Apple unveils iPhone 16 with 48 megapixel fusion camera

Apple has launched the iPhone 16, unveiling it at the ‘It’s Glowtime’ event held at Apple’s campus in Cupertino, California. CEO Tim Cook introduced the smartphone, which has been eagerly anticipated for months.

The iPhone 16 comes in four models and features a range of new aspects. Available in five colours—white, black, ultra marine, teal, and pink—it boasts an aerospace-grade aluminium finish. The device is designed for durability, with a new glass ceramic formulation making the shield 50% tougher than previous models.

The phone is available in two sizes: 6.1 inches for the standard and 6.7 inches for the Plus model. It includes a customisable action button for shortcuts and a dedicated camera button. The camera button launches the camera and can distinguish between a full click for taking pictures and a lighter press for focusing and zooming.

The main camera has 48 megapixels, offering four times the resolution of the iPhone 14, and includes an ultra-wide camera. Dubbed the ’48 megapixel fusion camera,’ it provides the equivalent of four lenses. The photos app has been redesigned for better organisation and customisation, allowing users to remove distracting objects and background noise.

The new model incorporates Apple’s AI tool, Apple Intelligence, and its Chat GPT function, enabling users to look up information about their surroundings. The new A18 chip supports these AI features and enhances gaming experiences with smoother graphics and higher frame rates.

The chip is 30% faster than the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic due to a new thermal substructure that prevents overheating, which also improves battery life.

Apple Intelligence in iOS 18 offers new customisation options and text effects, prioritises notifications, and upgrades Siri to better understand users. Emergency SOS live video allows sharing photos or live feeds with emergency services, with satellite messaging available in the US and 17 other countries.

Despite the array of new features, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will start at $799 and $899, respectively, matching the prices of earlier models. The device is expected to go on sale later this month and will be available from retailers like Sky Mobile, Amazon, and Carphone Warehouse.