Apple introduced the iPhone 16 series at its “Glowtime” event on Monday. It unveiled the latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. Preorders are now open. Fans can secure their devices before the official release on September 20.
The iPhone 16 series’ best feature is Apple Intelligence, its new AI suite. With next-gen processors and better hardware, the iPhone 16 should be very advanced. The Pro models have larger displays.
The standard iPhone 16 models now have the Action button. It was before exclusive to the Pro versions. Also, all four iPhone 16 models have a new Camera Control button. It lets users customize photos and videos with simple touch gestures.
When is the launch of the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models will be available in stores on September 20. We expect preorders placed on the first day to arrive by that date. You can also visit any retailer, like Apple Stores, Best Buy, or your carrier, to buy from their stock. Use the Apple Store app to find your nearest store. Check if they have your preferred model, storage, and color.
It’s not uncommon for popular color and model combinations to sell out. This can cause a delay in availability. You have a couple of backup options. If you’re set on getting a new iPhone on Sept. 20 or soon after, it may help. Be prepared to wait.
iPhone 16 lineup specs
Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting price 128GB | $799 | $899 | $999 | NA |
Starting price 256GB | $899 | $999 | $1,099 | $1,199 |
Starting price 512GB | $1,099 | $1,199 | $1,299 | $1,399 |
Starting price 1TB | NA | NA | $1,499 | $1,599 |
Display size | 6.1-inch | 6.7-inch | 6.3-inch | 6.9-inch |
Screen resolution | 2,556×1,179 | 2,796×1,290 | 2,622×1,206 | 2,868×1,320 |
Pixel density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
Processor | A18 | A18 | A18 Pro | A18 Pro |
Mobile software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
Camera | 48MP fusion camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera | 48MP fusion camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera | 48MP fusion camera, 48MP ultra-wide camera, 5X telephoto | 48MP fusion camera, 48MP ultra-wide camera, 5X telephoto |
Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
Video capture | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 120fps | 4K up to 120fps |
Battery/charging speeds | Up to 22 hours video playback | Up to 27 hours video playback | Up to 27 hours video playback | Up to 33 hours video playback |
Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) |
Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
iPhone 16: Models
The iPhone 16 series continues Apple’s tradition. It has four models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This keeps the lineup structure of recent years.
Apple has discontinued its “Mini” iPhone model, starting with the iPhone 14 series. So, the current lineup has no smaller iPhones.
There is no “Ultra” version of the iPhone 16 with extra upgrades beyond the Pro Max model. Rumors often circulated about it. But, this higher-end model was not expected to debut in this release.
iPhone 16: Release date
You can pre-order all four iPhone 16 models now at Apple, Best Buy, Verizon, and AT&T. They launch on September 20.
Verizon and Best Buy have great preorder deals. Trade-ins offer a discount of $830 for the iPhone 16 and a discount of $1,000 for the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple also offers trade-in discounts of up to $650 on all four models.
iPhone 16: Price
The iPhone 16 series maintains the same pricing as the iPhone 15 lineup at launch.
Model | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
---|---|---|---|---|
iPhone 16 | $799 | $899 | $1,099 | N/A |
iPhone 16 Plus | $899 | $999 | $1,199 | N/A |
iPhone 16 Pro | $999 | $1,099 | $1,299 | $1,499 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max | N/A | $1,199 | $1,399 | $1,599 |
iPhone 16: Cameras
The base iPhone 16 models have the same camera as the iPhone 15. They have a 48MP main and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Pro models have a 48MP main, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP 5x zoom camera for better photography.
A major upgrade in the iPhone 16 series is its zoom camera. The iPhone 16 Pro’s zoom now offers 5x, matching the Pro Max model. It improves on the 3x zoom of the iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple has made changes to the iPhone 16 series cameras. But, if you’re used to recent iPhones, they may not improve photo quality. Users with older models, like the iPhone 12, will likely see better image quality.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have upgraded ultrawide cameras. They have autofocus and supports macro photography. The new sensor captures 2.6 times more light. It improves photo quality, especially in low light.
The base iPhone 16 models now support Spatial Video and Photo capture. This enhances the viewing experience in Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Also, video recording has improved. It now reduces unwanted noises, like wind, for clearer audio.
The iPhone 16 Pro models have a second-gen main camera sensor. It eliminates shutter lag. This makes it easier to capture fast-moving subjects, like kids and pets. It also helps with flowing clothing and hair.
The iPhone 16 Pro models now support 4K video at 120 fps. This allows for high-res slow-motion capture. These models have four studio-quality microphones. They can record Spatial Audio. It works with devices like AirPods, Vision Pro, and some home entertainment systems.
iPhone 16: Performance
All iPhone 16 models use Apple’s new A18 processor. The Pro models have a faster A18 Pro variant.
Apple says the A18 in the base iPhone 16 models is 30% faster than the A16 in the iPhone 15. It’s 60% faster than the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12. The GPU also experiences a 40% boost, which enhances gaming experiences.
Apple claims the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro can handle AI tasks 15% faster than the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro. , it is 22% quicker.
The app, game, and AI performance of the base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro is still unknown. All four models should have the fast, smooth performance typical of Apple’s devices.
iPhone 16: AI, or ‘Apple Intelligence’
Apple added new features to its AI service, Apple Intelligence. It’s on the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Some new features include:
- A new tool can turn shorthand notes into full sentences for messages or documents.
- Generate AI emojis by typing a prompt that describes your desired design.
- A new Image Playground app creates images from prompts.
- Search for photos using text descriptions. Organize matches into an album or a storyline.
- Summarizing emails in the Email app and notifications.
- Generating summaries from meeting notes.
- AI suggestions for taking photos based on locations and subjects.
Apple’s AI upgrades aim to achieve a significant enhancement of Siri. This includes providing users with the ability to enter queries directly. Siri will also understand and respond to what is on your screen. For example, if someone sends you a song title, you can ask Siri to “play that.” It will start the song without needing to search the music app.
Siri will add voice commands. You will then be able to send a photo that appears on your screen directly to a friend using the Messages app.
Apple emphasized its privacy. It processes queries on-device or on its secure servers.
Apple Intelligence will be a free update. Its beta will roll out ahead of the October release with iOS 18.1. We expect extra AI features in the coming months.
iPhone 16: Battery life
Apple promises a big battery life boost for the base iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 16 will have 22 hours of video playback, vs. 20 for the iPhone 15, per the company’s specs.
Apple says the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the best battery life of any iPhone. It offers up to 33 hours of video playback, vs. 29 hours on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. All four models have better battery life. This is due to larger batteries, the A18 and A18 Pro processors, and iOS 18 optimizations.
Apple claims the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the best battery life ever for an iPhone. It may even surpass the iPhone 15 Plus, which had the highest battery score.
iPhone 16: Displays
Apple has changed the display size for the first time since the iPhone 12 series in 2020. But, this change applies only to the iPhone 16 Pro models.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a larger 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s screen is now 6.9 inches, up from 6.7 inches.
- iPhone 16: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 60 Hz
- iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 60 Hz
- 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 iPhone 16 series has a max brightness of 2,000 nits. It now dims to 1 nit, perfect for parents putting kids to bed. It’s also great for checking your phone in the dark before sleep, like setting an alarm.
The iPhone 16 series has Apple’s second-gen Ceramic Shield glass. It’s 50% tougher than the original version from the iPhone 12. It’s also twice as strong as any other smartphone glass.
The iPhone 16 base models still lack Apple’s 120Hz ProMotion displays. They still run at 60Hz. 60Hz displays work fine. But, a higher refresh rate would make animations smoother and feel more premium. This is especially true for phones starting at $800.
iPhone 16: Design
The base iPhone 16 models have a new oval camera design. The vertically aligned lenses remind users of the iPhone X/XS series. The iPhone 16 Pro models keep their familiar three-camera layout from previous years.
Apple claims that the iPhone 16 Pro has the thinnest borders of any of its products. But the new display sizes make the iPhone 16 Pro models slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro.
The base iPhone 16 models have aluminum frames. The Pro versions keep the titanium frames from the iPhone 15 Pro. All iPhone 16 models feature the softer, contoured edges first seen in the iPhone 15 lineup.
The base iPhone 16 models come in new colors. They are Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. The iPhone 16 Pro models offer Black, White, Natural, and Desert Titanium options. For further details, refer to our complete guide on iPhone 16 colors.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus colors
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in five colors: ultramarine, teal, pink, black, and white. They have aluminum frames with color-infused glass backs and camera modules. Their colors are richer than the iPhone 15’s lighter pastels, except for the new white variant.
Ultramarine, a new iPhone 16 and 16 Plus color, is mostly blue with a hint of purple. The camera area showcases a true, rich ultramarine blue, offering a deep and vibrant look.
Teal is a new color for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. It blends light green and blue tones for a fresh, unique look.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have a new, vibrant pink. It’s deeper than the softer pastel pink of the iPhone 15 models.
The black iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have a timeless, versatile color. It pairs well with any case, often making the phone look more premium. This classic option has been a staple in previous iPhone generations.
White returns as a fresh color option for the base iPhone 16 models, after being absent in the iPhone 15 lineup. This shade is a brighter and purer white compared to the Starlight version from the iPhone 14 series.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max colors
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max come in four colors: Desert, Natural, Black, and White Titanium. Their rear cameras have matching clear glass. The Black Titanium version has a darker camera unit. It is different from the phone’s body. The frames consist of titanium, and the backs feature frosted matte glass.
Desert Titanium is a new color for the iPhone 16 Pro. It adds a high-end look with its warm, light golden glass and a deeper gold frame. This color highlights the latest premium specs of these top-tier iPhones.
Natural Titanium is silver-like but warmer. It is available in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
The iPhone 15 Pro models also featured Black and White Titanium. They are timeless, neutral options that pair well with any case. They draw attention to the camera’s color from the back in a discreet manner.
iPhone 16: New buttons
Apple’s new Camera Control button is in all four iPhone 16 models. It’s a tactile switch with haptic feedback that responds to touch and gestures. Different combinations of presses, taps, and swipes allow access to many functions.
In the iPhone 16 lineup, the Camera Control button launches the camera app. Pressing it again captures a photo. Holding the button starts video recording. A light touch in the camera app activates zoom control. A double touch reveals advanced settings like depth of field and exposure.
The Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro models lets users switch lenses and styles. Apple noted that this button works with third-party apps like Snapchat. Developers can integrate its functions into their apps.
Apple has replaced the classic silent switch on the base iPhone 16 models. It now has the Action button, first seen on the iPhone 15 Pro. This change ends the silent switch, a feature that has been present since the 2007 iPhone.
Apple enhanced the Action button by adding support for third-party apps. It demonstrated this by unlocking a car using the FordPass app. It retains its core functions. They include managing Focus modes, opening the camera, and toggling the flashlight. It also records voice memos and accesses the Magnifier and Translate apps. Plus, it enables shortcuts and launches accessibility features without delay.
Is the iPhone 16 worth buying?
New iPhone upgrades are most noticeable if you’re coming from an older model. If you’re upgrading from the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 may feel the same in daily use.
With the introduction of Apple’s AI, the decision to upgrade becomes more complex. The question now is whether to buy an iPhone 16 to access these new AI features. If you own an iPhone 15 Pro, don’t upgrade for Apple Intelligence. It is already supported on those models.
Apple’s latest move into AI and the iPhone 16 series has not undergone complete testing. The devices should be high quality as always. We won’t know if it’s worth upgrading to a new iPhone for the AI features until after testing and reviews.
If you buy an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, get a good case. It will keep it in great condition. Check out our guide for the best cases available for both models.
iPhone 16 Pro cases
The best iPhone 16 Pro cases protect the phone. They support features like MagSafe charging and the new Camera Control button.
We’ve curated top case recommendations to help you choose the right protection. They use our tests of Apple’s cases and trusted third-party ones from Spigen, Zagg, Bellroy, and Otterbox.
Our top pick for iPhone 16 Pro cases is the Apple Clear Case with MagSafe. It has the best anti-yellowing treatment and perfect MagSafe compatibility. The Spigen Tough Armor case offers strong protection. It has a durable thermoplastic design and a built-in kickstand. It’s a good choice that is friendly to the budget.
FAQ
Does the iPhone 16 Pro need a case?
To protect your investment, use a reliable case for your iPhone 16 Pro. It will prevent costly repairs or replacements for this premium device.
The iPhone 16 Pro’s titanium build won’t prevent cracks or scratches from drops. So, a protective case is a smart investment for your device and peace of mind.
Will an iPhone 15 Pro case fit an iPhone 16 Pro?
The iPhone 16 Pro has a new design and a larger display. So, iPhone 15 Pro cases won’t fit the new model, and vice versa.
The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch display compared to the iPhone 16 Pro’s 6.3-inch screen. For those looking to protect last year’s model, explore our guide to the best iPhone 15 Pro cases.
What is the difference in display size between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro?
The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch display, and the iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display that is larger by 0.2 inches.
Can I pre-order the iPhone 16?
You can pre-order the iPhone 16 series from the Apple Store, with the expected arrival date being Sept. 20. Apple is already offering some carrier deals with pre-orders as well.
What colors will the iPhone 16 have?
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in five bold colors: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine.
What colors will the iPhone 16 Pro have?
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will be in four finishes: black, natural, white, and desert titanium.