Apple unveils the new iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max with Apple Intelligence starting at Rs 1.19 Lakhs

Apple has officially launched the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, introducing powerful new features, larger displays, and advanced camera capabilities.

These new models are powered by the A18 Pro chip, with cutting-edge Apple Intelligence technology bringing enhanced personal assistance while maintaining user privacy.

The new iPhone 16 Pro series also boasts improved graphics for immersive gaming, a refined camera system, and industry-leading durability.

iPhone 16 Pro launch: Pricing
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at Rs 1,19,900, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at Rs 1,44,900. Both models will be available in four finishes: black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium. Pre-orders open on September 13, with availability beginning on September 20 in more than 58 countries, including India, the US, the UK, and Japan.

iPhone 16 Pro launch: Apple Intelligence in iPhone 16 Pro series
One of the most notable additions is Apple Intelligence, a generative AI system designed to simplify everyday tasks. Apple Intelligence offers a range of features, from helping with writing tasks like editing and summarising notes to integrating seamlessly across apps. The system uses Private Cloud Compute, allowing tasks to be processed either on-device or in the cloud, ensuring both flexibility and privacy.

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Apple Intelligence brings new capabilities to Siri, offering a more natural and context-aware user experience. Siri can now track the flow of conversations, making it easier for users to switch between voice and text. The system also comes with advanced product knowledge, allowing Siri to answer thousands of queries about iPhone features and settings. These features will be available as part of a free software update, rolling out with iOS 18.1 in the coming months.

Initially available in US English, Apple Intelligence will later expand to support localised English in countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada, followed by additional languages such as French, Japanese, and Spanish in 2024. This new feature will be available across the iPhone 16 lineup, as well as on iPad and Mac devices with M1 chips or later.

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iPhone 16 Pro launch: The new A18 Pro Chip
The A18 Pro chip at the heart of the iPhone 16 Pro models is built with second-generation 3-nanometre technology, offering unprecedented efficiency and speed. With a new 16-core Neural Engine, the chip powers Apple Intelligence’s advanced features and enables high-speed performance across the device. The chip’s increased memory bandwidth also allows for faster graphics rendering and smoother gaming experiences, enhanced by hardware-accelerated ray tracing for realistic lighting and reflections.

The CPU is designed to handle complex tasks 15 per cent faster than the previous generation while using 20 per cent less power, contributing to the overall efficiency of the iPhone 16 Pro models. The A18 Pro also supports ProMotion and Always-On technologies for an improved viewing experience, while USB 3 speeds enable faster data transfers and pro workflows.

iPhone 16 Pro launch: Cameras, powered by AI
The iPhone 16 Pro models introduce a new 48MP Fusion camera with a faster quad-pixel sensor, capable of recording 4K video at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision, a first for iPhone. The new Ultra Wide camera supports higher-resolution photos, while the 5x Telephoto lens on both models enables clearer long-distance shots.

In addition to hardware improvements, Apple has introduced Camera Control, an innovative feature that enhances the camera system’s ease of use. With a tactile switch, users can quickly launch the camera, adjust settings like zoom and depth of field, and frame their shots. Later this year, Camera Control will be expanded to offer even more functionality, such as object recognition and integration with third-party apps like ChatGPT for extended problem-solving capabilities.

iPhone 16 Pro launch: Larger Displays and Durable Design
The iPhone 16 Pro models feature the largest displays ever on an iPhone, with the Pro boasting a 6.3-inch screen and the Pro Max coming in at 6.9 inches. The Super Retina XDR displays with Always-On and ProMotion technology deliver smooth visuals and enhanced user experience. Despite their larger size, both models are designed with lightweight titanium, offering a balance of strength and durability. Apple’s latest-generation Ceramic Shield adds an extra layer of protection, making the screens twice as tough as any other smartphone.

The internal architecture of the iPhone 16 Pro models has been optimised for better heat dissipation and power efficiency, leading to significant improvements in battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, in particular, offers the best battery life of any iPhone to date.

iPhone 16 Pro launch: Pro-Level Audio and Video Features
The iPhone 16 Pro series introduces studio-quality microphones and Spatial Audio for a more immersive listening experience. Users can now capture video in Spatial Audio, which can be enjoyed with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or surround sound systems. New editing tools, like Audio Mix, allow users to adjust sound quality post-capture, ensuring clearer voices and more professional audio settings.

For video enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max can now capture 4K video at 120 frames per second, enabling slow-motion and cinematic effects. These models also offer frame-by-frame colour grading in Dolby Vision for a professional-grade video editing experience. Users can capture and save ProRes video files directly to external storage, making the iPhone 16 Pro a powerful tool for photographers and videographers alike.

iPhone 16 Pro launch: Environmental Initiatives
Apple continues its push towards carbon neutrality with the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, designed with over 25 per cent recycled content. The internal structural frame is made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium, and the battery contains 100 per cent recycled cobalt. The packaging is entirely fibre-based, which aligns with Apple’s goal of eliminating plastic from its packaging by 2025.