Apple has once again seized the world’s attention with its release of the iPhone 16 on Sept. 13, 2024. However, despite Apple marketing the iPhone 16’s newest features as game changing, it is not worth buying just yet.
So what’s new with the iPhone 16? Now available in two displays–6.1 inches for the standard model, 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.7 inches for the Plus–the iPhone 16’s biggest innovation is its new Apple Intelligence. Ideal for personal and professional tasks, this program contains new writing aids that can proofread, rewrite and summarize any text. Furthermore, the virtual assistant Siri has a brand-new design and is updated for higher understanding of user commands, making it even more effortless to communicate with.
Regarding the feature, Giacomo Ammazzalorso ’26 said, “It doesn’t seem that it’ll help me that much.”
Realistically, it saves a few seconds, but this isn’t something worth buying a whole new phone over.
As said before, the Apple Intelligence can relieve inconveniences in a person’s life, but some of the other features, such as the camera, are not a major difference from previous models.
Apple advertises a new “Action” button controlling a Camera Control Software and dual-camera system that supposedly revamps the photography experience by gaining real-time information aboutthe phone’s surroundings through a fusion and ultra-wide camera.
School technology support specialist Jorge Gonzalez said, “The ability to customize the [Action Button] with a control center function adds a level of convenience that I find appealing. The camera enhancements are also impressive as Apple consistently raises the bar. The support for Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 FPS, along with an optical zoom capability that extends to 5x instead of the previous 3x, really stands out to me.”
However, Jack Horan ’26 had the following to say: “My dad recently traded his iPhone 15 for the iPhone 16 and after just a few days of having it, he already regrets trading in his iPhone 15. Both phones are exactly the same, and he just wasted his time.”
Talking about the new camera system, it can be great for professionals in the photography or videography industry, but for everyday consumers, they aren’t likely to notice major improvements over previous year models and utilize the system properly.
Apple also boasts an advanced A18 chip within the phone’s framework that offers a longer battery life and gaming efficiency, and also a new Super Retina XDR display that enhances visual features.
Even with these great attributes creatively marketed by Apple, the iPhone 16 still does not overshadow the great expense of buying a single one, with a base model running someone $799 and the Pro at $999! Furthermore, the iPhone 16’s supposed increased battery life may not necessarily be true.
Gonzalez added, “One aspect that I find less appealing is the battery life. Despite the advancements in other areas, I still struggle with battery drain since I frequently use multiple apps and keep notifications active from them almost 24/7.”
AI continues to revolutionize the technology world, and Apple continues to try to dominate the smartphone industry with its introduction of Apple Intelligence and Camera Control software in the iPhone 16. However, people should not buy the iPhone 16 just yet, unless they want to waste at least $799. Instead, Cubs should wait for Apple’s iPhone 17 or even turn to more affordable alternatives in other companies that may offer a more reasonable price for the same features.