iPhone 16 becomes the starting point for Apple’s AI journey

The iPhone SE and basic iPhone 14 models are staying in the iPhone lineup which should help to maintain used value of these models as the iPhone 16 now moves to the top of the tree.

The iPhone 16 range is the usual standard (£799) Plus (£899), Pro (£999) , and the Pro Max (£1,199) models. Starting at the iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch display, while the Plus model is a bump to a 6.7-inch screen. The Pro models have slightly larger displays compared to previous Pros, with a 6.3-inch screen and the Pro Max boasting a 6.9-inch display.  Rumours that the ’16’ would be eSIM-only in the UK ad EU were unfounded.

The ’14’s are now £599 and £699 but the ‘Pro’ variants have been dropped leaving the SE as a £429 entry point.

An addition on the 16 models is the “Capture” button, designed to improve the camera experience by allowing users to take photos, zoom, and focus with intuitive gestures. The Action Button, previously only available on Pro variants, is now available across the range

The 16’s A18 chip, delivering up to 30 per cent faster performance than its predecessor. A 48MP primary sensor improves low-light photography, alongside a 2x telephoto zoom feature. Pro models come with even more advanced camera capabilities, such as a potential 5x optical zoom and enhanced ultra-wide lenses.

Additionally, the 16 series suppors AI-driven features like Apple Intelligence which will be the main driver of iPhone upgrades to come. However the main AI features won’t  be coming to the UK as software updates until December.

The Pro’s main enhancements over the base ’16’ is with a more powerful A18 Pro chip and enhanced lenses and camera software.

CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood reckons the combination of Apple Intelligence and new camera features on the iPhone 16 will help spur upgrades from loyal Apple customers, particularly as Apple is positioning this latest update as being a future-proof purchase for customers wanting to get Apple Intelligence features as they roll out over the next few years.

“There is a growing feeling that smartphone updates have become a bit boring. Apple is not immune to this trend and is betting on software and AI to breathe new life into its most important product to reignite consumer interest and drive upgrade purchases.As expected, Apple Intelligence features will roll out progressively over the next few months and years. However, at present, a notable exclusion is the EU, where Apple is in a stand-off over compliance with the Digital Markets Act. We will be watching closely to see how European consumers react to missing out on the new Apple Intelligence features and whether it affects demand for the iPhone 16.

“Many of the features being offered by Apple Intelligence are similar to those previously showcased by Google and Samsung. However Apple put a heavy focus on privacy as a differentiator. CCS Insight’s research indicates that despite the enthusiasm for AI, about 43% of UK consumers surveyed expressed concerns about privacy and data security.

“Camera Control was one of the biggest stories beyond Apple Intelligence. We believe it represents a concerted effort by Apple to allow users to interact with their iPhones in new ways in the era of AI. Although Camera Control will improve the overall experience of taking pictures and shooting videos it also allows people to trigger searches based on what they can see. This is something Google has been working on for years with visual search but Apple is hoping Camera Control will make it easier than ever for consumers to take advantage of this capability.

“We believe many people will immediately jump to the conclusion that Camera Control is merely a glorified shutter button for the camera. Although it does provide this capability it offers much more than that, its ability to offer additional capabilities including visual AI-powered search is very significant.”