iPhone 16 & 16 Plus: New Camera Features, Action Button, and Vibrant Colors

First Impressions of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: Enhanced Camera Features, Action Button, and Fresh Colors**

Apple has unveiled its latest smartphones at the "Glowtime" event, showcasing the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Building upon the iPhone 15, these new models introduce more customizable features and are among the first to integrate Apple Intelligence.

By Eli Blumenthal and Lisa Eadicicco

Published: September 9, 2024, 4:35 p.m. PT

Duration: 5 min read

At Apple’s recent "Glowtime" event, the company officially revealed its newest iPhones. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are now available, marking a significant update from the previous generation.

Key updates include a new dedicated camera "button," the inclusion of the Action button (which was previously exclusive to the Pro models), a new A18 processor, and enhanced zoom camera capabilities. Apple is positioning these phones as pioneers in integrating Apple Intelligence, reflecting a broader industry trend toward incorporating advanced AI in major tech products.

Pricing for the new models remains consistent with last year’s lineup: the 128GB iPhone 16 starts at $799 (£799, AU$1,399), while the 128GB iPhone 16 Plus begins at $899 (£899, AU$1,599). Preorders will open on Friday, with in-store availability set for September 20.

**iPhone 16 Camera Features**

The iPhone 16’s rear camera setup now features a redesigned bump with vertically aligned sensors, reminiscent of older models like the iPhone X and 11. This new arrangement enables the capture of spatial photos and videos compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

The standout feature for photography enthusiasts is the introduction of a dedicated camera control button. This button facilitates easier photo-taking and zoom adjustments. Pressing it captures an image, sliding adjusts zoom, and double-pressing changes modes. Apple claims this control will also work with third-party apps.

From initial impressions, the Camera Control button seems promising, offering a blend of button and touchpad functionalities. It builds on Apple’s QuickTake feature from the iPhone 11, which allowed video recording by holding down the shutter button.

A particularly intriguing feature, "visual intelligence," allows users to hold the Camera Control button to quickly get information about objects or places, similar to Google Lens. However, this feature will be available later in the year, not at launch.

The main camera remains a 48-megapixel sensor with 12-megapixel telephoto capabilities. Additionally, a new ultrawide sensor claims to capture up to 2.6 times more light.

**Action Button and Display Sizes**

Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus now feature the Action button, previously found only on Pro models. This button enables shortcuts for various functions such as enabling "Do Not Disturb," activating the flashlight, or placing a coffee order. This addition enhances customization and functionality for the base iPhone models.

Screen sizes are unchanged from the iPhone 15 series: 6.1 inches for the iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches for the iPhone 16 Plus. For those desiring larger screens, the new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models offer displays of 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively, along with upgraded cameras and processors.

**Processor and Battery Life**

Running on iOS 18 with the new A18 processor, the iPhone 16 models benefit from the latest Apple Intelligence AI capabilities. Apple has indicated a "bigger battery," though specific longevity details were not disclosed. The iPhone 16 is expected to offer two additional hours of local video playback compared to the iPhone 15, with the iPhone 16 Plus providing one extra hour of local playback and four more hours of streaming.

Both models support charging via USB-C and wirelessly through MagSafe or Qi2, with MagSafe now supporting faster 25-watt speeds, up from 15 watts on the iPhone 15.

**New Color Options**

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come in new colors: white, black, ultramarine (blue), teal (green), and pink. These vibrant options add a fresh aesthetic to the lineup.

With the addition of Camera Control and the Action button, alongside a new processor and improved camera features, the iPhone 16 represents a significant upgrade from the iPhone 15. The effectiveness of Apple Intelligence will become clearer once the feature is fully available and we’ve had more time to explore it.