Apple recently held an event to unveil the much-anticipated iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, along with new AirPods and the Apple Watch Series 10. Here are my detailed first impressions of these devices.

iPhone 16

Design and Colors

The iPhone 16 retains a design very similar to its predecessor, the iPhone 15. However, it introduces fresh color options: ultramarine (a deep indigo), teal, pink, black, and white. A notable design change is the camera layout, which now features side-by-side positioning instead of the diagonal arrangement from the iPhone 15. This nostalgic nod to the iPhone 10 design enhances the device’s capability to capture spatial videos and photos.

Performance Upgrades

Internally, the iPhone 16 has upgraded from the A16 Bionic chip to the A18. This new chip promises a performance boost of 20-30%, with improvements in ray tracing and a two-times faster neural engine. The phone now includes 8GB of RAM, which supports various Apple intelligence features.

Another significant aspect is the mention of larger batteries. While Apple has not provided specific battery size numbers, they claimed the iPhone 16 would offer 22 hours of video playback, compared to 20 hours on the iPhone 15. I’m eager to test this in my full review.

New Buttons

The iPhone 16 introduces two new buttons: the Action Button and a Camera Control button. The Action Button, which allows customizable shortcuts (like turning on the flashlight or accessing Siri), was first seen in last year’s Pro model. The Camera Control button is a touch-sensitive area covered in sapphire with a taptic engine behind it, mimicking a two-stage camera shutter.

This button’s functionality includes opening the camera app directly from the lock screen, taking photos, and accessing camera options through gestures. While this feature is impressive, I’m curious about its practical use given its placement on the phone. It might take some time to adapt to its functionality, especially when switching between vertical and horizontal orientations.

Display Features

The display has been improved with a minimum brightness level of 1 nit, making it easier to use in dark environments. However, it still operates on a 60Hz refresh rate, which is disappointing for a flagship device in 2024. Despite these shortcomings, the iPhone 16 remains a strong option, particularly for users who may not need all the features of the Pro models.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Design and Specs

The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a similar aesthetic but introduces new colors: desert titanium, natural titanium, and updated black and white variants. The screen sizes have slightly increased to 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max, thanks to thinner bezels.

Enhanced Camera System

The Pro models feature significant camera upgrades, including a new 48MP main camera and a higher-resolution 48MP ultrawide camera. Notably, the smaller Pro model now includes a 5x telephoto lens, matching the camera capabilities of the larger Pro Max. This enhancement opens up new possibilities for photography enthusiasts.

Additionally, the Pro models can shoot 4K video at 120fps slow motion, providing filmmakers with high-quality options right from their smartphones. This is especially exciting for content creators looking to produce professional-grade video.

Battery Life and Charging

Apple claims that the Pro Max will offer the longest battery life ever in an iPhone, although specific details on improvements remain unclear. The wireless charging has also been upgraded to 25 watts, allowing for 50% charge in just 30 minutes with the new MagSafe charger.

Software and AI Features

A significant focus during the event was on Apple’s AI advancements. However, the iPhone 16 will launch with iOS 18.0, which means many new AI features won’t be available immediately. These include new Siri capabilities and various writing tools, set to roll out in subsequent software updates. This disconnect between hardware and software features is something potential buyers should consider, as it may impact the perceived value of upgrading.

Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 features a subtle redesign, being 10% thinner and lighter with a slightly larger display that offers better viewing angles. New color options include silver, rose gold, and a shiny jet black finish.

New Functionalities

Among the Series 10’s new features is sleep apnea detection, which uses the watch’s gyroscope. This capability is pending FDA approval but highlights Apple’s commitment to health monitoring. Additionally, the watch introduces a new depth app that provides information on tides and sunrise/sunset times, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

Despite these updates, the overall design remains consistent with previous models, which may disappoint those hoping for a more radical redesign.

AirPods Updates

Apple also introduced the new AirPods 4, available in two versions. The base model offers a redesigned shape for better fit, while the higher-end version includes active noise cancellation and a wireless charging case featuring a built-in speaker for “Find My” functionality. Priced at $129 and $179 respectively, these models aim to capture a wide audience.

The AirPods Max received a modest update with new colors and the addition of a USB-C port, but many features remain unchanged since their original release in 2020. This includes the absence of an on/off button and the same case design. While the new colours are attractive, the lack of significant upgrades might leave some fans disappointed.

Conclusion

In summary, while the iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch Series 10 introduce several appealing features, many updates feel incremental rather than revolutionary. The separation of hardware enhancements from the roll-out of AI features could represent a shift in Apple’s strategy, making it important for users to consider how much they value immediate improvements versus future capabilities.

The introduction of the camera control button is an exciting development, particularly since it will be included in both the Pro and non-Pro models. However, its real-world usefulness is still an open question.

let us know in the comments what specific aspects you’re most interested in exploring further!