The new iPhone 16 will arrive in stores next week but Mirror Online has already had a chance to put it to the test.
Some brand-new iPhones are coming next week and they are definitely ones to watch out for. Apple has just revealed its latest call makers during an event at its HQ in Cupertino which include a refreshed iPhone 16 and a bigger iPhone 16 Plus. Mirror Online took the trip across the pond to California and were some of the first to get our hands on these latest gadgets and there’s no question that they offer some impressive upgrades that will change the way you use a smartphone.
Having spent some time with the iPhone 16 ahead of its UK release here are 5 things that caught our eye and why it might be time to upgrade to something new.
iPhone 16: Camera Control
There’s a nifty new button on the side of the iPhone that will make snapping photos for that Instagram feed a lot faster. It’s called Camera Control and it does a lot more than just take an image. During our demo, we were shown how this feature instantly launches the camera app offering the ability to take photos in the blink of an eye. But this is more than just a shutter button as it also lets you swipe between settings and filters and can even be used as a way of zooming in and out on an object.
It’s all super intuitive and makes this modern iPhone feel a lot like an old-fashioned camera. We’ll need more time with it before telling you that it’s a killer feature but on first impressions, it looks like an upgrade that will get a lot of use.
iPhone 16: A18 Processor
There’s an all-new brain inside the iPhone 16 that now only makes this device faster and more efficient but also makes sure it’s ready for the upcoming Apple Intelligence upgrade. Devices such as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 haven’t got enough grunt to power this smart new feature which will launch before the end of the year. It’s one reason to consider switching to the iPhone 16 with Apple promising that its new intelligence will be able to write emails, edit photos, create unique images and help find things faster in your files.
iPhone 16: Longer battery life & faster charging
There’s a bigger battery inside the iPhone 16 which should mean much longer usage between charges. We didn’t have time during our demo to watch a blockbuster movie but Apple is boasting that you could get around 22 hours of video playback without needing to plug things in. When things do run dry there’s now quicker wireless refilling thanks to an improved MagSafe connection. In fact, you’ll be able to go from flat to 50% in around 30 minutes.
iPhone 16: New colours and tougher design
Having seen it in the flesh we can confirm that the iPhone 16’s design is a lot bolder this year. New colours now include Ultramarine, Teal and Pink with all looking brighter and more eye-catching than before. The aluminium sides and camera bump are also colour-matched and the soft matt finish makes these devices feel super premium. Luckily, we didn’t drop them on the floor of Apple Park but if you do they shouldn’t break quite so easily thanks to improved Ceramic Shield glass which is 50% stronger than before.
iPhone 16: Action Button
Last year’s iPhone 15 Pro got the new Action Button which lets you launch favourite features such as the Torch or Do Not Disturb settings with just one tap. Those opting for the standard iPhone 15 missed out on this function but that’s all changed in 2024. All iPhone 16 models now get the Action Button so you no longer need to splash out and go Pro for quick access to settings and more.
iPhone 16: Early Verdict
We’ve only spent a short amount of time with the iPhone 16 but it feels like this could be a good year to upgrade. These devices are now faster, tougher, last longer and will offer access to Apple Intelligence when it launches soon. The addition of Camera Control and the Action Button also add to the appeal and there’s no price rise meaning they cost the same as last year’s iPhone 15 did at launch.