iPhone 16 Unveiled
The Apple Glowtime Event on 9 September 2024 gave us our first proper look at the latest addition to the iPhone family — the iPhone 16. Following months of leaks, rumours and quiet hints, Apple finally revealed what sets this new model apart from the iPhone 15 and how it ties into the arrival of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s own AI system.
Now that the iPhone 16 is officially here, it’s time to explore its new features, design tweaks and upgrades to help you decide whether it’s worth the jump. If you’re comparing smartphones more broadly, check out our Go for Gold smartphone roundup for more inspiration.
Will the iPhone 16 Be Different?
Apple has introduced a few aesthetic changes that give the iPhone 16 a refreshed look. The most noticeable update is the vertical camera layout, replacing the diagonal design used in recent years. It’s cleaner, more compact and subtly reminiscent of the iPhone 12 era.
The colour range has also had a shake-up. The iPhone 16 is available in:
- Pink
- Teal
- Ultramarine
- Black
- White
This year’s lineup feels more playful and modern, adding some fresh shades alongside classic tones.
Inside the device, the upgrades continue. The iPhone 16 includes:
- Apple Intelligence (AI features launching later in 2024)
- A18 chipset
- Up to 22 hours of video playback
- A 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display
With features like proof-reading, transcripts, Genmoji creation, Clean Up (AI photo editing) and a more personal Siri, Apple is clearly positioning the 16 as the entry point into its new AI ecosystem.
What Is the iPhone 16 Capture Button?
Following the introduction of the Action Button last year, Apple has added another new control — the Capture Button. It’s located on the right side of the phone and is designed specifically for photography and videography.
The Capture Button reacts to touch, swipes and pressure, allowing users to:
- Slide to adjust depth and exposure
- Tap to start a recording
- Press to open the Camera app
- Double-press to switch cameras
While the functionality is clever, we’re not fully convinced it was needed. The Action Button already provides quick camera access, and adding yet another button starts to make the phone’s side profile feel a little crowded. A clever idea — but maybe not a necessary one.
Is the iPhone 16 Camera Better?
The iPhone 16 features a 48MP dual-camera system, offering high-resolution photography, a 2x optical telephoto zoom and an improved Ultra-Wide mode for close-up shots. Apple has also introduced spatial video capture, a 3D-style recording mode designed to be viewed using Apple Vision Pro.
With Apple Intelligence, the image processing pipeline has taken another step forward. You can now adjust photo moods using colour-based AI editing, remove distracting elements using Clean Up and enjoy more consistent low-light quality.
Will the iPhone 16 Have a Better Battery?
Battery life is always a major talking point, and Apple has made noticeable improvements. The new A18 chipset supports a more efficient battery system, delivering longer usage times and better thermal management.
The iPhone 16 also supports faster wireless MagSafe charging, capable of reaching 50% in around 30 minutes with a compatible charger.
iPhone 16 Quick Specs
- Release date: 20 September 2024
- Storage: Up to 512GB
- Face ID: Yes
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
- Water resistance: IP68
- Chipset: A18
- Colours: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine
- Camera: 48MP advanced dual system (48MP + 48MP + 12MP)
Curious about how Apple is shaping the upcoming software release too? Our iOS 18 preview covers the new AI-powered updates in detail.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to the iPhone 16, take a look at our range of refurbished mobile phones — fully tested through a 90-point check and a smart choice if you want great quality at a lower cost. Going refurbished is also a more environmentally friendly way to upgrade. And if you're ready to switch, you can trade in your current handset and put its value towards your next phone.
