Everything you need to know about the iPhone 16 release

Victory Emmanuel -

Apple has just unveiled the iPhone 16 series, introducing four new models: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. CEO Tim Cook described these devices as being "designed from the ground up" with Apple Intelligence at their core.

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, now available in five colours (white, black, ultramarine (blue), teal (green), and pink) bring a fresh vertical camera layout, an Action button for more versatile functionality, and a new Camera Control key that enhances photography and quick access to Visual Intelligence.

The Pro models push the boundaries further with larger displays—6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max—powered by the new A18 Pro chipset. Prices start at $799 for the iPhone 16, while the Pro models begin at $999. Pre-orders open on September 13, with sales starting on September 20.

In this overview, we'll highlight the key upgrades, pricing, and availability in Africa, giving you everything you need to know.

iPhone 16 colours

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus highlights

Apple announced at the Sept. 9 event that the iPhone 16 models feature:

  • Design and Durability: The back design has been refreshed, now featuring a 50% tougher Ceramic Shield display for added durability.
  • Camera Features: The vertically-aligned cameras support Spatial Photo and Video recording, making them VR headset-ready. The new Camera Control button allows you to tweak camera settings without touching the screen. The main camera is a 48MP shooter with in-sensor 2x zoom, paired with a 12MP ultrawide camera that now includes autofocus and macro mode.
  • Display: The display offers a brightness range between 1 to 2000 nits and comes in two sizes—6.1 inches for the iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches for the iPhone 16 Plus, mirroring last year’s models.
  • Chip Upgrade: The iPhone 16 series is powered by the new A18 chip, which offers more CPU and GPU cores, a faster Neural Engine, and additional memory, all while improving efficiency. Gamers will appreciate the hardware ray-tracing acceleration, making it possible to play AAA titles like Resident Evil and Assassin's Creed on a standard model.
  • Visual Intelligence: The Camera Control button also provides quick access to Visual Intelligence, a feature that lets you identify objects in real-time via your camera. However, this feature won’t be available at launch.
  • Battery: The iPhone 16 boasts a larger battery, although details about the iPhone 16 Plus’s battery were not disclosed.
  • Charging: MagSafe wireless charging is now faster, with 25W charging pucks, and the iPhone 16 series is compatible with the Qi2 standard, allowing for broader accessory compatibility.
iPhone 16 features.

iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max highlights

Here's everything Apple revealed at the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" event for its Pro-tier models:

  • Larger Displays: The iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a 6.9-inch screen, both offering the largest displays ever on an iPhone.
  • Ultra-Thin Bezels: The new ultra-thin bezels enhance the visual appeal and maximise screen space for a more immersive experience.
  • Camera Control Button: A new button allows you to easily access and control the camera, along with the Visual Intelligence feature, which uses AI to provide insights about your surroundings.
  • Visual Intelligence: Apple’s new AI-driven feature helps you learn more about the world using the camera and advanced artificial intelligence.
  • Improved Chassis: The redesigned chassis with a graphite-clad aluminum substructure enhances thermal efficiency by 20%, boosting performance for AI tasks and gaming.
  • Longer Battery Life: Both models come with larger batteries, promising the best battery life ever seen on an iPhone.
  • A18 Pro Chipset: The new A18 Pro chip offers more power, better efficiency, and faster USB-C data transfer, optimizing performance for Apple Intelligence's on-device AI.
  • Advanced Camera System: The 48MP Fusion Camera includes a 2x digital telephoto zoom and a 48MP ultrawide camera with a larger quad-pixel sensor, capable of 4K video recording at 120fps and new Cinematic slow-motion mode.
  • 5x Tetraprism Telephoto: The iPhone 16 Pro features a 5x tetraprism telephoto lens, although the Pro Max does not include significant telephoto upgrades this year.
  • New Colour Options: Available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and the all-new Desert Titanium.
iPhone 16 Pro phones.

iPhone 16 Pricing and Availability

Here’s the official global pricing for the iPhone 16 series:

  • iPhone 16: Starts around $799 (₦1,321,506)
  • iPhone 16 Plus: Starts around $899 (₦1,486,901)
  • iPhone 16 Pro: Starts around $999 (₦1,652,296)
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max: Starts around $1,199 (₦1,983,086)

Pre-orders begin on September 13 via the Apple Store, with general availability on September 20. Apple also offers up to $1,000 in credit on a carrier deal when you trade in an older iPhone, while non-carrier deals offer between $180 and $650 in trade-in credit.

In Africa, the iPhone 16 series will be available through multiple channels:

  • Authorised resellers in major cities across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and other countries.
  • Online platforms like Jumia, Konga, and Takealot are also expected to list the new models.

This article will be updated as new information becomes available.