With the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple introduced a host of features to enhance performance, photography, AI capabilities, and user convenience. Whether you’re contemplating an upgrade or simply curious about what’s new, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every significant change and addition in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro.
Why upgrade to iPhone 16?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s highlight the standout improvements that make the iPhone 16 a compelling choice:
- Apple Intelligence on-device AI: Experience smarter, more intuitive interactions with AI features like Genmoji, enhanced writing tools, and a more responsive Siri.
- Advanced camera system: Capture stunning photos and videos with a 48 MP main sensor, a 5× tetraprism zoom lens (Pro models), and spatial video capabilities.
- Improved battery life: Enjoy longer usage times thanks to larger battery capacities and the energy-efficient A18 chip.
Apple Intelligence on-device AI
Apple’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into its devices takes a significant leap forward with the iPhone 16. The new A18 chip powers Apple Intelligence, enabling on-device AI processing that enhances privacy and responsiveness.
Genmoji: Genmoji allows users to create personalized, animated avatars that can express emotions and reactions, adding a fun and interactive element to messaging and FaceTime conversations.
Prioritize notifications: This is a new option that recognizes which incoming notifications are most important and then pops them up at the top of list on the lock screen.
Writing tools: The iPhone 16 introduces advanced writing tools that assist with grammar, tone, and style suggestions, making composing messages, emails, and documents more efficient and polished.
Image Playground: This is an app that lets you use Apple Intelligence to create unique images based on the people, places, and things in your own photo library.
Siri and ChatGPT integration: Before Siri can truly personalize the queries you’re looking for in a future update, it can currently hand it off to ChatGPT to get the answer you’re looking for—and you don’t even need an account to do it.
With the exception of ChatGPT integration, these AI features are processed directly on the device, ensuring faster responses and enhanced privacy.
A18 & A18 Pro silicon
At the heart of the iPhone 16 lies the A18 chip, built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology. This chip boasts a 6-core CPU that’s 30% faster than its predecessor, the A16 Bionic, and a 5-core GPU that’s up to 40% faster and 35% more efficient. The A18 Pro variant, exclusive to the Pro models, features a 16-core Neural Engine optimized for large generative models, running machine learning tasks up to twice as fast as the A16 Bionic.
These performance gains translate to smoother multitasking, enhanced gaming experiences, and more efficient AI processing, all while maintaining impressive battery life.
New hardware controls
Apple has introduced two new hardware buttons to enhance user interaction:
Action button (all models): The Action button, first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models, is now available across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. This customizable button allows users to perform various functions, such as toggling silent mode, launching the camera, or activating a focus mode, with a single press.
Camera Control button: Located on the right side of the device, the Camera Control button offers DSLR-like functionality. A single press opens the camera app, a light press brings up camera settings like zoom or exposure, and a hard press captures a photo or starts video recording. This button also supports gestures and can be customized to launch third-party apps or tools like Magnifier or Code Scanner.
Camera system upgrades
The iPhone 16 series boasts some enhancements to its camera system:
- 48 MP main sensor: Captures high-resolution images with improved detail and dynamic range.
- 5× tetraprism zoom (Pro models): Offers greater optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clearer distant shots without sacrificing image quality.
- Spatial video: Records immersive 3D videos that can be viewed on compatible devices like the Apple Vision Pro.
- Audio Mix microphones: Enhances audio recording by isolating the subject’s voice and reducing background noise, providing a more professional sound quality.
These upgrades cater to both casual users and professional content creators, ensuring high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
Displays & design
The iPhone 16 lineup introduces new display sizes and design refinements:
- Standard models: 6.1″ (iPhone 16) and 6.7″ (iPhone 16 Plus) displays with thinner bezels and improved brightness.
- Pro models: 6.3″ (iPhone 16 Pro) and 6.9″ (iPhone 16 Pro Max) displays featuring a titanium frame, offering a premium feel and enhanced durability.
- ProMotion technology: All Pro models support a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions, plus smoother gaming experiences.
These design changes not only improve aesthetics but also enhance the overall user experience through better display quality and durability.
Battery life & charging
Apple has focused on extending battery life across the iPhone 16 lineup:
- Larger battery cells: Increased capacity in all models contributes to longer usage times.
- A18 chip efficiency: The energy-efficient A18 chip helps conserve power without compromising performance.
- Charging improvements: Supports 25W MagSafe and Qi2 fast charging, allowing for up to 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes with a compatible charger.
These enhancements ensure that users can rely on their iPhones throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Connectivity & safety
The iPhone 16 series introduces advanced connectivity and safety features:
- Satellite messaging: Send and receive messages via satellite when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, ensuring you stay connected in remote areas.
- Emergency SOS Live Video: Share live video or photos with emergency dispatchers during an emergency call, providing more context and aiding in faster response.
- Roadside Assistance expansion: Access roadside assistance via satellite in more regions, offering peace of mind during travel.
These features enhance user safety and ensure reliable communication in critical situations.
iPhone 16 lineup: side-by-side specs
Looking for a more in-depth comparison of each model in the iPhone 16 lineup. Here’s a table that sums up some key points you need to know for each one.
| Model | Size | Chip | Camera System | Battery Life (Video Playback) | Price (Starting) |
| iPhone 16 | 6.1″ | A18 | Dual 48 MP + Ultra Wide | Up to 22 hours | $1,129.99 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 6.7″ | A18 | Dual 48 MP + Ultra Wide | Up to 27 hours | $1,279.99 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 6.3″ | A18 Pro | Triple 48 MP + 48 MP Ultra Wide + 5× Zoom | Up to 25 hours | $1,449.99 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 6.9″ | A18 Pro | Triple 48 MP + 48 MP Ultra Wide + 5× Zoom | Up to 33 hours | $1,749.99 |
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a iPhone 16 series phone?
If you have your eye on an iPhone 16 series phone, or just want to browse your options, you don’t have to look far! Best Buy Canada offers all models in the iPhone 16 series, either with a carrier plan or as an unlocked phone, if you’re looking for more freedom to choose your own plan and carrier.
If you’re curious about another option, check out the comparison between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16.
Can I trade-in my current phone and upgrade to an iPhone 16 series phone?
Best Buy’s trade-in program allows you to trade in your current phone for a newer model. The trade-in value of your phone can then be used toward the purchase of your new iPhone 16. The trade-in value depends on the model and condition of your current device.
Will Apple Intelligence come to older iPhones?
Some Apple Intelligence features may be available on older iPhone models through software updates, as compatibility begins with the A17 Pro chipset, but the full suite of AI capabilities is optimized for the A18 chip and may not be fully supported on earlier devices.
Experience cutting-edge phone technology with the iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 series represents a significant advancement in smartphone technology, offering enhanced performance, innovative AI features, and improved user experience. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional content creator, the iPhone 16 has something to offer. If you’re considering an upgrade, the iPhone 16 provides a compelling balance of features and value.
Interested in the iPhone 16? Explore Best Buy Canada’s selection of iPhone 16 phones and upgrade to a phone that can do it all.
