Max models can stretch into a second day for many. This boost comes from the efficient A18 chip and larger batteries. So if you’re coming from an older iPhone like a 13 or 14, you’ll definitely notice the iPhone 16 runs cooler and lasts longer on a charge.

What is Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16?

Apple Intelligence is Apple’s new umbrella term for built-in AI features and personal assistant capabilities in iOS 18, designed to make your iPhone 16 more intelligent. It includes things like enhanced Siri (with the ability to understand context and have back-and-forth conversations), Writing Tools that can rewrite or summarize text for you, Visual Intelligence for recognizing objects, places, or text via the camera, and moremacrumors.commacrumors.com. For example, with Apple Intelligence, you could ask Siri follow-up questions without repeating context, or point your camera at a sign in French and have it translated on the spot. These features leverage the iPhone 16’s A18 Neural Engine to run advanced machine learning models. Some aspects of Apple Intelligence launched with the iPhone 16, while others (like the Visual Lookup via Camera Control) rolled out in updates shortly afterapple.com. Think of it as Apple’s answer to Google’s AI features – but integrated into your device in a privacy-first way. The iPhone 16 is one of the first iPhones to fully support it, and it won’t be available on older models to the same extent, making it a selling point of the 16.

Should I upgrade to the iPhone 16 if I have an iPhone 14 or 15?

If you have an iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 is a moderate step up – you’ll get the new Action Button (if you had a 15 Pro, you already have one), camera enhancements like macro mode on a non-Pro, the Camera Control button, and better battery life. It’s a nice refinement but not a night-and-day difference. However, if you’re coming from an iPhone 14 or older, the jump is much more significant. You’d gain the 48MP camera (vs 12MP on iPhone 14), the Dynamic Island display cutout (since iPhone 14 non-Pro had a notch), a big boost in processing speed (A18 vs A15/A16), and all the new hardware like Action Button and Camera Control. Plus, the battery life increase from an iPhone 14 to a 16 is very noticeable. So for iPhone 14 or earlier users, the upgrade to 16 will feel substantial in both functionality and day-to-day smoothness. Also consider that iPhone 16 will receive iOS updates for a year longer than the 14, extending the device’s longevity. Ultimately, it depends on whether features like the improved camera system, longer battery, and upcoming Apple Intelligence features align with your needs. Many tech reviewers have noted that iPhone 16 brings a lot of “Pro” features to the regular model at a mainstream pricemacrumors.commacrumors.com, so it is easier to justify upgrading without necessarily paying Pro prices this cycle.

Does the iPhone 16 support USB-C accessories and fast data transfer?

Yes, the iPhone 16 uses a USB-C port for charging and connectivity (no more Lightning cable). You can charge your iPhone 16 with any USB-C charger (it supports USB Power Delivery for fast charging). For data, the standard iPhone 16/16 Plus supports USB 2.0 speeds (~480 Mb/s), similar to past iPhones – so transferring very large files is about the same speed as before. The iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max support faster USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s)apple.comapple.com. This is particularly useful if you need to offload big ProRes videos or lots of RAW photos; using a high-quality USB 3 cable on a Pro model will make transfers much quicker. All iPhone 16 models can output video via the USB-C port (DisplayPort alt-mode) to an external monitor up to 4K HDR, which is great for presentations or using a portable display. And of course, the port lets you use a wide range of USB-C accessories – from SD card readers to Ethernet adapters – making the iPhone 16 more versatile for productivity.

Is the iPhone 16 compatible with Apple Vision Pro?

Yes, the iPhone 16 was launched with Apple’s push into spatial computing in mind, and it’s fully prepared to work with the Apple Vision Pro headset. Specifically, the iPhone 16 (all models) can capture Spatial Photos and Videos – these are 3D images or videos with depth, designed to be viewed on the Vision Pro in an immersive wayapple.comapple.com. The vertical camera alignment and advanced sensors make this possible. When you take a spatial video on your iPhone 16, you’ll later be able to relive that memory in 3D on the Vision Pro as if you’re there. Moreover, many Apple Intelligence features and apps will likely interface with VisionOS (the headset’s operating system) – for example, you might start capturing something on your phone and view it live in the headset, or use your iPhone as an input device for the AR/VR environment. The iPhone 16’s powerful A18 chip can also assist with processing content for Vision Pro. So if you’re planning to dive into Apple’s mixed reality ecosystem, the iPhone 16 will be an excellent companion to enable those experiences.apple.comapple.com

Author: Wiredu Fred – Tech writer and editor-in-chief of FrediTech. Wiredu Fred has over a decade of experience reviewing smartphones and gadgets, with a focus on translating complex tech specs into practical insights for everyday users.


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