The iPhone 16 is Apple's latest phone, with a faster processor, better camera, and new AI features
Apple released the iPhone 16 in September 2024. It comes in four sizes: the standard iPhone 16, the 16 Plus (larger screen), the 16 Pro, and the 16 Pro Max. The main upgrades from the iPhone 15 are a faster A18 chip, a redesigned camera system, and Apple Intelligence — Apple's name for AI features built into the phone.
The iPhone 16 looks similar to the iPhone 15 from the outside, but the camera layout changed. Instead of a diagonal arrangement, the cameras are now stacked vertically. The phone also has a new Camera Control button on the side that lets you open the camera app or adjust settings by pressing and sliding your finger.
If you own an iPhone 15, iPhone 14, or older, you may wonder whether upgrading makes sense for your situation. The answer depends on what you use your phone for, how old your current phone is, and whether the new features matter to you.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 16 has a faster A18 chip that runs apps and games more smoothly than the A17 in the iPhone 15.
- Apple Intelligence features like writing tools and photo cleanup are built in, but they require iOS 18.1 or later and work best on iPhone 16 and newer.
- The camera system improved, especially in low light and when zooming, but the iPhone 15 camera is still very good for most people.
- If your iPhone is three years old or newer and works well, upgrading is optional — the iPhone 16 is an incremental improvement, not a major leap.
- The iPhone 16 starts at the same price as the iPhone 15 did at launch, so cost per phone is similar, but older models may be discounted.
Processor speed and everyday performance
The iPhone 16 uses the A18 chip, while the iPhone 15 uses the A17 Pro. The A18 is faster and more power-efficient, which means apps open slightly quicker and games run smoother. For most people — texting, email, social media, web browsing — the difference is not noticeable in daily use.
The A18 matters more if you edit video, play demanding games, or use apps that process a lot of data at once. If you do those things on an iPhone 15, you probably already have enough speed. If you do them on an iPhone 12 or older, the jump to iPhone 16 would feel noticeably faster.
Apple Intelligence and what it actually does
Apple Intelligence is a set of AI features that help you write, edit photos, and organize information. The main tools are writing assistance (which rewrites text and checks grammar), photo cleanup (which removes unwanted objects from pictures), and notification summaries (which condense your alerts into readable summaries).
These features work on iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max — not on the standard iPhone 15 or older models. Apple says this is because the A18 and A17 Pro chips have special hardware for running AI tasks on the phone itself, rather than sending your data to Apple's servers.
If you own an iPhone 15 (not Pro), you cannot use Apple Intelligence even if you update to the latest iOS. If you own an iPhone 14 or older, you are not may be able to access. This is one reason some people upgrade — if AI writing tools or photo editing matter to your workflow.
Camera improvements and when they matter
The iPhone 16 has a new 48-megapixel main camera and improved zoom. The iPhone 15 has a 48-megapixel camera too, but the iPhone 16's version captures more detail and handles low light better. The ultra-wide and telephoto cameras also improved, especially at night.
If you take photos in dim restaurants, at concerts, or outdoors at dusk, you will see a real difference. If you mostly photograph in daylight or use your phone camera casually, the iPhone 15 camera is still excellent. Both phones can record video in 4K at 60 frames per second.
The new Camera Control button is convenient if you take a lot of photos, but it is not essential. You can still open the camera app and take photos the old way on any iPhone.
Battery life and charging
The iPhone 16 battery lasts about as long as the iPhone 15 battery — roughly a full day of normal use. Apple says the A18 chip is more efficient, so the phone does more with the same battery size. In practice, real-world battery life is very similar between the two.
Both phones charge at the same speed with the same cables. The iPhone 16 supports the same 25-watt fast charging as the iPhone 15, and both use USB-C. If you already have USB-C cables and a charger, they work with the iPhone 16.
Price and which model to choose
The iPhone 16 starts at $799, which is the same starting price the iPhone 15 had when it launched. The iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899, the Pro at $999, and the Pro Max at $1,199. If you buy an iPhone 15 now, it is often discounted to $699 or less at retailers.
The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are good choices if you want the latest processor and Apple Intelligence. The Pro models add a better camera system, a higher refresh rate screen (120Hz instead of 60Hz), and more RAM. The Pro is worth it if you edit video or take a lot of photos; otherwise, the standard model is sufficient.
If you own an iPhone 13 or older, upgrading to iPhone 16 makes sense because the speed and camera improvements are substantial. If you own an iPhone 14 or 15 and your phone works well, upgrading is optional — you are not missing critical features.
Storage and color options
The iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPhone 15 had the same storage tiers. If you store a lot of photos, videos, or apps, 256GB is a safer choice than 128GB. Cloud storage through iCloud is separate and costs extra if you need more than 5GB.
The iPhone 16 comes in five colors: black, white, ultramarine, teal, and pink. The iPhone 15 came in five colors too, but the specific shades are different. Color choice is personal and does not affect performance.
Should you upgrade from your current phone
Upgrade to iPhone 16 if your current phone is four years old or older, if the battery no longer lasts a full day, or if you want Apple Intelligence features. Also upgrade if you take a lot of photos and want better low-light performance.
Skip the upgrade if you own an iPhone 14 or 15 and your phone works well. The improvements are real but incremental. You will not feel like you are missing out, and your current phone will continue to receive iOS updates for several more years.
If you own an iPhone 13 or older and are considering an upgrade, the iPhone 16 is a solid choice — but so is the discounted iPhone 15, which has most of the same features at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Intelligence on my iPhone 15?
No. Apple Intelligence only works on iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 15 does not have the required hardware, even with the latest iOS update. If Apple Intelligence is important to you, you need to upgrade to iPhone 16 or a Pro model.
Is the iPhone 16 worth buying if I have an iPhone 15?
Probably not, unless you take a lot of photos in low light or want Apple Intelligence. The processor is faster, but you will not notice it in daily use. If your iPhone 15 works well, keeping it for another year or two is a reasonable choice.
What is the Camera Control button and do I need it?
The Camera Control button is a physical button on the side of the iPhone 16 that opens the camera app or adjusts settings when you press and slide. It is convenient if you take many photos, but it is not essential — you can take photos the traditional way on any iPhone.
Does the iPhone 16 come with a charger in the box?
No. Apple stopped including chargers in the box with iPhone 12 and later. The iPhone 16 comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, but you need to provide your own power adapter. If you have a USB-C charger from another device, it works with iPhone 16.
How long will the iPhone 16 receive iOS updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones with major iOS updates for five to six years after release. The iPhone 16 will likely receive updates through 2029 or 2030. Older iPhones receive fewer years of support — the iPhone 12 will probably stop receiving updates around 2027.