Top 10 Features of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro You Need to Know
- Say hello to a sleek camera button you didn’t know you needed.
- Say goodbye to blurry shots with a new Fusion camera. Why am I speaking like this? I guess you'll just have to read on and find out!
- The Action Button is back, and this time, it's like, way better.
- Charging is faster, and low-light photos are about to get wild.
- Read on for the top 10 features (hardware and software) that you need to know about Apple's new iPhone 16 series.
Apple has once again shifted the smartphone landscape with its latest release—the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models. Unveiled at the much-anticipated Apple Event in Cupertino, California, the new lineup is a continuation of Apple’s pursuit of refining both hardware and software, bringing a slew of upgrades that set these models apart.
With AI at the core of the iPhone 16 experience, as expected, these devices are primed to deliver more than just incremental improvements. But what exactly are the standout features of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro? Let's dive into the top 10 things you should know.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Just some of the new features of Apple's newly-announced iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.
1. A18 and A18 Pro Chips: The Heart of AI
The new iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are powered by the A18 chip, while the Pro models use the more powerful A18 Pro. These chips are optimized for artificial intelligence tasks, with a neural engine that's twice as fast as previous generations, according to Apple. Expect up to a 40% boost in graphics performance, making everything from gaming to AI-driven features feel smoother and "snappier."
2. Camera Control Button for Pro-Level Photos
One of the most exciting hardware additions is the new Camera Control button. Think of it as a tactile shutter button, but much more advanced. A hard press captures a photo, while a long press starts recording video. A light press, however, allows for a cleaner, more minimalist viewfinder, and on the Pro models, you can lock focus on a specific subject for razor-sharp shots.
Editors note: This is a seriously cool feature in action and I can see it becoming the standard. Expect Samsung and Google products to launch with camera buttons that are heavily "inspired" by this design...
Photo via Apple Inc. // The Camera Control button on iPhone 16 Pro in action. As you can see, it's a classic example of Apple blending hardware and software in a way that is hard to explain until you use it.
3. AI-Powered Visual Intelligence
Leveraging Apple's AI advancements, the new Visual Intelligence feature lets users instantly gather information from whatever their camera is pointed at. From restaurant menus to calendar events, this feature rivals Google Lens in functionality but is integrated more deeply into the iPhone experience.
Photo via UNILAD // Apple's iPhone 16 is here — and of course, its packed with AI features.
4. Fusion Camera for Speed and Precision
Apple is calling the iPhone 16 Pro’s main camera the "Fusion camera" due to its ability to read data twice as fast from the sensor. This translates to clearer, blur-free shots even with fast-moving subjects, which will particularly impress action and sports photographers.
5. MagSafe and Qi2 Charging
The iPhone 16 models now support the new Qi2 wireless charging standard, offering faster charging for third-party accessories. Apple’s own MagSafe Wireless Charger has also been improved for quicker charging speeds, making the entire charging process more efficient.
6. Larger Displays with Slimmer Bezels
The iPhone 16 Pro now has a slightly larger display at 6.3 inches, and the Pro Max has grown to 6.9 inches. Apple has achieved this without increasing the phone's physical footprint by slimming down the bezels, giving you more screen real estate without making the device feel bulkier.
Photo via Apple Inc. // The iPhone 16 Pro has the thinnest borders on any Apple product, ever.
7. Action Button on All Models
The fan-favorite Action Button, introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro, now comes standard across all iPhone 16 models. This customizable button replaces the Mute switch, letting users set shortcuts for tasks like launching the camera, starting a voice recording, or enabling accessibility features.
8. Improved Low-Light Photography
Apple has given a serious boost to low-light performance, particularly with the ultrawide and macro cameras. The larger sensors on the Pro models and advanced image processing allow you to capture more detail in dimly lit environments, with better clarity and less noise.
9. iOS 18 Customization Options
iOS 18 brings a host of customization options, from rearranging home screen icons in any layout to hiding apps in the app library. Apple is putting a stronger focus on user personalization, letting you change the color tint of icons and even lock apps for extra privacy.
10. 4K Slow-Motion Video at 120fps
For videography enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Pro can now shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second, which will elevate your slow-motion footage to cinematic levels of smoothness. This feature opens up new possibilities for content creators who rely on the iPhone for professional-grade video work.
iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Plus Reveal Video:
Watch Apple's iPhone 16 reveal video, published today on Apple's official YouTube channel.
iPhone 16 Pro / iPhone 16 Pro Max Reveal Video:
Watch Apple's iPhone 16 Pro reveal video, published today on Apple's official YouTube channel.
A Closer Look at Apple's AI Ambitions
What truly separates the iPhone 16 from its predecessors is its emphasis on AI. The neural engine, now even faster and more efficient, takes center stage in many of the phone’s most compelling features. Apple Intelligence, baked into iOS 18, turns your phone into a tool for discovery—whether it’s identifying objects, surfacing relevant information, or simplifying everyday tasks. Apple is clearly positioning the iPhone 16 as the gateway to more intelligent, intuitive experiences, with many features aimed at making life easier and more connected.
Cameras That Mean Business
The iPhone 16’s photography capabilities are nothing short of impressive. While the Fusion camera on the Pro models shines with its ability to capture fast-moving subjects without blur, even the base models have improved cameras that make the iPhone 16 a strong contender for smartphone photography enthusiasts. The ultrawide lens, which now supports macro shots, opens up creative possibilities, and the 5x optical zoom on the Pro models is a photographer’s dream, previously only available on the Pro Max.
Verdict: Evolution Over Revolution?
The iPhone 16 series feels like an evolution, not a revolution. It refines the foundations laid by the iPhone 15, adding thoughtful upgrades that will make everyday use more pleasant, particularly for power users and content creators. The emphasis on AI hints at where Apple is headed, and this release serves as a reminder that Apple isn’t just about hardware—it's about creating an ecosystem that makes technology fade into the background, allowing users to focus on what matters most.
Preorders for the iPhone 16 open soon, and these devices are expected to land in users’ hands on September 20. While some of the features feel iterative, the leap in AI, combined with new camera capabilities and hardware refinements, ensures that the iPhone 16 series is more than just another upgrade. It’s a glimpse into the future of smart, AI-powered devices.
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