Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 series, which includes the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. While these models bring some exciting new features, there are certain improvements and issues users need to be aware of, particularly related to repairability and Apple’s delayed rollout of its AI features.
Easier Battery Servicing, but Not for All Models
Apple has made pace in improving battery servicing for some models in the iPhone 16 series. Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus now use a special thing that can be loosened by applying an electric current. This innovation makes it easier to remove and replace the battery without excessive force. Unfortunately, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max miss out on this feature.
Instead, the iPhone 16 Pro gets a different improvement. Its battery is encased in a more traditional hard-shell casing, which protects the battery better during repairs. This hard shell helps guard the battery in case a repair tool slips, minimizing damage. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro allows battery replacements to be done from either the front or back, making it easier for technicians. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max does not benefit from these changes, leaving it with the older battery design.
Apple Intelligence: The Delayed AI Rollout
One of the most expected features of the iPhone 16 series is the introduction of “Apple Intelligence,” Apple’s version of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Unlike its competitors, Apple is rolling out these AI tools in phases over the next six months, with updates scheduled for iOS 18.1 in October, iOS 18.2 in December, and iOS 18.3 in March 2025.
This phased release means that while Apple has heavily marketed the iPhone 16 as “built for Apple Intelligence,” users won’t get the full experience right away. Key AI features like text summarization, image creation, and a ChatGPT-powered Siri won’t be available until later updates. This delayed rollout puts Apple behind competitors like Google and Samsung, whose smartphones already include more developed AI tools. By the time Apple’s full AI functionality is live, many Android users will have had access to two generations of AI systems.
Incremental Performance Upgrades
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature Apple’s new A18 chipset, a step up from last year’s A17 Pro. However, the upgrades are gradual rather than revolutionary. The A18 offers better speed and improved memory, with 8GB of RAM now standard in the Pro models to support Apple Intelligence features. Users will also notice a slight boost in battery life, particularly when watching videos.
One major improvement is in charging speed. The iPhone 16 now supports 45W wired charging, which is over 50% faster than the charging speeds of the iPhone 15. Mag-Safe wireless charging has also improved, now offering speeds up to 25W, nearly double the previous limit. These enhancements make the iPhone 16 more efficient when it comes to power management, but they’re not enough to represent a dramatic shift in performance.
The Camera Control Button: A Game Changer for Photographers
One of the most talked-about physical upgrades in the iPhone 16 series is the new Camera Control button. This capacitive button, located on the side of the phone, offers a highly intuitive way to take photos and videos. A single press of the button opens the camera app, while a second press captures a photo, and holding it down starts video recording.
But the Camera Control button does more than just act as a shutter. Thanks to its capacitive nature, it can be used for a variety of tasks, like zooming in, adjusting exposure, or switching between photo and video modes with simple finger gestures. This new button, combined with the multi-purpose Action Button (introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro), makes the iPhone 16 family one of the most camera-friendly devices on the market.
Reviewers have praised the Camera Control button for its convenience and functionality. While it doesn’t revolutionize the iPhone experience, it significantly improves the camera’s usability for those who love photography and videography.
Apple’s Struggles to Innovate Beyond Incremental Changes
Despite these new features, many feel that the iPhone 16 series is more of an incremental update than a groundbreaking one. The new features—like the A18 chip, Camera Control button, and faster charging—are welcome but don’t represent a huge leap forward compared to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models.
Apple has made incremental improvements across various aspects, such as display brightness, battery life, and processing speed. But these changes align with wider industry trends rather than breaking new ground. As a result, many iPhone users who upgraded to the iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max may find little reason to make the switch to the iPhone 16 Pro.
Conclusion: Promises for the Future
While the iPhone 16 series introduces some nice upgrades, it feels more like an iterative update rather than a groundbreaking change. The delayed rollout of Apple Intelligence means that users will have to wait until 2025 to fully experience the potential of AI on their iPhones.
For now, the Camera Control button stands out as the most significant innovation in the new models, making the iPhone 16 an attractive option for photography enthusiasts. However, for users expecting a leap forward in design and technology, the iPhone 16 series might not meet those expectations just yet.
