iPhone 16 Models:
The iPhone 16 lineup sticks to Apple’s familiar four-model format: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Fans of the iPhone “Mini” model were disappointed, as Apple discontinued it starting with the iPhone 14. Similarly, there is no “Ultra” model in this generation, even though it has been a popular rumor.
Release Date:
The iPhone 16 series launched on September 20, and all four versions are available through Apple, major retailers like Best Buy, and carriers such as Verizon and AT&T.
Cameras:
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus maintain the camera specs from the iPhone 15 with 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses. The Pro models offer upgraded capabilities with 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP 5x zoom lens. The iPhone 16 Pro notably received a zoom improvement from 3x to 5x, aligning it with the Pro Max model. The ultrawide camera on the base models now includes autofocus and captures 2.6 times more light, enhancing low-light photography. Additionally, they now support Spatial Video and Photo capture for Vision Pro viewing and have noise reduction for video.
For the Pro models, Apple introduced a next-gen sensor for the main camera to reduce shutter lag, helping capture moving subjects more easily. They also support 4K video recording at 120 fps for high-definition slow-motion footage and capture Spatial Audio through four microphones for an immersive audio experience on compatible devices.
Performance:
Each iPhone 16 model features Apple’s A18 chip, though the Pro versions come with the more advanced A18 Pro variant. Performance tests show a smooth experience across all models, with slight differences in benchmarks between the base and Pro models. The A18 processor in the base iPhone 16 models surpasses the older A16 chip from the iPhone 15, while the Pro models’ higher scores suggest they may handle future demands from AI advancements more effectively.
The new AI suite, Apple Intelligence, debuted with iOS 18.1 on the iPhone 16 series, offering tools like Writing Tools for refining shorthand notes, improved photo search, and email summaries. Siri also received enhancements, such as the ability to type queries and respond to what’s on-screen, making tasks quicker and more intuitive.
Battery Life:
Despite Apple’s claims of a battery boost, tests indicate that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have slightly shorter battery life than their predecessors. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max achieved the highest battery performance in testing, validating Apple’s claim of the “best iPhone battery life ever.”
Displays:
For the first time since the iPhone 12 series, Apple has adjusted screen sizes—only for the Pro models. The iPhone 16 Pro screen expanded to 6.3 inches, while the Pro Max now measures 6.9 inches. Here’s the breakdown of display specs:
. iPhone 16: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz
. iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz
. iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, always-on display
. iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, always-on display
The brightness remains at 2000 nits, but the new low-dim setting at 1 nit can be useful for late-night phone checks without disrupting sleep. The display now has a second-gen Ceramic Shield, which Apple claims is 50% stronger than the previous version.
Design:
The base iPhone 16 models got a redesigned vertical camera layout similar to earlier iPhones, while the Pro models kept their triple-lens setup. The Pro models also feature thinner borders and are slightly larger and heavier than the previous generation. Apple retained the aluminum frame for the base models and titanium for the Pros, with new colors available: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black for the base models, and Black, White, Natural, and Desert Titanium for the Pro models.
New Buttons:
Apple introduced a Camera Control button across all iPhone 16 models. This button has multiple functions based on touch gestures, such as opening the camera, taking photos, starting video recording, and adjusting zoom and depth controls. Additionally, the Action button now appears on the base models, replacing the silent switch, and supports various functions, including opening apps, toggling settings, and launching shortcuts.