Review: Apple iPhone 16 Series

Unboxing the latest iPhones immediately upon their release has become a customary practice, and this year is no exception with the launch of the iPhone 16 series. Consisting of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, these devices are available in new colors and the usual packaging.

The Unboxing: What’s New?

If you have unboxed iPhones recently, you may have observed a trend: Apple gradually reduces the contents of the package each year. This trend continues with the iPhone 16 packaging, which is minimalist and provides fewer accessories than previous models. Notably, the iconic Apple stickers that were once a hallmark feature have been entirely removed from the package.

The box contains the typical braided, high-quality USB-C cable, which is in line with Apple's commitment to making it the standard going forward. There is also a small, pill-shaped pamphlet of paperwork, but nothing more. Notably absent are the SIM card tool and stickers, marking what feels like the end of an era for Apple fans accustomed to collecting those little stickers.

However, the highlight is the phone itself. The iPhone 16 series is available in various new colors, such as Ultra Marine and a softer pink for the base models, and Natural Titanium and Desert Titanium for the Pro models. These colors are more understated compared to previous years but bring a refreshing touch of vibrancy to the lineup.

Bigger Sizes, Better Batteries

While the base models, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, retain their sizes from the previous year at 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively, Apple has increased the battery capacity, a change that is likely to be well-received by users.

Conversely, the Pro models have grown in size. The iPhone 16 Pro is now 6.3 inches, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a substantial 6.9 inches, making it the largest iPhone to date. If you choose the Pro Max this year, be prepared for a sizable phone. Despite the larger dimensions, Apple has opted to include bigger batteries, showing a commitment to this design choice and resisting the trend of slimming down the phones.

The New Camera Control Button

The Camera Control button stands out as a prominent new physical feature in the iPhone 16 series, even though Apple hesitates to refer to it as a button. This tactile switch introduces additional capabilities, enabling users to manage camera tasks such as launching the camera app, taking pictures, or recording videos through a long press. It functions as a touch-sensitive, capacitive surface with haptic feedback, replicating the experience of a half-press, a common feature in professional cameras.

It's important to note that this button is dedicated solely to camera functions and does not serve as another Action button like the one found on the Apple Watch Ultra. Therefore, its functionality is limited to camera-related tasks. Nevertheless, third-party app developers, especially those focusing on camera usage, will have the opportunity to incorporate this feature into their apps. Applications like Snapchat and Kino are already preparing to utilize the Camera Control button.

Performance: What’s Under the Hood?

The iPhone 16 series is now powered by Apple's A18 and A18 Pro chips, offering a noticeable performance upgrade compared to last year's models. Although benchmarks indicate a modest increase in processing capabilities, the difference in day-to-day usage may not be significant unless the phone is under heavy load with demanding tasks.

A notable change is that all models now feature 8GB of RAM, a departure from Apple's previous strategy of providing more memory to the Pro models than the base models. This shift could be part of Apple's strategy to future-proof its devices, particularly in light of the emphasis on "Apple Intelligence" during the keynote. While iOS 18 does not introduce any revolutionary AI functionalities, the hardware appears ready for upcoming updates that will leverage the enhanced power of the neural engine.

A Growing Footprint: A Bigger, Bulkier iPhone

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, known for its large size and camera-focused design, has an interesting feature - it tends to rock on a table due to its prominent camera bump in the corner. This could be bothersome for users who frequently use their phones on a flat surface for typing or other interactions.

Additionally, the introduction of the Camera Control button on the phone means that cases will need to be adjusted accordingly. Both Apple's own cases and those made by third-party manufacturers now offer two options: one with a specific cutout for the button and another with an insert that allows for capacitive touch to maintain a seamless experience. Even Beats by Dre, primarily recognized for their audio products, is now entering the iPhone case market.