Apple is different: My 4 simple takeaways from the iPhone 16 launch

The iPhone 16 series redefines smartphone capabilities, boasting power surpassing most desktop PCs and cameras rivaling DSLRs. Standout features include the revolutionary camera controls button, AirPods Pro with over-the-counter hearing aid support, seamlessly integrated AI, and pro-level video recording capabilities.

iPhone 16 in different colour options. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

It might not be obvious, but the iPhone 16 series ushers in many more changes than is visible at first sight. The phones might not look much different, but when it comes to capabilities they are more powerful than most desktop PCs, pack cameras that do more than DSLRs, and offer AI features no smartphone has before. But I have four simple takeaways from the event:

1. Camera controls:

iPhone 16 series comes with a new physical camera shutter button. (Image credit: Apple)

Apple’s camera controls button is nothing like the shutter buttons seen on smartphones before. This new button lets photographers control everything from zoom to exposure and aperture with soft touches and without touching the screen. It is the sort of feature that will make other smartphone companies wonder why they did not think of it before. Like a DSLR’s ring, once you get the hang of this new button, you will not have to use the screen for most of your needs. And yes you can open the camera app and click photos too with the button.

2. Hearing aid with AirPods Pro:

AirPods 2 can soon double as a hearing-aid. (Image credit: Apple)

Apple thinks differently. What else would explain the opening video at their flagship event this year which showcased accessibility features the brand had launched in recent times? This year Apple is bringing in more features that enhance accessibility features, including an over-the-counter hearing aid incorporated into its updated AirPods Pro software. This will make the AirPods Pro the most accessible hearing test device and hearing aid for millions. I say accessible because many would prefer the AirPods over a medical-grade hearing device any day if it gets the job done. Trust Apple to find an opportunity of this magnitude, especially given its dogged perseverance of accessibility features.

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3. Silicon to screen AI:

Apple says the new A18 Pro is the most powerful mobile chip. (Image credit: Apple)

AI has been a buzzword for smartphones for a few years, but no one has been able to give features that users will need to use daily. Apple personalises its AI integrations with the context of the user and offers a rejuvenated Siri as the easy entry point to the same. The fact that everything from its processors to the camera control buttons now supports AI takes it a notch above every other smartphone company that has added standalone AI features to different aspects of their products. Apple takes AI to the user and not the other way around.

4. Tapping the professionals:

iPhone 16 Pro series is the first set of iPhones with 4K 120fps video recording. (Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 16 Pro series has features for professional videographers that video cameras have not been able to offer yet. Its ability to create cinematic slow-motion from the 4K120FPS recordings, multiple LUT-like photographic styles even before shootings and audio-mixing capabilities make it an even more powerful device in the hands of filmmakers, also cutting down post-production times drastically.

The writer is in California on the invite of Apple

Nandagopal Rajan

Nandagopal Rajan writes on technology, gadgets and everything related. He has worked with the India Today Group and Hindustan Times. He is an alumnus of Calicut University and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal. ... Read More