iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Announced: Camera Control, Action Button and What's New In This Year's Phones

Apple’s newest phones are official. As expected at its “Glowtime” event on Monday, the company took the wraps off of its latest iPhones, with the base models predictably called the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. 

As expected, the new iPhones will have a redesigned rear camera bump that aligns the sensors vertically similar to how they appeared on the back of the iPhone X, XS, XR, 11 and 12 (the iPhone 13, 14 and 15 had rear cameras that were diagonally aligned). Vertically aligning the cameras should make them capable of recording spatial photos and videos for viewing on Apple’s Vision Pro headset. 

More notably for those looking to improve their photo and video shooting, there is now a dedicated camera shutter “button” along the side of the device that Apple calls the “camera control.” Apple has long pitched that the iPhone was on par with DSLRs and a dedicated shutter may make it even easier to capture moments and memories, noting that sliding your finger along the side will now “adjust various camera features.” 

Clicking the button takes a photo, while sliding can adjust zoom. Double pressing can switch modes or settings. Apple says the “camera control” will be usable in third-party apps. The main camera remains a 48-megapixel shooter, while there is a new ultra-wide sensor that Apple says “can capture up to 2.6x more light.”  

The camera button isn’t the only new addition to the iPhone 16 line, with both models gaining an “Action” button similar to what was added to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max last year. This button lets you set shortcuts to open specific apps or tasks (like setting the phone to “Do Not Disturb,” opening the flashlight or setting a direct coffee order from Dunkin’). 

Displays for the new phones will be similar to 2024’s iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: 6.1 inches on the smaller model and 6.7 inches on the larger Plus. 

All iPhone 16 models will run iOS 18 on the new A18 processor that is capable of tapping into the company’s new Apple Intelligence AI features. Apple says the iPhone 16 will have a “bigger battery” but it did not reveal how much longer the battery will last during the presentation. 

A new “Visual Intelligence” feature, accessed by holding down the “camera control” button lets you use the camera and Apple Intelligence to scan the world around you. Apple says it can identify objects for shopping on Google or use AI services like ChatGPT to help with homework.  

From a color perspective, the new base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will come in white, black, “ultramarine” (blue), “teal” (green) and pink.

This story is developing.

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