Apple has officially launched the iPhone 16, bringing exciting updates like new vibrant colors, redesigned camera layout, and innovative buttons. Here’s our hands-on experience with Apple’s latest release from the ‘It’s Glowtime’ event in Cupertino.
Fresh Colors and Redesigned Camera
The iPhone 16 introduces a playful range of colors, including Ultramarine, pink, and teal, making the design stand out. The rear now features a vertical camera arrangement, housing a 48MP primary lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This new setup supports spatial video, enhancing compatibility with the Apple Vision Pro.
New Buttons and Controls
One of the standout features is the introduction of two new buttons. The Action Button, previously exclusive to Pro models, is now available on standard iPhones, offering customization options for tasks like unlocking your car or launching the flashlight.
Additionally, the Camera Control Button is perfectly placed for horizontal shooting, allowing users to easily zoom and switch between modes with intuitive swipe and press actions.
Familiar Yet Improved Design
Physically, the iPhone 16 looks similar to the iPhone 15, with a sleek aluminum build and a 6.1-inch OLED display. The display remains sharp, though it sticks to a 60Hz refresh rate, which may feel like a downgrade if you’re used to higher refresh rates.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 is powered by the new Apple A18 chip, offering fast performance across daily tasks and games. While iOS 18 will be pre-installed, new Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Photo Cleanup will be introduced in iOS 18.1 later in October.
First Impressions
The iPhone 16 brings some refreshing design changes and added functionality with new buttons, but it still retains much of the feel of its predecessor. With more colorful options and powerful features, it’s a solid upgrade, especially for users coming from older iPhones.
| iPhone 16 Specifications | |
| Dimensions: | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm |
| Weight: | 170g |
| Display: | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Resolution: | 2556 x 1179 pixels |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz |
| Chipset: | A18 |
| Rear cameras: | 48MP main (26 mm, f/1.6), 12MP ultra-wide (13 mm, f/2.2) |
| Front camera: | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Storage: | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Preorders start on September 13, with availability on September 20.
