Apple announced four new iPhones (among other things) at “It was a brilliant time” last month’s event. Designed from the ground up for Apple is smart — Apple’s own AI, coming via iOS 18.1 on October 28 — the series ranges from basic to the most advanced models. The four models are iPhone 16iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Proand iPhone 16 Pro Max.
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There are plenty of new features across both hardware and software, so we wouldn’t blame you if you’re having a hard time figuring it all out. But which features will have the most impact on iPhone enthusiasts? What are the truly novel features of the 16 Pro?
Let’s cut through the noise and see what we’ve got.
1. 5x Zoom comes to Pro
When Apple first released iPhone 15 series, it only offers a 5x quad-prism zoom lens for the Max Pro. This time, both the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have advanced zoom capabilities. This choice means the cameras are essentially the same on the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, leaving other features to differentiate the two models.
2. Camera control
One feature that has received a lot of attention is the camera control button, a new feature across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. Designed to function similarly to the shutter button on a DSLR camera, this is a physical button on the bottom right side of the phone with capacitive touch capabilities that respond to swipes and light presses.
For example, pressing the button lightly will focus on the subject, and pressing harder will take the photo. Additionally, swiping on the button will toggle between photo and video modes or zoom in and out. Clicking and holding will record a video.
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Camera controls are available on all iPhone 16 models, but when combined with the advanced camera and A18 Pro processor on the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, Apple aims to deliver a more seamless user experience, creating Pro and Pro Max. separate. Upcoming Visual intelligence for example, the feature combined with the A18 Pro processor will be faster and more efficient.
Not everyone is a fan However, the new camera button as this transition from software to hardware will likely come with increased usability difficulties and mistakenly accessed features.
3. Siri’s much-needed change
iOS 18 beta runs on iPhone 15 Pro.
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
No offense to one of the OG voice assistants, but Siri has been in need of a change for a long time. When Apple’s virtual assistant was first launched in 2010, it set the stage for the entire virtual assistant technology ecosystem. Fast forward nearly 15 years later, and the market is flooded with competing AI models with capabilities that — let’s be honest — blow Siri away.
Well, the time has finally come. Apple has revealed a lot of new functionality for Siri and it’s powered by Apple Intelligence. It is expected Full implementation in JanuaryThe new Siri includes conversational context so it can take cues from what you just said as well as the ability to perform multi-step actions on your behalf, such as adding photos to specific albums and then sharing them .
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In addition to Siri, we have Visual intelligenceenables multi-modal AI through the camera, similar to what we’ve seen on other AI models this year. the The iOS 18.1 live beta with (some) Apple Intelligence is now available in the USwith additional countries launching in December and additional languages expected to launch next year.
4. Chipset upgraded for the AI age
After much waiting, Apple is smart integrated into the iPhone 16 series and equipped with the new A18 Pro chip. With 17% more memory bandwidth, the A18 Pro chip is up to 15% faster than the A17 Pro and uses 20% less power in the process. In addition, the advanced display engine on A18 Pro also supports unique features such as ProMotion and always-on display.
The 3mm technology features smaller, more efficient transistors and represents a major advance in hardware created to handle synthetic AI. The base iPhone 16 has 8GB RAM, while the iPhone Pro has 12GB RAM.
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Even with AI’s strict memory requirements, having this much memory on the iPhone is still a bonus for overall performance, especially multitasking and app launching.
5. The biggest iPhones ever
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are the largest iPhones ever, with screens measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. Not only that, the super small bezels also make them look bigger.
However, this is a feature that is sure to cause mixed reactions from consumers. iPhones have been the same size for a few generations now, and this increase in size could indicate a change in direction for the devices.
