Apple unveils iPhone 16 Pro with 'Apple Intelligence'

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, both powered by the A18 Pro chip and featuring what is referred to as 'Apple Intelligence'. These new models introduce larger display sizes, advanced camera capabilities, and significant improvements in battery life.

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, stated, "Powered by the faster, more efficient A18 Pro chip and built for Apple Intelligence, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are the most advanced iPhone models we’ve ever made. Customers who are looking for the best possible iPhone will be able to take advantage of this huge step forward, whether they’re applying edits to a photo without lifting a finger, rewriting meeting notes for a more professional tone, or using the advanced camera system to capture their next masterpiece in 4K120 fps in Dolby Vision — all while enjoying extraordinary battery life."

The A18 Pro chip utilises second-generation 3-nanometer technology, leading to increased efficiency and faster performance. Apple claims that the 16-core Neural Engine, which is more advanced than its predecessor, powers on-device performance for Apple Intelligence. Notably, the six-core GPU is said to be 20% faster than before, enhancing graphics rendering and providing improved visuals for gaming.

Apple Intelligence, new to the iPhone 16 line-up, harnesses Apple-built generative models to enable the device to understand personal context and deliver relevant intelligence while ensuring data privacy. The feature maintains security with Private Cloud Compute, flexing computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models.

The system-wide Writing Tools allow users to adjust their notes or emails for greater friendliness or professionalism, and check for grammar, word choice, and sentence structure. Additionally, the Notes and Phone apps now feature recording, transcribing, and summarising capabilities for audio, with notifications provided for participants during a call who are recorded.

The new models also see advancements in camera technology. The 48MP Fusion camera features a faster quad-pixel sensor capable of 4K120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision, a first for smartphones. Both models include a new 48MP Ultra Wide camera for higher-resolution macro photography, a 5x Telephoto camera, and multiple microphones for enhanced audio recording. Future updates will include visual intelligence features via Camera Control, allowing users to interact with their surroundings through the camera system.

Apple has also prioritised sustainability with the iPhone 16 Pro models. They feature over 25% recycled content, including 100% recycled aluminium in the internal structural frame and batteries made with 100% recycled cobalt. The packaging is entirely fibre-based, moving closer to Apple’s goal of eliminating plastic packaging by next year.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are available in four finishes: black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium. Pre-orders will begin shortly, with availability to follow in various regions around the world. iOS 18 will be available as a free software update, bringing the first set of Apple Intelligence features.

Apple Intelligence will gradually expand its capabilities, such as personal context delivery by Siri and enhanced image creation and editing features. This will join the already integrated service ecosystem, which includes Apple's software platforms and hardware devices designed to deliver seamless and enriched user experience.