APPLE is releasing the latest version of their most popular product: behold, the iPhone 16. The company will be adding many new features to this phone, hence why so many people are excited and readily awaiting its release.
This phone will be available in five colors: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine. It’ll be available beginning Friday, September 20. Depending on
Others, however, have grown tired of Apple releasing what seems like the same phone with a few minor upgrades each year, and are questioning whether or not buying this phone is actually worth it.
To start, one must ask: What does the iPhone 16 have that its predecessors don’t?
New features
On their website, Apple explains that the new iPhone 16 will have innovative pro camera features, stunning graphics for immersive gaming, and more. It will be powered by an A18 Pro chip, while the iPhone 13 uses an A15 Bionic chip.
It will also be available in both 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes with A Super Retina XDR display, OLED technology, and a Dynamic Island for better viewing.
Apple notes that it “holds its value longer than any other smartphone” as it has industry-leading durability, a strong back glass, a water and dust-resistant design, regular software updates, and the latest-generation Ceramic Shield that has an advanced formulation 50% tougher than the first generation and two times tougher than the glass for any other smartphone.
The phone will have a 48-megapixel (fusion) and 12-megapixel (ultrawide) camera and will be able to shoot 4K at 60fps and spatial video at 1080p at 30fps. A new ultrawide sensor will also be available, allowing the phone to capture up to 2.6x more light.
It will also be using a different charger. While previous versions of the iPhone used a lightning cable, the iPhone 16 can be charged with USB-C or wirelessly via MagSafe or Qi@, like with the iPhone 15 line.
Aside from this, it will also have a bigger battery, though it hasn’t yet been specified how long this battery will last. It has been revealed, however, that it will have two more hours of video playback as compared to the iPhone 15, while the iPhone 16 Plus will have one more hour of local video playback and four more for video streaming.
According to the website CNET, some special features to be excited about are the following:
- Apple Intelligence
On their website, Apple explains that Apple Intelligence can do things like text and image generation, providing Writing Tools, Private Cloud Compute, and more.
One feature included in this is its ability to create unique emojis called “Genmojis.” There is also the Image Playground, which is an image generation app that creates visual content that can be used in Messages, Keynote, or on social media.
This won’t just be limited to the iPhone 16, either. According to Tech Crunch, it’ll also be available for:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 (A17 Pro)
- iPad Pro and iPad Air (M1 and later)
- MacBook Pro and MacBook Air (M1 and later)
- iMac (M1 and later)
- Mac Mini (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (M1 Max and later)
- Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)
- Action button
This is also available on some of its predecessors, namely the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This button allows you to set shortcuts for opening specific apps or tasks, allowing more customization for your iPhone.
- Camera Control button
Located along the side of the device, this will help to improve photo and video shooting and will make it easier to capture photos or videos. You can click this button to take a photo and slide it to adjust the zoom. You can also double-tap it to switch modes or settings, and you can also use it in third-party apps.
Aside from this, Camera Control also doubles as a form of visual intelligence, wherein you can point your camera at a place or object to gain information about it.
- Updated Siri
Unlike in the past when Siri was just an icon on your phone, now, it will be a glowing light that surrounds the edges of your phone. It will also be able to work across apps, and can for example be used for editing photos and inserting them directly into your texts.
- Made from recycled, renewable materials
As Apple works toward being carbon-neutral, as seen in how all Apple facilities now run on 100% renewable electricity, including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence, it’s no surprise that the company is also using recycled, renewable materials for its phones.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus in particular have over 30% recycled content overall. Included in this is 85% recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 80% or more recycled steel across multiple components.
The battery is also made with 100% recycled cobalt and over 95% recycled lithium, which is a first for the iPhone. It is free of mercury and PVC, and its packaging is entirely fiber-based.
Take note that these are just some of the features to look out for on the iPhone 16.
The next question to ask, then, is: Is it worth PHP 69, 990 to PHP 100, 990?
If you have an older version of the iPhone, such as the iPhone 13 or lower, the iPhone 16 would make for a great upgrade given that it boasts many new features not available on past models. At the end of the day, however, it isn’t a necessity.
If your old phone works just fine, or if you don’t have PHP 70 to 100, 000 that you can just freely spend on a new phone, then there’s no need to buy it, especially since everyone knows that newer versions with even more new features will surely be released in the future.
The decision is up to you. If you can afford it and want something more high-tech, go ahead, but know that there’s no need to splurge on a new phone, especially given the cost of living in the Philippines.
