Apple has unveiled its latest flagship devices, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology with the powerful A18 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence. These new models are all about more; more display area, more advanced camera features, more AI and more battery life, setting a new standard for performance and creativity.
Another insanely powerful processor – A18 Pro Chip
The iPhone 16 Pro series is powered by the A18 Pro chip, showcasing remarkable advancements in speed and efficiency. Built with second-generation 3-nanometer technology, the A18 Pro features a new 16-core Neural Engine, delivering up to 17% more system memory bandwidth and driving up to 20% faster graphics rendering compared to its predecessor. This translates to enhanced performance for demanding tasks, including immersive gaming and professional workflows.
The A18 Pro introduces a new 6-core CPU that includes two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores. This architecture allows the iPhone 16 Pro series to perform tasks up to 15% faster while consuming 20% less power. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing provides up to 2x faster performance for more realistic light sources and reflections, enhancing visual fidelity in games and applications.
Moreover, the chip’s advanced ML accelerators are optimized for Apple Intelligence, handling high-efficiency, high-throughput computations with minimal power consumption. This efficiency is coupled with faster USB 3 speeds and improved video encoding capabilities, processing twice the amount of data for quicker video recording and pro workflows.
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max come with larger Super Retina XDR displays, measuring 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches respectively. These displays offer Always-On and ProMotion technologies, and the thinnest borders of any Apple device, enhancing the visual experience. The models also feature Ceramic Shield with advanced durability, designed to withstand everyday use while maintaining a lightweight feel.
Advanced Camera System now with Camera Control
The new 48MP Fusion camera on the iPhone 16 Pro series is a leap forward in mobile photography. It features a faster quad-pixel sensor, enabling 4K120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision, offering the highest resolution and frame-rate combination ever on an iPhone. This camera also supports 48MP ProRAW and HEIF photos with zero shutter lag, thanks to its ability to read data twice as fast as previous models.
The 48MP Ultra Wide camera now includes autofocus, allowing for high-resolution 48MP ProRAW and HEIF images. This is ideal for wide-angle shots and macro photography. The powerful 5x Telephoto camera, now available on both Pro models, captures distant subjects with exceptional clarity. The new image signal processor (ISP) enhances frame-by-frame color grading for 4K120 fps videos, and users can record 4K120 fps ProRes and Log directly to external storage for professional-grade workflows.
The iPhone 16 Pro series also introduces spatial photos, providing depth-enhanced memories viewable on devices like the Apple Vision Pro. The updated studio-quality microphones offer true-to-life sound recording, with Spatial Audio support for immersive playback experiences. The new Audio Mix feature allows users to adjust sound tracks in video recordings, focusing on vocals or environmental sounds, and includes wind noise reduction for clearer audio.
Camera Control enhances the photography experience with a tactile switch for quick access and a capacitive sensor for touch interactions. Future updates will enable visual intelligence features like identifying objects and places, and integrating third-party tools for added functionality.
Expanded Safety and Communication Capabilities
The iPhone 16 Pro line-up features innovative ways to stay connected and provides enhanced safety capabilities for peace of mind. Powered by the same groundbreaking technology as Emergency SOS via satellite, users are able to connect to the nearest satellite to send and receive texts, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS while outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Messages via satellite in iOS 18 are end-to-end encrypted. Also new with iOS 18, Emergency SOS Live Video allows users to share a live video feed or photos with participating emergency dispatchers during an emergency call. Later this spring, Roadside Assistance via satellite — which connects users to a roadside assistance provider if they have car trouble while off the grid — expands beyond the U.S. to the U.K.
Better for the Environment
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are built with a durable titanium frame and are designed with recycled materials, aligning with Apple’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. This includes 100% recycled aluminum and cobalt, and over 95% recycled lithium in the battery. Apple continues to prioritize sustainability with its use of renewable energy and fiber-based packaging.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at A$1,799 (inc. GST) and the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at A$2,149 (inc. GST). Pre-orders open on Friday, 13 September, with availability starting Friday, 20 September. The models will be available in black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium, and come in storage capacities ranging from 128GB to 1TB.
AppleCare+ and iCloud+ offer additional support and storage options, while new iPhone 16 Pro buyers can enjoy three free months of Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+ with a new subscription.
