Science News

Article originally written by Sejal Mackey ’27.

Apple proves itself to create a more impressive phone each year – this year not being different at all. With new features including built-in Apple Intelligence, easier camera controlling features, the A18 chip, all being created while being environmentally friendly, Apple boasts the iPhone 16 (plus, pro, and pro max) for good reason.
With AI becoming increasingly popular, Apple created its own version called Apple Intelligence. It has many different capabilities that affect almost every aspect of the new iPhone. It’s built right into the phone, so by using on-device processing, it doesn’t need to collect personal information. It also draws on bigger server-based models, which run on Apple silicon, meaning it can handle more complex requests while still protecting privacy. It upgrades Siri with a new design that allows it to have better language understanding and a more natural feel. Siri can also use personal context to take action in apps or respond to different questions. In writing apps, it has enhanced language capabilities that can summarize messages or text from the notes app. Also in the notes app – by using the new Image Wand, AI will be able to turn sketches into full pictures and images. A popular and exciting feature is Genmoji – introducing the ability to create custom emojis that go straight into texts like normal.
The amount of cameras has actually cut down from 3 on the iPhone 15 to just 2 on the iPhone 16. However, the new camera capabilities make it feel as if you have 4 separate camera lenses just on your phone. A new ultra wide camera called Macro preserves detail while still creating wide angle photos. A feature called Spatial Capture can also take photos and videos in 3D which you can rewatch on Apple Vision Pro to relieve any moment. New audio mixing features help enhance based on the task: in-frame allows for the focus to be on voices of people on camera, studio records professional-like sound, and cinematic pulls all the voices from around the video and puts them in front of the screen.
The satellite features lets users still connect – even without service. Messages via satellite lets you send and receive messages so that you can text over iMessage. Emergency services over satellite, which include SOS, crash detection, and a live feed with 911 responders, are supported by satellite features. Roadside assistance via satellite lets your iPhone connect you with a roadside assistance provider – who can dispatch help to your exact location even when off the grid.
The new Ceramic Shield material on the iPhone 16 is 2 times tougher than any smartphone glass. The internal design also dissipates heat more efficiently, improving overall phone performance. A key accessibility feature is the iPhone Taptic Engine, which helps people who are hard of hearing feel music rhythms from Apple Music. The bonds with other Apple products become even stronger: with iPhone mirroring on Mac that you can control without touching the phone. An Apple Watch can help find a phone by approximate distance and direction if it’s lost. The action button on the side of the phone, with one press, can do whatever function you set it to – including shortcuts. This includes voice memos, song recognition, or simply turning on silent mode.
All this is made possible with the new chip: the A18. This chip has Apple Intelligence built in, and a 60% faster 6-core CPU and up to a 2x faster 5-core GPU. The battery life is up to 22 hours video playback on iPhone 16 and 27 hours on iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Simplicity is key on this new iPhone: with the iPhone 16 using more recycled metals than ever, including a 95% recycled lithium battery. Even the packaging is environmentally conscious, with 100% fiber based packaging and a thinner case to reduce the carbon impact with shipment.