Every year, people say “the new iPhone looks the same as the last one” or “there’s no more innovation from Apple“.
These are always misguided and normally from lovers of another brand of phone.
The fact is, in 2024 the iPhone 16 is the ultimate sleeper device: nothing much to see on the outside, but lots to appreciate for the new owners.
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Apple’s base level iPhone 16 and 16 Plus don’t miss when it comes to vibrance: the new blue, green and pink really stand out alongside their more boring black and white siblings.
For Pro users, the black, white and natural titanium colours remain, alongside a new “desert titanium” which to me has all the rose gold iPhone vibes from previous years, just toned down with a dash of brown – but it’s never going to be described as brown, trust me.
Choosing between standard and pro models
Fortunately, this year there’s really just two choices – pro or standard – and then size.
Last year, it became complicated with the iPhone 15 Pro Max featuring a better camera than the 15 Pro and I think that was polarising for some, me included.
Today, your choice is to get the best camera possible with a huge performance boost internally and enormous screens, or get a fantastic iPhone camera with great performance and vibrant colour options.
I do suspect the new iPhone 16 Plus might be the go-to choice for more people than ever, given its performance specs, stunning screen and excellent camera.
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Focus on the camera
With the iPhone being the most-used camera on the planet, it makes sense that it’s the focus of much of the year on year iterations.
This year, the new Fusion photos on standard 16s mean a better picture quality and using a crop on the main sensor you’re also getting a 2x zoom, plus autofocus and macro on the ultra-wide lens.
These are fantastic advances on the base iPhone.
All models also get a new audio mix feature in videos which allows you to choose the focus of audio after the recording has taken place, it’s quite remarkably well done and in my testing does replicate for the most part the demonstrations Apple put forward.
The new photographic styles will suit the avid portrait photographer and the ability to really finesse the look of your photos using these styles after the photo is shot is really well done.
But the standout feature of iPhone 16 – across all models – is the camera control button.
We’ve known almost all year this was coming but it has exceeded my expectations.
Yep, pressing the button launches the camera. And yes, pressing it again takes a photo – hold to take video.
The fact it’s touch-sensitive is what we didn’t see coming – and it works rather well.
It takes a few days to really understand and get used to, but a “half press” or light press brings up a menu near the camera control button, then swipe your finger to zoom in and out.
Press it twice and you get access to other camera settings right there on the button.
It’s kinda like flicking through the buttons and dials on a DSLR.
I still used the normal on-screen controls the majority of the time, but when the camera control button comes into its own is when you are intentionally in “photographer” mode.
You’re at a scenic spot taking photos. You’re at kids sport trying to catch that photo of your child scoring or whatever it might be.
You hold the phone out like a traditional camera and you use your index finger to shoot or zoom.
It works a treat. And for right-handers, it’s perfectly positioned on your thumb for selfies.
The standout iPhone 16 feature that is yet to come
I’m spoiled, because I tested out Apple Intelligence on my iPhone 15 Pro in the beta testing phase of iOS18 development.
I’ve seen the start of what it can do, and it’s great.
But as of Friday, Apple Intelligence is not on the iPhone 16.
You’re buying a phone that in marketing says “Apple Intelligence”.
The Apple website lists it as a feature. But it’s a coming soon, likely December for Australia.
Only the iPhone 15 Pro models and all iPhone 16 models are compatible with Apple Intelligence, and that alone is a reason to upgrade.
Keep your iPhone 15 Pro, but anyone else, interested in efficiency, simplicity, and a bit of help day to day in your tasks, Apple Intelligence is there for you.
Two simple examples.
You’ve got 10 emails unread. Instead of seeing the first 20 words of each, you see a summary of the email – far easier to decide what needs your instant attention.
Secondly, someone sends a long text message, you’re working, you glance down.
Instead of seeing the start then it’s cut off, Apple Intelligence summarises the message and it does it well.
Of course, there’s a load of other things that Google and Samsung already do like writing assistances, transcriptions and such – but all of that is seek-and-use style.
Apple Intelligence has features that appear to you in normal life or are visible to you when using the phone, without seeking them out.
That’s why I think it’s the best AI on a consumer device we’ve seen.
But, it’s a patient wait for Aussies.
iPhone 16 is out on Friday. Prices are lower than last year starting at $1399 and I do think it’s a fantastic upgrade for anyone iPhone 13 or earlier, or later if AI is your thing.
But if you’re looking for Apple Intelligence, don’t rush, it’s coming.
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