iPhone 16 Pro Preview: What’s New with the Camera?
Comparing the iPhone 16 camera with the iPhone 15 camera.
The iPhone 16 was announced on September 9, with the Apple team sharing the latest camera updates. Reading through multiple articles and navigating all the new updates can be overwhelming, so we've consolidated the key information into a brief camera comparison guide. Here’s what’s new and intriguing about the camera feature for the iPhone 16 lineup of camera features.
Introducing the iPhone 16 Lineup
Apple introduced four new iPhone models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus lineup now includes five colors: black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine.
iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 Plus colors are different from the previous iPhone 15 models, which had a pastel palette. While the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max colors are similar to their predecessor, they have added desert titanium and removed navy. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models come in four colors: black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium.
iPhone 16 Pro
Sizing Comparison Chart iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15:
- iPhone 16 Pro 6.3" vs. iPhone 15 Pro 6.1″
- iPhone 16 Pro Max 6.9″ vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max 6.7"
- iPhone 16 6.1″ vs. iPhone 15 6.1″
- iPhone 16 Plus 6.7" vs. iPhone 15 Plus 6.7"
Apple did decide to increase screen size of the iPhone 16 Pro models.
NEW ‘Camera Control’ Button
The ‘Camera Control’ button is a new addition to the iPhone lineup as a whole. The iPhone 15 lineup introduced the Action Button, which is different from the Camera Control button. The Camera Control button is specifically for the Camera app.
With a click of the Camera Control button, the Camera app will instantly open. Maneuver your finger, and with a gentle swipe, you can zoom in and out and adjust features. Users now have both the Action Button and Camera Control button, allowing for quick access to the camera and other features programmed to the action button.
Camera Lenses Get an Updated Formation
As projected, the iPhone 16 features a vertical camera lens, compared to the diagonal lens on previous models. This design better utilizes the spatial video and photography capabilities, which can be transferred to Apple’s Vision Pro.
Photography and Video Features
Now let's take a look at the new photography and video features for the iPhone 16 Pro.
Photography Features
So, how will the new iPhone 16 benefit iPhone photographers? We’ll focus on the iPhone 16 Pro, as these models offer the best quality for photography overall.
The new iPhone 16 Pro has upgraded its ultra-wide lens to 48MP, and you can now shoot macro photography in 48MP as well. Apple has also added new Photographic Style options to its filter library, allowing for fun edits to photos. In addition to the new Photographic Styles, users can now capture spatial images with the iPhone.
Overall, we aren’t seeing many changes to the iPhone camera, but the increase in megapixels will allow for even higher-quality ultra-wide and macro photos.
The new iPhone 16 Pro has upgraded its ultra-wide lens to 48MP, and you can now shoot macro photography in 48MP as well. Apple has also added new Photographic Style options to its filter library, allowing for fun edits to photos. In addition to the new Photographic Styles, users can now capture spatial images with the iPhone.
Overall, we aren’t seeing many changes to the iPhone camera, but the increase in megapixels will allow for even higher-quality ultra-wide and macro photos.
Video Features
This year, the video feature in the Camera app received an exciting upgrade. iPhone Pro users can now shoot at 4K120 frames per second, a capability not available in the iPhone 15 models. The Cinematic feature has also been enhanced, allowing users to shoot slo-mo in Cinematic mode.
Apple has also added a feature that lets you choose between four different audio options:
- Cinematic Mix handles audio like in movies, with on-screen sounds in front and environmental noises in the surroundings.
- Studio Mix creates the effect of recording in a studio setting.
- Audio Mix uses machine learning to identify and separate background audio from speech.
- The "In-frame mix" isolates the voice of the person on camera.
These features are impressive and will allow for highly creative cinematic videos on the iPhone.
How does Apple Intelligence Impact the Camera?
Apple Intelligence was introduced to the iPhone 16 models this year. When it comes to the camera, AI can enhance photos by removing reflections, shadows, and background objects. You can even take a photo of a space, and AI will suggest ways to improve the setup for a photo shoot.
Apple Intelligence is the latest iPhone feature to watch in the coming years. The iPhone 16 models are just the beginning of Apple Intelligence's potential.
Apple Intelligence is the latest iPhone feature to watch in the coming years. The iPhone 16 models are just the beginning of Apple Intelligence's potential.
We're looking forward to the arrival of our iPhone 16 Pro Max. Stay tuned for content showcasing the new camera in action!
Need new gear for your iPhone 16? Check out our newly launched SANDMARC gear for iPhone 16 Pro.
Author's Bio
SANDMARC offers photography gear for mobile creators, including top-tier lenses, filters, and accessories that elevate iPhone photography. Trusted worldwide, our products help users capture stunning visuals in any setting. Our blog provides tips, guides, and inspiration to enhance your creative journey, with advice and industry updates from our passionate team.
For more insights, explore the SANDMARC blog and find us on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok.
For more insights, explore the SANDMARC blog and find us on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok.