Reviewing the iPhone 16 | The Vergecast
18 Sep 2024 (1 day ago)
iPhone 16 Lineup
- The iPhone 16 lineup includes four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Allison Johnson reviewed the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, while Nei Patel reviewed the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Pro Features
- The iPhone 16 Pro has 8 GB of RAM which supports Apple intelligence, while the regular iPhone 16 does not.
- The iPhone 16 Pro camera is significantly better than the regular iPhone 16 camera as it can capture more light and has bigger pixels.
Apple's Approach to Photography
- Apple is encouraging users to experiment with the new photographic styles and figure out what they want their photos to look like.
- Apple's new camera technology allows for significant control over image processing, including adjusting shadows, HDR, and skin tones.
Styles Feature
- The new Styles feature, while more advanced, is ultimately perceived as similar to Instagram filters.
- Setting up Styles involves selecting four photos as a baseline, which can be a philosophically challenging process when considering factors like skin tone.
iPhone 16 Camera Settings
- Apple iPhones now offer a "Tone" setting to adjust HDR processing.
- The default camera setting on the iPhone 16 further emphasizes HDR compared to the iPhone 15, resulting in brighter images with less contrast.
Concerns with iPhone 16 Camera Settings
- While the iPhone 16 provides more control over image processing, the default settings might not be universally appealing, potentially leading to user dissatisfaction, especially for those upgrading from the iPhone 15.
- The default camera settings on the iPhone 16 are very important because of the complexity of the pro settings.
Camera Control Sensitivity
- The camera control's sensitivity can lead to unintentional adjustments to settings.
- iOS 18 allows users to launch the camera app in multiple ways, including using the shutter button, camera control button, lock screen button, action button, and by sliding on the lock screen.
iPhone 16 Video Recording Features
- A new audio mix feature allows for the adjustment of audio channels in videos after recording, including the ability to isolate or reduce background noise.
- The iPhone 16 Pro boasts 4K video recording at 120 frames per second, log shooting capabilities, and compatibility with external drives, enhancing its professional video recording capabilities.
iPhone 16 as a Professional Video Camera
- Despite its advanced video recording features, the iPhone's identity as a personal device with iCloud integration and software geared towards individual use presents a contrast to its potential as a professional video camera.
- Apple's approach to phone photography centers around capturing and "celebrating" real moments as they happened.
Apple's Philosophy on Photography
- John McCormack, Apple's VP of camera software engineering, believes a photograph is "a personal celebration of something that really actually happened".
- Apple is focused on capturing all the details in a photo, prioritizing accurate representation over aesthetic preferences, even if it means sacrificing aspects like shadows and highlights.
Apple's Approach to Customization
- Apple allows for extensive customization of the home screen, even if it results in an undesirable outcome from their perspective.
- Apple has not yet adopted a photo verification standard like C2PA, which aims to verify the authenticity and origin of photos, including whether they were AI-generated.
iPhone 16 Battery Life
- While initial battery life on the iPhone 16 models seems good, there are concerns about long-term battery health, particularly based on past experiences with the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro models.
Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple released a new Apple Watch Series 10 that is thinner, bigger, and lighter than previous models.
- The Series 10 watch has a larger screen size, which is consistent with the trend of larger smart watch screens.
Apple Watch Series 10 Design
- Despite the larger screen size, the Series 10 watch may feel smaller due to its thinner and lighter design.
- The Apple Watch Series 10, in its 46mm size, has the largest display area of any Apple Watch, surpassing even the Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple Watch Series 10 Comfort
- The Apple Watch Series 10 is thinner and lighter than the Apple Watch Ultra, making it more comfortable to wear, especially during physical activities like running.
- The price difference between the high-end Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra is becoming less significant, making it more difficult for consumers to decide which model to purchase.
Apple Watch Battery Life
- The Apple Watch Ultra has significantly better battery life than the Apple Watch Series 10, lasting up to two days without charging.
- Fast charging on the Apple Watch can be inconsistent, as it depends on the charger and accessories used.
Apple Watch Series 10 Speakers
- The Apple Watch Series 10 has a new speaker, but it is not very loud and is best suited for phone calls or listening in quiet environments.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 speakers are not loud enough to be annoying in public, but they are sufficient for listening to short audio clips.
Apple Watch Series 10 Buttons
- The Apple Watch Series 10 has larger buttons compared to previous models, which is beneficial for individuals with long nails.
- Upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 10 in the US will result in the loss of the blood oxygen feature.
Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature
- V does not think most people use the blood oxygen app on the Apple Watch.
- V thinks the titanium Apple Watch is nice because it is lighter than the stainless steel version and looks just like it.
AirPods 4 with Noise Cancellation
- Chris Welch has been testing both the standard AirPods 4 and the new AirPods 4 with noise cancellation.
- Apple AirPods have been redesigned slightly using data from 50 million ear scans.
AirPods Pro Noise Cancellation
- The AirPods Pro now include active noise cancellation (ANC), a feature previously unavailable in open-ear headphones.
- While not as effective as over-ear noise-canceling headphones, the ANC in the AirPods Pro reduces noise by approximately 30-40%, most noticeable when listening to music.
AirPods Transparency Mode
- Apple AirPods have a new transparency mode that allows users to hear their surroundings and music simultaneously.
- Apple AirPods have noise cancellation, transparency mode, and conversation awareness features.
AirPods H2 Chip
- The H2 chip in the new AirPods is responsible for improved sound quality, especially bass response, and features like voice isolation.
- Apple products can automatically switch between devices, but this feature can sometimes pair to the wrong device at an inconvenient time.
AirPods Max Headphones
- Apple has released AirPods Max headphones with a USBC port and new colors, but there are no other upgrades.
- The iPhone 14 is available with or without active noise cancellation, and the active noise cancellation feature is worth the extra cost.
Switching from iPhone to Pixel Fold
- A person states that they are due for a phone upgrade and are considering switching from Apple to Google's Pixel ecosystem, specifically the Pixel Fold, after being a long-time iPhone user.
- Allison Johnson highlights the Pixel Fold's unique features, such as its dual-screen functionality and customization options, as compelling reasons to switch.
Transitioning from iOS to Android
- Johnson argues that the transition from iOS to Android is smoother than many believe, with similar features and functionalities, and that the improved integration with Google services on a Pixel device enhances the user experience.
- Google's Pixel ecosystem, including the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel 9, has significantly improved, offering a strong alternative to Apple's ecosystem.
Google vs. Apple Ecosystem
- While Apple's ecosystem might be slightly more integrated, Google's ecosystem, utilizing technologies like Fast Pair and Nearby Share, offers a wider range of compatible devices.
- Google's AI assistant, Gemini, despite some flaws, is currently more advanced than Apple's Siri, making it a potentially better choice for users interested in AI features.
The Verge Coverage
- The Verge has extensive coverage of various tech topics, including reviews, AirPods' hearing health features, Apple Watch's sleep apnea features, and camera buttons.
- People can find this coverage on TheVerge.com or by searching for specific bylines.
The Vergecast
- The Vergecast is produced by Liam James, Will Powers, and Eric Gomez, and is a part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.