Despite a clear focus on AI, Apple has introduced a spattering of interesting new features on the new models, but a predictably high price tag will mean you need to weigh up your options carefully before taking the plunge.
Check our guide to theiPhone 16 and 16 Plus: camera improvements and camera control button
What's new:Apple has upgraded the lenses on these iPhones to bring you Macro Mode – this means your up-close shots should capture incredible colours, sharpness and an impressive amount of detail. Software will reduce the sound of wind in videos to make speech stand-out, and the ultrawide lens can let in more light.
Perhaps the biggest change though, is the new control button.
The all new iPhone 16 camera button
All iPhones in the range get the brand new Camera Control button, which was a highly anticipated feature. This is a subtle button that sits on the side of the phone that will open the camera immediately, and then you can use it to control shooting modes.
The Camera Control button sits in a position that should feel natural to take a photo or change the settings when you're holding your phone in a landscape orientation. With different level of force when pressing the button or swiping across it, you can control different settings, zoom in and out, and swap quickly between taking a photo and a video. Apple promised that more controls will come to the button with time, such as setting focus and exposure.
Check our full reviews to see how the new phones fared in our test labs:
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: betting that bigger is better
What's new:The Pro iPhones hold Apple's most advanced cameras. But Apple has also increased the screen size on both phones; from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches on the Pro, and from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches on the Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will have the largest iPhone display ever.
The ultrawide camera - which expands the field of view in the scene - has been upgraded from 12Mp to 48Mp. The shutter speed has quickened to help improve focus and avoid motion-blur.
Last time the Pro Max got an exclusive 5x zoom telephoto camera, which was left out of the Pro. This time around, both models have it.
Find out if Apple's most premium phones are worth the hype in our full reviews:
Apple Intelligence: game changer or gimmick?
Apple confirmed a partnership with OpenAI and announced Apple Intelligence in June 2024. So we knew Apple would likely focus on the AI upgrades in action on Apple devices. Here are the most significant features coming to the latest iPhones:
However, the bad news is that Apple Intelligence won't be available on iPhones until December in the UK, which could be a good reason to delay your pricey upgrade. Importantly, Apple Intelligence is coming to the iPhone 15 series as well, so you can still benefit from these features and likely secure a decent discount on an older model.
When will the new iPhones be released?
All the new iPhone models were available for pre-order from Friday September 13, and on sale from September 20.
However, if you're most excited to try the new Apple Intelligence features, you'll have to wait until December in the UK.
How much will the new iPhones cost?
Prices for the new iPhones will vary based on the storage capacity. All prices below refer to the 128GB model unless specified.
Is it worth upgrading to an iPhone 16?
If one thing is clear, it's that Apple's iPhone 16 are not fundamentally different from last year's iPhone 15s. For example, Apple's biggest upgrade was the announcement of Apple Intelligence, but this will be rolled out on both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 series' through software updates. Since the iPhone 15s have dropped in price by £100 or so, you can save some money and still get Apple Intelligence by buying a 15.
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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/apple-iphone-16-on-test-ajmWW0s8Odye