Apple has launched its latest iPhone models during its September 9th keynote. Four models have been announced: the standard iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Here's everything we learned about the iPhone 16 series.
iPhone 16 release date
The iPhone 16 suite will be available for pre-order Friday, September 13. Phones will ship and be available in stores on September 20.
iPhone 16 price
The iPhone 16 pricing will match that of last year's iPhone 15 suite:
- iPhone 16: From $799
- iPhone 16 Plus: From $899
- iPhone 16 Pro: From $999
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: From $1,199
Other factors contribute to device pricing, including storage capacity and carrier pre-order deals. Here's the full iPhone 16 price list for all storage models.
iPhone 16 and 16 Pro pricing
| Storage | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 128GB 256GB 512GB |
$1,129 $1,279 $1,579 |
|
| iPhone 16 Plus | 128GB 256GB 512GB |
$1,279 $1,429 $1,729 |
|
| iPhone 16 Pro | 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB |
$1,449 $1,599 $1,899 $2,199 |
|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 256GB 512GB 1TB |
$1,749 $2,049 $2,349 |
iPhone 16 features
Undoubtedly, the star of the Apple keynote event was the official debut of Apple Intelligence, first announced in June (you can read more about it down below). The iPhone 16 was designed from the ground up to support Apple Intelligence capabilities. This required a brand-new chipset for both tiers—the A18 Apple silicon chip in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and the A18 Pro in the Pro models.
This chip allows for up to 30% faster processing in the iPhone 16/16 Plus and up to 20% faster processing in the Pros, and five times the framerates for smoother graphics on the glass-ceramic displays. Apple also claims you'll get up to 17% more memory bandwidth, meaning you can maximize your storage capacity with more data on your phone.
iPhone 16 design, display, and colors
Image: Apple
One thing we didn't have on our iPhone bingo card: even BIGGER Pro models. While the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus retain the standard 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch form factors, the iPhone 16 Pro grows to 6.3 inches, and the Pro Max is now a whopping 6.8 inches (our poor pockets!). Like the iPhone 15 and 14 before it, the iPhone 16 retains its aerospace aluminum frame, now with a color-infused back glass, while the Pro models feature Grade 5 titanium.
Each phone's glass-ceramic display has been retooled to be 50% tougher than the first-generation Gorilla glass iPhone display and two times tougher than any other smartphone, according to Apple. The screens are far brighter and clearer—as bright as 2,000 nits in the sun, and as low as just 1 nit the dark for better visibility. The Pro models still offer up to 120Hz Pro Motion framerates for smooth graphics.
This year's iPhone 16 lineup also has some of the most fun colors we've seen in a while. The base model gets lovely jewel tones, including ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black. The Pro models offer a more elevated palette of black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium. They also feature a softer, more muted version of the color on the back glass.
Image: Apple
The Action button found on last year's Pro models is now available on all iPhone 16 devices, replacing the mute switch previously found there. You can customize it to be a shortcut to your most-used actions, from volume to Voice memos—anything you want to have faster or more frequent access to. You can even set it up to perform different actions based on the time of day, like opening your News app in the morning and opening your Clock app to set an alarm at night.
All iPhone 16 phones have a significant new design feature: the Camera Control button. We'll talk more about this in the Camera section below, but its touch-slide controls make iPhone photography an even more fun and intuitive experience.
Apple has also rejiggered the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus cameras to a vertical lens alignment so that they can shoot spatial video for playback on the Vision Pro. This results in a smaller camera bump, as visible in the above phone image.
iPhone 16 cameras and Camera Control
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus retain the dual-lens camera system, but it's gotten some nice upgrades. The 48MP Fusion main camera includes a 26mm focal length and 4x more resolution than the iPhone 14. The middle 12 megapixels offer 2x telephoto zoom, capturing up to 1.6x more light than previous iPhone main cameras on base models. You also get a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 13mm focal length, with features like new autofocus capability, a larger aperture for up to 2.6x more light capture and detailed macro photography.
The new vertical camera configuration on the base models now allows for spatial video, previously available only on the iPhone 15 Pro models. The cameras capture video in 3D and use computational photography to deliver stunningly realistic results perfect for viewing on Apple's VR headset, Apple Vision Pro.
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max got a new 48MP ultra-wide lens along with the 48MP primary Fusion lens. Both cameras feature a larger, second-gen quad-pixel sensor, resulting in zero shutter lag and striking detail. The ultra-wide also now features auto-focus, like that on the base models, so you get better detail in both wider angle and macro shots. Both Pro models now also have the 5x zoom lens that was only available on last year's Pro Max device. Later this year, Apple will also release a 2-state shutter system software update to automatically lock focus and exposure.
For video, the iPhone 16 devices now support higher frame rates—shooting 4K at 120 fps—thanks to the faster sensor in the 48MP camera. This is also possible while shooting in Pro Res and slo-mo modes. You can also now adjust the playback speed in the Photos app after your video capture, choosing between 1/5, 1/4, half, and full speed options. Lastly, the iPhone 16 has implemented reduced wind noise, making the audio much clearer when recording outdoors.
New to iPhone 16: the Camera Control button and Visual Intelligence
Image: Apple
One of our favorite features of the iPhone 16 is the new Camera Control button, which sits just below the Action button. By sliding your finger across the sensor, you can immediately adjust your zoom, increase or decrease exposure, and slide through the new Photograhic Styles.
The Camera button can also distinguish between different presses—a full click launches the controls and captures an image; a click and hold captures video; and lighter presses can show a preview to help you focus and frame your shot. Press lightly twice for other controls and slide your finger to choose the one you want, or to control the depth of field for Portrait mode. The Camera sensor can even integrate into third-party apps like Snapchat, so get ready for developers to have a field day with this new feature.
The Camera Control button also introduces the new Visual Intelligence feature, powered by Apple Intelligence. Point your phone's camera at an object of interest, click and hold the Camera Control button, and iPhone 16 pulls up relevant info instantly. You can search for products that you see and find out where to shop for them; look up events and activities and add them to your calendar automatically; finally find out what breed your neighbor's dog is; and even ask ChatGPT for help when you're stuck writing an essay for school.
iPhone 16 audio recording
The iPhone 16 includes four new microphones that provide more true-to-life vocal and acoustic recordings than previous generations. They also support spatial audio capture, perfect for playback in your home theater or through your Airpods.
For those using their iPhone for serious video and audio capture, Apple has introduced Audio Mix, powered by Apple Intelligence. Audio Mix uses machine learning to separate background elements from speech. You can choose between different mix options—"In frame," "Studio," and "Cinematic"—to get the vocal track to sound how you want it based on how much background noise you want to hear.
On the Pro models, this feature also now appears differently in Voice memos. You can layer tracks over one another, such as recording a voice over an existing background track. You can even separate and remove the layers after the fact to get a custom finished result.
iPhone 16 battery
Every iPhone 16 model will have a slightly larger battery, except for the iPhone 16 Plus, which is said to be shrinking slightly. That's not too much of a concern, as the Plus has historically been the best-performing iPhone in terms of longevity.
The maximum battery life for each phone is typically measured in video and audio playback. For the iPhone 16, these battery capacities are:
- iPhone 16:
- Video: Up to 22 hours
- Audio: Up to 80 hours
- iPhone 16 Plus:
- Video: Up to 27 hours
- Audio: Up to 100 hours
- iPhone 16 Pro:
- Video: Up to 27 hours
- Audio: Up to 85 hours
- iPhone 16 Pro Max:
- Video: Up to 33 hours
- Audio: Up to 105 hours
iPhone 16 eSIM
U.S. iPhone models haven't used a physical SIM since the iPhone 14, instead relying on eSIM to connect to a phone carrier and plan.The iPhone 16 continues that trend, so make sure to activate your phone on an eSIM-friendly phone plan.
iPhone 16 5G
The iPhone 16 family will naturally have 5G connectivity, which is becoming as widely available nationwide as 4G LTE networks. You can compare coverage from all of the major U.S. carriers on our interactive coverage map below. For 5G coverage specifically, make sure that only the 5G checkbox is ticked.
To see which network offers the strongest 5G coverage near you, enter your address in our plan comparison tool under "Coverage check." This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area, including 4G LTE and 5G.
iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence
Image: Apple
The iPhone 16 is launching with iOS 18, Apple's latest update to its operating system. The most noteworthy feature of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, the company's built-in AI system. A long-anticipated answer to Google's Gemini and Samsung's Galaxy AI, Apple Intelligence continues with the company's ethos of putting customers' privacy first. The AI system uses end-to-end encryption of customer data and Private Cloud Compute, a "private cloud enclave" that claims to block nefarious actors from accessing user information.
Features like on-device ChatGPT, custom image and movie generation, enhanced writing tools, and third-party app integration support are sure to make a splash with users and developers alike.
You can learn more about Apple's upcoming AI features on our Apple Intelligence breakdown.
iPhone 16 plans and providers
Bell, Rogers, and Telus are all expected to offer pre-order deals for the iPhone 16 line-up. Here's a breakdown of the significant benefits you can expect each provider to offer.
Bell iPhone 16 plans
Bell has one of the country's largest 4G LTE networks, with a coverage map reaching 99% of Canadians. The carrier's 5G is similarly impressive, covering over 70% of Canadians and growing, including ultra-fast 5G+ in metropolitan areas. It's a solid option if you're looking to pair a new iPhone 16 with cutting-edge connectivity.
Bell offers trade-in credits, allowing you to unload an older phone towards purchasing a new iPhone 16. Their plans also include a complimentary 24 months of Crave Mobile, a premium streaming service that will turn your new phone into a state-of-the-art mobile entertainment system.
Rogers iPhone 16 plans
Rogers boasts some of the best coverage in the country, and a 2023 umlaut report named it the most reliable wireless network in Canada. Although its coverage area is slightly smaller than Bell or Telus, it still reaches 97% of Canadians. The carrier's phone plans offer plenty of perks, too, with six free months of Disney+, complimentary mobile hotspotting, and the ability to finance a new iPhone 16 for $0 down and 0% interest.
That said, Rogers' trade-in credits are usually significantly less than Bell's or Telus', so if you hope to exchange an older iPhone for the latest model, you might have better luck elsewhere.
Telus iPhone 16 plans
Telus shares towers with Bell, which means both carriers' networks are similar: extensive 4G LTE coverage and strong 5G and 5G+ service in urban hubs. Telus customers also earn 24 free months of Disney+, free hotspotting, and generous bill credits for referring friends.
Like Bell and Rogers, Telus offers trade-in discounts when you're ready to upgrade to the iPhone 16.
iPhone 15 discounts
We've been covering the wireless industry since 2018, and we've seen the same pattern every year: as soon as the new iPhone drops, previous years' models go on major sale. That means the iPhone 15 is about to get a major price drop.
We actually don't recommend upgrading every single year to the latest phone models. There are rarely such drastic improvements between yearly launches worth dropping $1,000 to $2,000 outright for. Plus, there are often way more features on your current iPhone that you don't even realize you aren't using to their full potential.
What we DO recommend is upgrading to a newer-to-you device. In this case, the iPhone 16 launch is an excellent time to upgrade to the iPhone 15 instead. The 15 series—particularly the Pro models—already have nearly all of the high-end features you'll find on the 16, especially if you're looking at the base 16 or 16 Plus. And the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are slated to support Apple Intelligence as well, meaning you don't have to drop additional cash to experience Apple's cutting-edge technology.
Here are the latest deals for each iPhone 15 model and storage capacity.
iPhone 15 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 Plus 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 Pro 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 Pro 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 Pro 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 Pro Max 512GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 Pro 1TB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
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