The iPhone 16 family arrives in two base models, the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus, expanding Apple’s flagship line for the year. These devices are built to appeal to fans seeking a balance of screen real estate and everyday usability, with design cues that echo past iPhone generations while introducing modern refinements.
On the display front, the two models measure 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches respectively, delivering ample room for apps, media, and multitasking. However, the refresh rate remains at 60 Hz across both sizes, a departure from higher-end ambitions seen in recent years. The consequence is smooth everyday scrolling, but not the higher-refresh experience that some competitors offer in the same segment.
Apple has refreshed the exterior and internal ergonomics as part of the design update. The camera module now sits in a pill-shaped block with a vertical sensor stack that brings a familiar silhouette to the rear while housing more capable optics. A new Capture Button sits beneath the lock switch, reimagining camera control by enabling quick photo and video captures with a single press, while long presses and presses and slides across the button provide added creative controls. The silent switch has been replaced by the Action Button first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro, giving users a programmable shortcut that can launch a camera, turn on Do Not Disturb, or activate a timer, among other actions. The camera button also supports left and right swipes for zoom control and double taps to trigger additional settings, offering a tactile, one-handed workflow for creators and everyday shooters alike.
The main camera on the iPhone 16 is driven by a 48-megapixel sensor, paired with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The primary sensor supports a 2x digital zoom path that preserves 12 MP image quality for close-up portraits and detailed distant scenes. The updated camera housing enables spatial video capture, a feature designed to workflow with Apple Vision Pro for immersive viewing and future mixed-reality experiences, broadening the device’s potential beyond stills and conventional video.
Performance advances come courtesy of Apple’s 3-nanometer A18 chip, featuring a five-core GPU and the Apple Intelligence AI system. Apple notes that the CPU delivers roughly 30 percent more power than the A16 found in the iPhone 15, while the GPU offers about 40 percent more performance. This combination translates into smoother app launches, quicker photo processing, and more capable on-device AI tasks across photography, video editing, and everyday multitasking.
Apple highlighted the ongoing development of Apple Intelligence, a collection of AI features showcased at WWDC 2024. The system is designed to automate routine writing tasks, generate expressive emojis, and assist gallery search by describing photo content. Siri is set to become smarter, with capabilities expanding through updates and broader language support phased in over time. Initial rollout is slated for October in beta form, with broader availability in 2025. Specific details regarding language support in regions such as Russia were not disclosed at launch, leaving timing and compatibility to future updates.
Pricing and availability for the iPhone 16 family align with the brand’s typical market strategy. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are scheduled to go on sale on September 20, with starting prices around 799 USD and 899 USD respectively. In regional markets outside the United States, pricing converts to local currencies and may vary due to taxes and duties, reflecting regional retail strategies and consumer demand patterns.
For readers curious about ongoing coverage, tech outlets and Apple’s official communications provide additional context about the new iPhone 16 lineup and its features. The information is continually updated as newer software iterations and regional adaptations become available, ensuring enthusiasts and potential buyers have access to the latest developments and practical guidance on device capabilities, camera performance, and the evolving AI ecosystem.