The rumors are indeed true! The new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models boast new processors, the A18 and A18 Pro, respectively. Both models now feature the Action button and the Camera Control button (rumored to be the Capture button). Additionally, the rumor that the Pro models will be larger is confirmed - the iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display. Furthermore, the highly anticipated 48MP ultra-wide upgrade and 5X telephoto capabilities on both Pro models are also true! Lastly, the Pro models offer 4K@120fps video capture capabilities. Whatever happened to developing in secret, Apple?
As with previous years, Apple's new iPhones come equipped with faster processors, improved materials, and new colors. This year, Apple also claims to have enhanced battery life. Enough with the boring details; let's dive into the more exciting new features, though some are exclusive to the Pro models.
Personally, I find the Camera Control button an intriguing addition to the hardware. It's rumored to be a separate button for capturing photos and videos, which is true. However, there's more to it. It also serves as a trigger for Apple's "vision intelligence," a feature that some Android enthusiasts may recognize as similar to Google's camera recognition. Apple even mentioned Google to search whilst within "vision intelligence" mode!
Moving on to the Camera Control function, pressing it once captures a photo or starts recording a video. However, you can also half-press it to display options, swipe left or right to navigate, and even double-press it for more options. This button sets this year's iPhone apart from other smartphones, as far as I know, there is nothing like it . I eagerly anticipate the possibilities developers, such as the creators of Halide, whose Kino video app was featured by Apple, will explore. Imagine a real camera's half-press to lock focus and exposure - Apple's Camera Control button will do that for the iPhone (coming later this year)! Isn't that exciting?
Apple significantly enhanced the photo and video capture capabilities of its devices. Photographic styles can now be applied live during capture, and a new control pad for tone and color adjustments has been introduced. On the video front, 4K@120fps is now supported, a substantial improvement from the previous 4K60fps.
A brand new Audio Mix feature has been added to the video capture mode. Powered by four microphones and Spatial Audio, it provides three different voice options during recording: In-frame, Studio, and Cinematic. It's challenging to describe the feature in words; it's better experienced firsthand.
The iPhone 16 lineup is touted as Apple's "AI" iPhones. Apple Intelligence, a feature that has been in development, won't be available on the iPhone 16's launch. Instead, it will first appear in iOS 18.1, which is expected to launch this October. iOS 18.1 will also introduce the half-press focus and exposure locking feature for the Camera Control button.
On a different note, the rumored price increase for the Pro model, with a US$100 hike, didn't materialize. This is a positive development for consumers. However, I find myself back in the same dilemma as last year's: should I choose the Pro 128GB, 256GB, or Pro Max model? I'm curious to know your thoughts on this.