remained more hesitant about AI than competitors like Google, which has gone full-bore with the technology in their software, services, and smartphones. As Cupertino pulls the curtain back on Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 is the company’s first phone to integrate AI as a central feature, powering numerous new camera functions.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 (6.1-inch), iPhone 16 Plus (6.7-inch), iPhone 16 Pro (6.3-inch), and iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9-inch) open on Friday, and the devices will hit stores on September 20.
While the new models’ focus on AI features is not surprising, Apple is also introducing various new hardware-based camera controls.
The new camera control button is the first physical button the company has added to the iPhone in some time. Fast or sustained clicks can operate different functions, and the button recognizes multiple gestures with haptic feedback. Apple’s presentation showed how the new button can summon preview, zoom, and other camera controls within the iPhone’s main camera app
Holding the button activates a new AI feature Apple revealed this week, called Visual Intelligence, which will debut later this year. When users point the camera at objects like restaurants, billboards, or animals, the phone can instantly retrieve information about them. Apps like ChatGPT and Snapchat will also offer various functionalities powered by Visual Intelligence.
