Apple’s top executives always talk about new hardware and software as the “best” or “biggest” ever, but the actual delivery often falls short of the hype (as seen with the recent iPads). However, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 might actually live up to some of those descriptions. The new operating systems, which are currently available, include the usual yearly improvements for quality of life, but it’s the Apple Intelligence that steals the spotlight.
Apple Intelligence is Apple’s take on AI-powered tasks that have been making waves in the tech industry over the past year. Even Siri is getting a significant upgrade—the most significant since the voice assistant was introduced 13 years ago.
Here are all the new features in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, as well as iOS 18.1, how to download both operating systems, and what to expect with Apple Intelligence.
Is Your iPhone or iPad Compatible?
Great news! Every iPhone that could run iOS 17 is capable of running iOS 18. Apple hasn’t excluded any iPhones from the list of supported devices this year. If you have an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or any models released in 2018 or later (including the second- and third-generation iPhone SE), you can download and use iOS 18.
If you’re unsure about your iPhone model, go to the Settings app, tap on General > About, and look at the Model Name. However, not all features will be available, as some require more modern processors (for example, Apple Intelligence is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models; more on this below).
The compatibility for iPads is a bit more complex, as it depends on the hardware generation rather than specific device names. Here are the supported generations for iPadOS 18 (unlike iPhones, some iPads are no longer supported). You can determine your model by following the instructions here.
- iPad: 7th generation and later
- iPad Mini: 5th generation and later
- iPad Air: 3rd generation and later (including M2)
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 1st generation and later
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 3rd generation and later (including M4)
Take a look at our Best iPhones and Best iPads guides for more information on current models.
How to Install iOS 18
Before installing the new operating system, I strongly recommend backing up your devices. You can do this through iCloud—go to Settings, tap on your name at the top, and select iCloud. Then, tap on iCloud Backup, toggle it on, and tap Back Up Now to start a new backup.
On the previous iCloud page, you also have the option to toggle off certain apps that you don’t want to include in the backup. If you don’t have enough iCloud storage, or prefer to use another method, check out our How to Back Up Your iPhone or iPad guide for alternative options.
Once you’ve backed up, you’re ready to install iOS 18. Since this is a substantial update, you should connect your devices to a charger and ensure they’re connected to Wi-Fi before the update begins. Now go to Settings > General > Software Update. You’ll see the option to download the update. Tap Download and Install and, when the download is complete, tap Install Now to start the update. You’ll know the update is finished when your device restarts.
New iOS/iPadOS 18 Version Updates
iOS 18 has just been released, but Apple has already made a developer beta of iOS 18.1 available. This update introduces Apple Intelligence to developers, who can test out select features. Developers can go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Join the Waitlist to sign up. The waiting list may take a few hours, as Apple is ensuring there’s enough server capacity. You’ll receive a notification once you’ve been accepted. The official iOS 18.1 update will be available in October.
iOS/iPadOS 18.1 (Developer Beta): For iPhone or iPad models that support Apple Intelligence (see below), developers can currently try out a few intelligent features, including Writing Tools, Memory Movies in Photos, Priority Messages in Mail, Smart Reply in Messages, Summaries for Transcriptions in Notes, and the new Reduce Interruptions Focus.
In addition, the new Siri, which allows you to type requests, is available. It supports conversational context and more resilient request handling; you can make a mistake mid-sentence and correct yourself, and Siri will understand what you mean.
Every major tech company has been integrating artificial intelligence into their hardware and software, from Google to Samsung to Microsoft, and now it’s Apple’s turn. Apple Intelligence is the term you’ll see the company using over the next few years, and it powers many of the new AI features in its devices.
It’s driven by the company’s extensive language models (partly trained using data from the public web, as reported by Axios’ Ina Fried) and requires Apple silicon, the company’s custom chips designed for running AI tasks with a hybrid architecture. Although the devices Apple Intelligence runs on are capable of on-device processing required for AI tasks, sometimes the task is too large and needs to be sent to the cloud.
When a task requires more processing, it will be transmitted to a secure data center filled with computers running Apple silicon. Although this computing method is typically less private, Apple states that its Private Cloud Compute platform prioritizes safeguarding data privacy for each user. Only data relevant to your query is sent to these servers, and the data is solely used for your requests and is never stored.
Before you get too enthusiastic, it’s important to note that Apple Intelligence will not be accessible on every device supporting iOS 18. It is limited to US English and is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus , iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, as well as iPad devices and Macs with the M1 chipset and newer. (You will need to set Siri’s language to English.)
It is set to launch as a beta in iOS 18 this fall, and even then, Apple states that several features will not be ready until 2025. So, what exactly is Apple Intelligence? Apple categorizes its key capabilities into three areas: Language, Images , and Action.
Across Apple’s hardware and software, you will find new writing tools that utilize the power of generative AI to aid your writing. This includes Rewrite, which can help adjust the tone of your text to sound more friendly or professional (such as in an email) , and Proofread, which essentially does what the name implies. You can also summarize selected text with a tap.
These text-based enhancements extend beyond writing. It also powers Priority notifications, which appears at the top of your notification list and provide a summarized view for quick understanding.
Similarly, the Mail app will feature Priority messages, ensuring important emails rise to the top of your inbox. You can also receive summaries of lengthy emails, and a Smart Reply function enables quick responses to emails (even addressing multiple questions posed in an email) , similar to what is available in Gmail.
In the Notes and Phone app, you can press the record button (even during a call) to obtain an audio recording with a transcript, and Apple Intelligence can generate a summary of that transcript. Apple states that in states requiring two-party consent for recordings, the person on the other end of the line will be notified that the call is being recorded.
Finally, there’s a new Focus mode called Reduce Interruptions that can comprehend your personal context, allowing important messages to come through while hiding other distracting notifications.
Apple Intelligence: Images
The Apple Intelligence image features mainly involve generating new images using artificial intelligence. Much of this occurs in Image Playground, integrated into other apps (as well as a stand-alone app). You can generate images based on a description, suggested concepts, and even from people in your Photos library. You have control over the style, and it can be adjusted to match the context of the app you’re using.
Genmoji is perhaps the most anticipated feature out of everything Apple has revealed. It enables you to create emoji directly from the keyboard with text prompts. You can also create an emoji based on a person’s photo in your Photos library. You’ll need to provide a description first, but then you can refine the description until it suits your intention.
Image Wand is another image generation system that specifically functions in the Notes app. With your finger or Apple Pencil, you can circle a sketch to have Apple Intelligence create a more refined image, or you can circle empty space, and it will generate an image based on the surrounding text.
The Photos app is receiving several AI features. You can create a Memory Movie by entering a description, and Apple’s AI will find the right images and videos, set it to a song, and craft a shareable movie.
It will also be easier to search for specific photos—simply describe what you want, and it will find it, even moments in video clips.
Finally, you can remove unwanted objects in the background of your photos with the new Clean Up tool in the photo editor—similar to Magic Eraser on Pixel phones and Samsung’s Object Eraser.
Apple Intelligence: Action and Siri’s Enhancements
The final part of Apple Intelligence involves Siri. The assistant has a new look—when activated, the edges of the screen will glow—and you can now type your requests to Siri instead of using your voice. The aim is to enable more natural interactions with Siri, and the assistant will better understand context. You can say, “Play the podcast my wife sent me the other day,” and Siri will be able to understand and fulfill the request.
Siri can assist with explaining various phone functions if you’re unsure (perhaps Samsung had a good idea with Bixby). If you make a mistake while speaking, there’s no need to start over. Siri can understand your slip-up and the context of your previous query. It won’t require you to repeat yourself.
Similar to Google’s Gemini, which draws context from the screen, Siri can now comprehend the on-screen content upon activation. This means that if someone sends you an address, you can ask Siri to add it to the contact card. This functionality is expected to work in both first- and third-party apps.
Apple has enlisted OpenAI’s ChatGPT to enhance Siri’s capabilities. It’s reported that they are using the GPT-4o model. Users have control over when Siri utilizes ChatGPT. This powers features such as identifying the subject of a photo or document and generating original images and text from a query.
All GPT features are free and do not require an account, though subscribers can link their account for access to paid features.
New Features in iOS 18
Let’s move on to the more traditional software features. Below are the top features in iOS 18, but there are numerous smaller changes. You can view the full list directly from Apple.
Customize the App Grid
For the first time, you can arrange your apps and widgets as you wish, similar to Android. Say goodbye to the fixed grid layout that Apple has imposed for almost two decades. You can further personalize the app icons, matching or complementing your wallpaper and even converting them to dark mode. You can also make the apps and widgets appear larger.
Enhanced Control Center
The Control Center, which appears when you swipe down on the right edge of the iPhone, is now more customizable. Tabs have been added within the Control Center, and you can scroll through them with one continuous swipe on the home screen. These include your favorites, media playback, and smart home controls.
Users can customize the size and layout of everything in the Control Center, extending to lock screen controls. They can switch out the two icons at the bottom of the lock screen to something more useful. Expect new controls from third-party apps.
Lock and Conceal Apps
You can now hide apps to prevent others from accessing them, or lock them with a passcode or biometric authentication. Information from these apps will be hidden throughout the system, including in notifications and searches. Google introduced a similar feature named Private Space, which will come to Android later this year.
Redesigned Photos App
Apple’s Photos app has undergone a significant redesign in iOS 18. You now have a photo grid at the top, and below, you can swipe through different collections such as Recent Days, Trips, and People & Pets.
This upgrade is accompanied by several other improvements powered by Apple Intelligence, such as Clean Up, which removes unwanted objects from the background of your photos, and the ability to easily find any image through search.
RCS and Satellite Messaging
One of the most anticipated announcements from Apple ended up as a minor note among the company’s announcements. RCS is the Rich Communication Services, a texting standard following SMS/MMS.
Android phones have supported RCS for several years, offering an enhanced texting experience with features from instant messaging apps. However, these features didn’t work when an Android user texted an iPhone due to Apple not supporting RCS and using the older SMS standard.
That’s changing now. “RCS messages bring richer media and deliver and read receipts for those who don’t use iMessage,” according to Apple’s marketing materials. These texts will still appear green (instead of blue when you text fellow iPhone owners via iMessage) , but it might finally improve the texting experience.
For iPhone 14 and newer models, you can utilize satellite messaging when there’s no Wi-Fi or cellular connection, such as when you’re on a plane. Apple states that all iMessages sent via satellite are end-to-end encrypted.
The Messages app is also getting a few new features. You can add animated effects to any letter, word, or phrase—these are suggested as you type. Apple’s Tapback feature (emoji reactions) now works with any emoji or sticker. Most importantly, you can now schedule texts and send them at a specific time, a standard feature available in most messaging apps.
Other New Features Worth Noting
Mail: The Mail application will resemble Gmail more with new tabs that categorize your email as Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
Safari Highlights: This feature provides quick access to the information you are seeking on a webpage. For instance, when browsing a hotel’s webpage, Highlights will display contact or address details, saving you time from switching between tabs., additionally Safari’s Reader mode will now include a table of contents and summary.
Apple Maps: Maps now displays topographic maps with trail networks and hikes, including those in US National Parks. You can save these maps for offline use and create your own hiking routes.
Apple Wallet: You can now transfer money from one person to another by tapping two iPhones together or bringing them within an inch of each other. This eliminates the need to share phone numbers or email addresses to send money.
Game Mode: Apple’s Game Mode, inspired by its MacBooks, minimizes background activity to enhance frame rates while gaming on an iPhone. It also reduces audio latency with AirPods and input lag from wireless controllers.
AirPods Pro: Voice Isolation on the AirPods Pro improves voice quality by eliminating background noise and wind. Additionally, there are hands-free Siri interactions, allowing you to respond to Siri by nodding or shaking your head. This enables you to accept or reject incoming calls without using your hands or voice. Ensure to set the 85-dB limit on your AirPods via the audio settings.
Notes: The Notes app now supports generating live audio transcriptions that are searchable. It also includes collapsible section headers and the ability to highlight text with colors.
Apple TV: InSight, a new feature in the Apple TV app, provides more information about the people on the screen and details on the music playing.
SharePlay: You can remotely control someone else’s screen via SharePlay or draw on their screen to demonstrate something.
Accessibility: Apple’s Eye Tracking mode, available on iPhones and iPads, allows individuals to control the device with their eyes.
Apple states that iPads with the A10X Fusion chip will not support iPadOS 18. These models, which were compatible with iPadOS 17, will not work with iPadOS 18, including the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), and iPad (6th generation).
When Apple announced iPadOS 18, the focus was on Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI product. However, none of the Apple Intelligence features will be available with iPadOS 18. These features are expected to be introduced in future versions such as iPadOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.2, and beyond.
The iPadOS 18 update introduces various exciting features and enhancements to the iPad experience. One of the notable additions is the new App Library, which enables users to organize and access their apps more efficiently. The customizable widgets have been further improved, offering greater flexibility and personalization on the home screen.
The Notes app has been significantly revamped with support for quick actions, mentions, and an improved collaboration experience. Furthermore, the redesigned Photos app now offers enhanced memory and sharing capabilities, making it easier to relive and share your favorite moments.
Apple has also introduced a dedicated Calculator app with support for Math Notes using the Apple Pencil, catering to students and professionals alike. The new Passwords app serves as a secure repository for all your passwords, ensuring more accessible and secure access to your accounts.
The update also brings significant enhancements to Game Mode, Safari, and Messages, providing a more immersive gaming experience, improved browsing capabilities, and enhanced communication tools.
Overall, the iPadOS 18 update delivers new features, improvements, and refinements, further cementing the iPad’s position as a versatile and powerful productivity tool.
Apart from iPadOS 18, Apple also unveiled iOS 18, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2 at WWDC. For Macs, macOS 15 Sequoia was introduced.
The most significant change is home screen customization. Users can now place their app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen grid, even if there are spaces between icons or widgets.
This change is similar to Android and allows for a wide range of new home screen layouts. Apple has also added a new dark theme for app icons and widgets, which activates when Dark Mode is turned on. A new theming tool lets you change the app icon colors to a single hue that can complement your wallpaper.
The Control Center has received a significant update, featuring a new appearance and the ability to have multiple pages of controls. Users can now rearrange the controls and third-party developers can add controls for their apps to Control Center. Additionally, users can customize the lock screen shortcuts to other apps besides the flashlight and camera, including third-party apps.
Messages will now support RCS messages to Android phones, allowing for higher quality photos and videos, read receipts, typing indicators, and more. The update also introduces the ability to schedule messages for later sending.
iOS 18 includes a range of other features such as a new Passwords app, redesigned Photos and Mail apps, Tap to Cash and reward system support in Apple Wallet, and more.
iOS 18 introduces complexity in terms of compatibility. While it can be installed on iPhones as far back as the iPhone XR, the new Apple Intelligence features require at least an A17 Pro chip, meaning only the iPhone 15 Pro and later models will have access to these features.
This requirement is likely due to the 8GB of RAM in the iPhone 15 Pro models and the performance offered by the A17 Pro, which is necessary for running AI due to its large language models (LLMs). Regrettably, this means that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are not compatible with Apple Intelligence.
Moving forward, all new iPhone 16 models, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, will support Apple Intelligence. Despite this, older models can still utilize many other features of iOS 18.
Apple Intelligence is a significant part of iOS 18. While many iPhones will be able to run iOS 18, not all of them will support the Apple Intelligence features. Prior to the release of the iPhone 16 line, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be compatible with Apple Intelligence.
Apple describes its Apple Intelligence AI as a collection of highly capable large language and diffusion models tailored for everyday tasks. It leverages personal context to provide assistance by understanding and generating language and images, allowing simplified actions across multiple daily apps.
Apple Intelligence can prioritize notifications, that only the most crucial ones are at the top of the stack. A new Reduce Interruptions Focus feature means you will only see notifications that require immediate attention.
The integration of writing tools into Apple Intelligence aims to improve writing. These tools, available systemwide, include rewriting, proofreading, and text summarization.
The Rewrite tool generates a different version of your written text, potentially with a different tone. The Proofread tool helps identify and correct grammar and typo mistakes, while providing edit suggestions. The Summarize tool allows you to select text and receive a recap of crucial information in a more digestible format. Summaries can also be found in your email inbox, and Apple Notes can record and transcribe audio.
Image generation is also a significant aspect of Apple Intelligence. The new Image Playground app allows users to create original images within the Messages app, Notes, and other third-party apps. Alternatively, users can utilize the standalone Image Playground app.
In addition to creating images, Apple Intelligence can generate custom emojis with Genmoji. Users simply need to type in a descriptor, and Apple Intelligence will create a personalized emoji based on the description.
Siri will also benefit from numerous enhancements with Apple Intelligence. With AI, Siri will better understand natural language and engage in more conversational interactions. It will also possess Apple product knowledge and on-screen awareness.
Apple’s Apple Intelligence includes integration with ChatGPT. If Siri can’t fulfill your request, it will recommend ChatGPT to provide you with an answer without needing to switch apps. ChatGPT will also be accessible through writing tools.
Apple Intelligence enables the Clean Up tool in Photos, similar to Google’s Magic Eraser and Samsung’s Object Eraser tools. It also allows quicker and easier photo and video searches using natural language and the creation of new memory videos with a specific phrase.
During the iPhone 16 event, Apple unveiled the new Camera Control and a feature called Visual Intelligence. This is a new feature in Apple Intelligence exclusive to the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Visual Intelligence is essentially Apple’s version of Google Lens. To activate Visual Intelligence, simply press and hold the Camera Control button, then point the camera at any real-world object. This feature can be used to identify animals or plants, add event flyer details to your calendar, find out where to buy a specific item, and more.
This will be a major selling point for the new iPhone 16 line with Camera Control. However, it won’t be available immediately, as Apple only mentioned that it will be coming to Camera Control “later this year.”
Numerous new customization options
Among the key features of iOS 18, in addition to Apple Intelligence, are the new customization options. For the first time, iPhone users will be able to customize their home screens similar to Android users.
With iOS 18, users can place their apps and widgets anywhere on the home screen grid. Previously, users had to use workarounds or the Shortcut app to create a “blank” icon to create space between app icons. Now, iOS 18 allows users to place icons and widgets wherever they prefer. This will significantly expand home screen customization and bring it closer to Android than ever before.
Moreover, Apple now offers a “dark mode” theme for app icons. If you have dark mode enabled on your iPhone with iOS 18, your app icons will have a dark-themed overlay to make them easier on the eyes. There is also a new app icon tinting feature that allows you to change the icons’ color to match your wallpaper or any color you prefer.
Finally, if you’re dissatisfied with the size of the app icons and widgets, you can adjust their size to make them larger. These additional tools are great news for customization enthusiasts.
The Control Center has remained unchanged for many years, but iOS 18 is giving it a much-needed update.
The Control Center now offers even more controls that you can add as needed. You can rearrange the order of the controls, including the default options, and you can now have multiple pages and groups of controls. Developers can also create controls for their apps that you can add to the Control Center, and you can adjust the size of each control according to your preferences.
You can also change the lock screen controls to anything you want, including supported third-party apps. This means you are no longer limited to just the flashlight and camera. The Action button can also be used to access the new controls.
Apple is revamping Photos with a major update in iOS 18.
In Apple Photos, you’ll now have a unified view rather than separate tabs and sections. The main focus will still be the Photo Library, and to see additional content, you simply swipe down. The extra content includes collections of images that were previously under the For You tab, as well as any albums you created.
The new Photos app offers new filter and sorting options to help you find what you’re looking for more quickly. The sorting options include recently added or by capture date. The filters include Favorites, Edited, Photos, Videos, and Screenshots. Once a filter is selected, it will display your items in that category.
Another significant focus of the new Photos app is Collections. These are “smart” groups of photos and videos based on subject, location, type, and other metadata parameters. In iOS 18, you can change the order in which these collections appear under the Photo Library grid or even remove a collection entirely. If you like a Collection, it can be pinned for easy access.
The Photos app includes Apple Intelligence. If you have an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, you can use the new Clean Up photo-editing tool to remove unwanted people and objects from your photos.
The search function has been improved to understand natural language and provide more specific search results. Additionally, Memory Maker utilizes Apple Intelligence to create a personalized Memory Movie using existing photos and videos based on a prompt.
iOS 18 will bring significant improvements to the Messages app.
The most notable change is the addition of RCS messaging for better communication between iPhone and Android users. RCS messaging will offer end-to-end encryption, read receipts, typing indicators, and higher-quality image and video transfers.
With RCS messaging, videos sent by Android users will no longer be low-quality and pixelated. However, RCS messages will still appear with green bubbles.
Other updates for Messages include rich text formatting, new animation styles, the ability to send texts via satellite, use any emoji or sticker as a Tapback reaction, and schedule text messages for later. Users with an iPhone featuring Apple Intelligence can also utilize Image Playground to create personalized Genmoji and generate contextual images.
Accessing saved passwords in Keychain was previously challenging as it was hidden away in the Settings app. Fortunately, on iOS 18, this process is made easier with the new Passwords app.
The Passwords app has a layout similar to the Reminders app, featuring category tiles and a search bar. It will contain all previously saved logins and passwords from Keychain, with authentication through Touch ID or Face ID.
When viewing a password entry, users can see details such as site or app name, username, login, verification code, websites, and notes. Additionally, users can add new entries, delete or edit existing passwords, and sort them by various criteria.
All passwords in the Passwords app will be synced via iCloud Keychain and can be accessed on iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and Mac. Apple also plans to add a Passwords app to iTunes for Windows at a later date.
Users of other password manager apps, such as 1Password or LastPass, will be able to import their passwords at a later time, although a specific date has not been confirmed.
iOS 18 includes numerous changes, and we have covered the most significant ones. Here’s a quick overview of some smaller updates to look out for:
The Mail app will introduce a new Primary category in the unified inbox, focusing on time-sensitive emails from important contacts. It will also group emails from the same sender, such as receipts, marketing emails, and newsletters.
Safari will feature Highlights, which identifies relevant information on a page and highlights it as you browse. The Reader view has also been enhanced to include a table of contents and high-level summarization.
In Maps, users can download topographical maps and trail networks, save hikes for offline access, and create custom walking and hiking routes. Gamers will benefit from a new Game Mode that maximizes device performance, audio latency when using AirPods, and makes wireless game controllers more responsive.
Apple Wallet will introduce Tap to Cash, allowing users to send money instantly by bringing their iPhone close to another iPhone. Additionally, Apple Wallet will support reward programs and installment plans, and feature redesigned event tickets with an event guide.
HomeKit users will enjoy new features in the Home app, including granting specific controls with guest access, hands-free unlock with Express Mode, and the ability for eligible Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers to view their home electricity usage directly in the Home app.
Processor: The iPhone 16 series is expected to be powered by the A18 chip. All models in the series will be equipped with 8GB of RAM to support the new Apple Intelligence features. Previously, the base models and Pro models had different chipsets. For example, the iPhone 15 featured the A16 chipset, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max had the A17 chip.
However, this is changing now. The new A18 chip promises faster performance and improved energy efficiency. There are rumors that Apple is working on a graphene thermal system for the iPhone 16 lineup, with Pro models possibly incorporating metal battery casings to reduce overheating. Additionally, there may be an option for the Pro models to have up to 2TB of storage, but this has not been confirmed yet.
Battery: Apple is not just focusing on the design; there are changes under the hood as well. According to leaks and rumors, the iPhone 16 is expected to have a larger 3,561mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 Plus could feature a 4,006mAh unit. On the other hand, the Pro models might see a boost in battery capacity. The iPhone 16 Pro is anticipated to come with a 3,577mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max could sport a 4,676mAh battery.
Camera: The camera is also set to see improvements with the iPhone 16. Apple is reportedly experimenting with an anti-reflective optical coating for its iPhone cameras. This technology aims to enhance photo quality by reducing issues such as lens flare and ghosting. The coating, applied through atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment, will not only protect the camera lens system from environmental damage but also maintain its ability to effectively capture light.
iPhone 16 series: How much will it cost?
The iPhone 16 series is expected to be the highlight of the launch event. While we are still waiting for the official details, rumors and leaks have already speculated on the price of the iPhone 16 series. According to Apple Hub, the upcoming iPhone is expected to start at $799. The Apple iPhone 16 is rumored to start at $799 (around Rs 67,100), while the iPhone 16 Plus could be priced at $899 (approximately Rs 75,500). For the Pro models, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro might start at $1,099 (around Rs 92,300) for the 256GB variant, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max could start at $1,199 (around Rs 1,00,700).
While these leaked prices are for the US market, India might see slightly higher prices than the global markets. For instance, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro was launched at a price of Rs 1,34,900, and the Pro Max was priced at Rs 1,59,900. In India, the iPhone 15 started at Rs 79,900 for the 128GB storage option, while the Plus model was available for Rs 89,900. The iPhone 16 and its Plus version might follow a similar pricing pattern, though the Pro models could see a slight price increase due to new features and higher production costs.
The iPhone 16 may not introduce a new display size, a significant increase in megapixels for one of its cameras, or some of the other attention-grabbing changes that Apple made to the iPhone 16 Pro. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a substantial update.
Apple’s entry-level flagship makes some interesting design tweaks while putting an end to the company’s practice of using year-old components in its less expensive flagship models. It introduces all these changes without any increase in price, which is uncommon among major handsets these days.
There are some missing features with the iPhone 16, and we may learn more about the phone as we conduct more thorough tests. (You can read our initial iPhone 16 hands-on for our first impressions of the device.) However, at first glance, there are plenty of reasons to consider purchasing this new phone once iPhone 16 pre-orders begin this Friday (September 13). We can also identify a few reasons why you might opt for a different phone from Apple.
The A16 Bionic system-on-chip in last year’s iPhone 15 debuted a year earlier in the iPhone 14 Pro models. In contrast, the iPhone 16 is equipped with new A18 silicon that’s two generations ahead of the chipset in its immediate predecessor.
This translates to performance improvements for the iPhone 16. According to Apple, the A18’s CPU is 30% faster than the A16 Bionic, while the GPU is 40% faster. There are also enhancements in power efficiency, with the A18 using less energy to deliver the same performance. This is before considering the more powerful neural engine in the A18 capable of handling all the Apple Intelligence features on the device.
Yes, the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro is a step up, thanks to an extra core in the GPU. However, the important thing is that there is some level of parity between iPhone 16 models. The standard iPhone does not feel like an afterthought as it has in the past two years.
The Camera Control button seems useful
Not too long ago, it appeared that Apple was determined to eliminate as many buttons as possible from its devices. Now, it can’t seem to stop adding them. The iPhone 16 introduces two new buttons — the Action button from last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models and a Camera Control button that is present on all four new iPhones.
The Camera Control button appears to be particularly promising. It provides the expected features — a single press launches the Camera app, another press takes a photo, and a press and hold captures video. However, there’s more to it than just these basic controls.
You can also swipe the Camera Control to zoom in on a subject or switch between photographic styles. It sounds like a clever implementation that offers a faster way to operate the camera if you prefer not to use on-screen controls.
My colleague Mark Spoonauer found the Camera Control a bit tricky, although his time testing the feature has been limited. It is possible that the Camera Control becomes easier to use with more time spent exploring it.
A more affordable way to access Apple Intelligence
Thanks to the A18 chipset mentioned earlier, and what we assume is a substantial amount of RAM in Apple’s new phones, the iPhone 16 should be just as capable at running new Apple Intelligence features as the latest Pro models. This means you can still enjoy the writing tools, smart summaries, and enhanced Siri that iPhone 16 Pro owners will benefit from while spending $200 less on your phone.
It’s worth noting here that the iPhone 16 costs the same $799 that Apple charged for the iPhone 15 when it was released a year ago. It’s uncommon for a phone manufacturer to maintain prices in today’s market — just ask Google about the cost of its Pixel 9 — so Apple deserves credit for keeping the price of accessing Apple Intelligence relatively affordable.
An improved ultrawide camera
Camera hardware changes on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are quite minimal, especially when compared to the improvements made to the Pro lineup. (This includes a faster main camera sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and — in the case of the smaller Pro model — an enhanced telephoto camera design with longer zoom.) However, there are some welcome changes, particularly to the iPhone 16’s ultrawide lens.
Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone is retaining a 12MP sensor for its ultrawide camera. But the sensor itself is larger, allowing it to capture 2.6 times more light than before for sharper images. Apple has also added autofocus to the ultrawide camera, so the iPhone 16 can now take macro shots with that camera.
It’s certainly not a major overhaul, but it does make the iPhone 16’s camera setup more versatile than previous models. And we’re confident it will result in better quality shots when we have the opportunity to test the camera.
More vibrant models
Everyone has different preferences, but I’ve found Apple’s recent color choices for its standard iPhones to be a bit too subdued. This is especially true of the iPhone 15, where the blue color option is so light that it’s easy to mistake for white.
Someone at Apple must have realized that the less expensive iPhone flagships need a bit more color, because I’ve been quite impressed with the appearance and finish of the iPhone 16 models I’ve seen.
While the white and black colors on the iPhone 16 are rather plain, the remaining colors — pink, teal, and especially ultramarine — are eye-catching. They make the iPhone 16 look lively, and isn’t that part of the appeal of Apple’s products?
60Hz refresh rate remains
Apple remains an exception among major phone makers that have long equipped their top phones with fast-refreshing displays. A higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and more immersive graphics, and at this point, it’s almost the standard for flagship phones.
But not for Apple. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are still limited to 60Hz.
Apple might argue that it’s not a significant issue, and that those who truly want a fast-refreshing display can always opt for the iPhone 16 Pro for just $200 more. There may be some merit to that argument, although it becomes less convincing when considering that I could purchase a Pixel 8a for less than $500 and have a phone with a 120Hz display.
Apple is expected to address this shortcoming next year with the iPhone 17, as there will be enough LTPO panels available to support fast-refreshing screens for all the new iPhones. But that’s little consolation if you want to upgrade to the latest entry-level iPhone right now.
No change in brightness
While we’re critiquing the iPhone 16’s display, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t offer any significant improvements over the iPhone 15. Specifically, the panel has the same 2,000-nit peak brightness rating as its predecessor.
The number is quite impressive. During testing, the iPhone 15 reached a brightness of 1,401 nits on a light meter. If the iPhone 16 matches this, its 6.1-inch display should be easily visible in direct sunlight.
However, the problem with the iPhone not making any changes is that its competitors have. Samsung increased the brightness on the Galaxy S24, surpassing the iPhone 15 in terms of brightness. The Google Pixel 9 outperforms both of those phones, as we measured a peak of 1,769 nits on its 6.3-inch display. Can the iPhone 16 compete with that? It seems unlikely.
While some Apple Intelligence features sound promising, such as Photos Clean Up and certain writing tools, there is still much work to be done. Apple Intelligence will not be active immediately if you get an iPhone 16. The features will only become available in October, and even then, only as a beta.
Apple should be recognized for attempting to catch up with its push into AI features that are already well-established on Google’s flagship phones. However, the early stages of any endeavor can encounter challenges, and labeling Apple Intelligence features as beta indicates that Apple is being be cautious not to overpromise.
If your primary reason for considering an iPhone 16 upgrade is Apple Intelligence, you should consider these factors and make your decision accordingly. It’s understandable if you choose to wait and see if the AI features live up to the hype.
Outlook for iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 does not bring significant changes to Apple’s phone lineup, even though the improvements it does offer appear well-considered. Anyone who decides to upgrade to the new model will receive a high-performing phone with an improved camera setup. We are confident in this even before completing our testing of the iPhone 16.
However, Apple Intelligence remains the unknown variable. Early previews of the features have shown promise, but the key word in that description is “early.” If you prefer your AI capabilities to be more refined, you may want to hold off on an iPhone 16 upgrade, at least until the Apple Intelligence update is available.
