Support for Apple Intelligence
During the launch event, the company announced that Apple Intelligence features will arrive for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. However, these features may not become available in last year’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models. Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 will use the new Apple silicon A18 chips, upgraded 8GB RAM and Apple-built generative AI models to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks.
The company also promised that Apple Intelligence will maintain the privacy and security of user data with Private Cloud Compute. This approach will provide the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers. Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update, with the first set of features rolling out next month in US English for most regions around the world.
Apple Intelligence will introduce new writing tools and features in iOS 18, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text in various apps, including Mail, Notes, and Pages. Additionally, Apple Intelligence will provide summarised notifications, prioritise important messages in Mail, and offer improved Siri integration with natural language understanding and contextual awareness. Future updates will include Image Playground for creating custom images, Genmoji for personalised emoji creation, and expanded Siri capabilities for understanding and interacting with user content. iOS 18 will also provide easy access to ChatGPT from OpenAI.
New A18 chips backed with 8GB RAM
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature the A18 chip, which offers improved performance and power efficiency. The chip’s upgraded 16-core Neural Engine is optimised for large generative models and runs ML models up to 2x faster than the A16 Bionic chip. Both phones also pack 8GB RAM to support the Apple Intelligence features and offer improved performance.
The A18 chip’s 6-core CPU is 30% faster and more power-efficient than last year’s A16 Bionic chip. The 5-core GPU is also 40% faster and 35% more efficient, providing stunning graphics performance for Apple Intelligence and gaming.
With hardware-accelerated ray tracing, games on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offer more realistic lighting effects and higher frame rates. The devices support AAA games previously available only on the iPhone 15 Pro and new titles like Honor of Kings: World. Game Mode in iOS 18 ensures consistent frame rates and improves responsiveness with wireless accessories.
New camera design for spatial recording
The rear camera setup of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are vertically aligned which will allow users to capture video in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system.
48MP Fusion camera, macro photography and more
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature a 48MP Fusion camera with a 2x optical-quality telephoto option. The new 12MP Ultra Wide camera supports macro photography and captures more light for improved image quality. Additionally, the iPhone 16 models can now capture spatial photos and videos.
New Photographic Styles allow users to customise their photos by adjusting colour, highlights, and shadows in real time. These styles are tailored to specific skin undertones and can be applied during a live preview or after taking a photo.
The Audio Mix feature enables users to edit video sound after capture, adjust voice levels, add studio effects, and position vocal tracks and environmental noises. Wind noise reduction technology improves audio quality using machine learning algorithms.
New Camera Control button
The Camera Control feature on the iPhone 16 lineup enhances the camera experience through a combination of hardware and software innovations. It allows for quick and easy camera access, photo and video capture, and intuitive controls for adjusting settings like zoom and exposure.
Camera Control also offers visual intelligence capabilities, allowing users to learn about objects and places more efficiently. Users can quickly access information like restaurant hours or ratings, add events to their calendars, identify objects like dog breeds, and utilise third-party tools for tasks like searching or problem-solving.
Action button comes to base iPhones
The Action button comes for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This button will allow users to access a variety of functions with just a press. Users can quickly open the camera, flashlight, or controls; switch between Ring and Silent; recognise music with Shazam; activate Voice Memos, Focus, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier; or use Shortcuts for more options. The Action button can also access in-app functionality, like helping a user unlock and lock their car with FordPass.
Faster wireless charging with MagSafe
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models support faster wireless charging, with up to 25W with a MagSafe charger. To compare, the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus only support 15W wireless charging.
New colours for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in five colours. The yellow option of the iPhone 15 series has been replaced by a white variant and Apple has also changed the names of some of the colours. The colours in which iPhone 16 will be available are — black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine.