Apple just announced the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus — here’s how to pre-order them

Apple is all in on AI. CEO Tim Cook kicked off its September 9 event “It’s Glowtime” with the announcement that the new iPhone is built from the ground up to support Apple Intelligence. The event centered on the new Apple Watch 10 and AirPods 4, in addition to the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, which come about a year after their predecessors, the iPhone 15 line, were announced.

Leading up to Glowtime, there were rumors flying about the new iPhones from Apple. While the sizes were expected to stay the same, both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, were meant to have slimmed-down bezels and the addition of the Action button, which was previously only available on the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models. Now that Apple has officially announced its new phones, here’s what to know about the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.

The iPhone 16 is embracing color with this new set of smartphones. Debuting in three new vibrant shades of pink, green, and blue, it’s sure to make a statement, but that’s just where the design changes begin. It’s crafted from aerospace titanium, ceramic shields, and new, tougher glass for a more durable phone.

All iPhone 16 models now include the multipurpose Action button that sits just above the volume buttons. Previously the Action button was only included on the Pro and Pro Max iPhone models, but now it appears to have expanded to all models. It allows you to customize how you want to use the button whether you want it to turn on the flashlight or start your car with compatible apps like FordPass.

The camera on the iPhone 16 looks different than previous models with two stacked lenses rather than diagonal lenses (the iPhone 16 Pro models still have the three-camera design.) Plus there’s a new way to control the camera on your iPhone with Camera Control, a button flush to the side, just below the lock button. Quickly click to snap a photo or use touch controls to preview or zoom in on your shot.

Inside the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is the A18 chip, which Apple claims to be 30 percent faster than the iPhone 15. It will run Apple Intelligence features, which are slowly being rolled out, some expected to launch later this month. During the iPhone 16 event, we didn’t learn too many new details about Apple Intelligence, instead the company reiterated the new AI features that let you create your own emoji or spruce up your emails and text with better language.

iOS 18 will power the iPhone 16 and supposedly give it a longer battery life. How much longer? Apple didn’t say, so we’ll have to test that for ourselves. The iPhone 16 measures in at 6.1 inches while the iPhone 16 Plus is slightly larger at 6.7 inches. If you’re tempted to go even bigger, then you’ll need to go for the iPhone 16 Pro models.

The iPhone 16 starts at $799 and the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899. They will be available to pre-order on Friday, September 13 (spooky) and will arrive on September 20.

Mashable is currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 “Glowtime” Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 and 16 Plus before, during, and after the event.

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