In the era of generative AI, Apple unveiled its Apple Intelligence at this year's WWDC. With the growing interest in AI-enabled smartphones in the domestic market, what can we expect from an iPhone featuring Apple Intelligence? This question was answered during Apple’s fall product launch event on September 10, which introduced a range of new products including the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The iPhone 16 series was the star of the show, and AI emerged as the key selling point for this update. “The new generation of iPhone is designed entirely for Apple Intelligence,” stated Apple CEO Tim Cook.
One of the most significant changes in the iPhone 16 series is the addition of a "Camera Control" button on the right side of the device, allowing users to activate AI for more intelligent operations. “The new AI capabilities are the biggest selling feature of the iPhone 16 series,” noted observers. While the series offers Apple Intelligence, some have questioned how much time Apple has left to innovate.
During the fall launch, iPhone 16 was described as Apple’s most advanced model yet. Features included a shift in design with larger screens for the Pro and Pro Max versions—6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively, making them the largest screens in their class. The entire iPhone 16 lineup has replaced the traditional mute switch with a touch-sensitive button, previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. A simple press allows users to quickly access the camera, flashlight, or toggle between ring and silent modes.
Moreover, the iPhone 16 series introduces a touch key for camera control just below the power button, enabling users to adjust settings like exposure, focus, and white balance with simple finger movements. This button may serve a greater purpose—activating AI. Users can hold down the Camera Control button to access information about nearby restaurants, such as operating hours and reviews, or seamlessly switch to third-party tools like Google for shopping and ChatGPT for inquiries.
On the imaging front, the series boasts a significant upgrade with a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and the Pro and Pro Max models support 4K video recording at 120 frames per second. AI stands out as a pivotal element of the iPhone 16. “The iPhone 16 series is the most advanced we’ve ever created. Thanks to our Apple chips, it offers powerful experiences, extended battery life, and exceptional performance,” Cook emphasized.
The iPhone 16 series is powered by the new A18 series chips, featuring an impressive leap in performance. The standard model has the A18 chip, while the Pro models are equipped with the A18 Pro, utilizing TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm process technology. This series integrates a 16-core neural engine and a 6-core CPU (2 high-performance and 4 high-efficiency cores). The A18 Pro boosts performance by 15% compared to its predecessor while reducing power consumption by 20%. Moreover, its GPU has been upgraded from 5 cores to 6 cores, enhancing performance by 20% over the A17 Pro.
Apple’s chip engineering team indicates that the A18 Pro's CPU is the fastest on the market, featuring a larger cache and enhanced power efficiency for handling complex tasks. Apple Intelligence will debut in the U.S. market in October, followed by a rollout to other English-speaking countries in December, and to markets like China, France, Japan, and Spain next year.
The pricing for the iPhone 16 starts at 5,999, while the iPhone 16 Plus is priced at 6,999—maintaining the same price point as previous models. The iPhone 16 Pro begins at 7,999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max at 9,999.
As the first phone featuring Apple Intelligence, will the iPhone 16 series succeed in a market where competitors like Huawei's Mate XT with its impressive folding screen are strong contenders? Experts believe that Apple's AI solution could elevate industry standards. True AI smartphones should integrate capabilities like intent recognition in human-computer interactions, which is the core value of edge AI. Simply including basic AI features will not suffice; a deeper approach is necessary for true innovation in the smartphone landscape.
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