Apple has announced its latest iPhone model, featuring a new physical camera button. This addition aims to enhance the device’s photography capabilities and provide quick access to AI-powered features. The iPhone 16 represents Apple’s response to the growing importance of smartphones as ever-present cameras for users.
New camera button: More than just a shutter
The iPhone 16’s new camera button functions similarly to those found on traditional cameras. A full press captures an image, while a light press activates a slider for features like zoom control. This allows users to adjust settings without tapping the screen, as was previously required. The button also facilitates quick switching between photo and video modes.
Beyond its photography functions, the camera button serves as a shortcut to AI features. Users can, for example, photograph a concert poster or an animal to instantly access more information about the subject.
Enhanced features and AI integration
While the iPhone 16 largely retains the design of recent models, it reintroduces a vertical camera alignment for its dual-lens system, reminiscent of the iPhone X. The new camera system can now capture three-dimensional videos compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
Internally, the iPhone 16 boasts new chips and increased RAM, enabling smooth operation of the device’s AI functions, collectively termed “Apple Intelligence”. These features include summarizing missed emails and messages, creating custom emoji, and retrieving information on command.
However, many AI functions will initially be unavailable in the EU due to uncertainties surrounding the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple expresses concerns about potential data protection issues arising from DMA requirements to open up to other manufacturers and service providers.
Currently, “Apple Intelligence” operates only in English, with support for French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese planned for next year. The iPhone 16’s starting price remains unchanged at €949 for the standard model.
