Introduction
Get familiar with iPhone 16 features to see why people in the UAE want to buy it.
As you know, Apple has an annual upgrade each year and offers exciting features each time. iPhone 16 was released on September 20, 2024, and is considered a revolution in terms of features, and you can expect something completely new.
The iPhone 16 comes in four models: the standard iPhone 16, the larger iPhone 16 Plus, the high-end iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is even larger than the Plus model.
All the models are equipped with next-gen hardware and software features, especially AI capabilities.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss all the features of the iPhone 16 and help you decide whether it’s worth paying AED 3,999 to AED 6,799 for it.
Top iPhone 16 Features
Here are the 10 most important features of the iPhone 16:
1. Apple Intelligence & A18 Chip: Smarter, Faster, More Private AI
The most important improvement in iPhone 16 is Apple Intelligence and a suite of AI and machine learning capabilities.
As you know, most AI systems use cloud-based approaches, but Apple Intelligence processes data locally. This way, you can be sure that your private information stays private.
The reason why this generation of iPhones can run this huge amount of processing is the A18 chip.
It includes a 16-core Neural Engine capable of 35 trillion operations per second. To understand its power, take a look at some of its capabilities:
- Instant text summarization
- Smart photo editing
- Auto-reply suggestions
- AI-assisted app actions without needing a network connection
Overall, Apple Intelligence has made the iPhone 16 more responsive, proactive, and helpful compared to previous generations of iPhones.
2. Camera Control Button: Pro-Level Control at Your Fingertips
Another great feature of the iPhone 16 is a camera button located near the power button on the right side of the device. You can see it on all models of iPhone 16, from the standard to Pro Max.
Here is a summary of its functions:
| Action | Function |
|---|---|
| Single Tap | Instantly launch the Camera app |
| Light Press | Switch between front and rear cameras |
| Slide | Zoom in/out, adjust focus or change exposure |
| Firm Press | Capture a photo |
| Press & Hold | Start recording a video |
This button offers intuitive, tactile control similar to a physical camera shutter and helps both professional and casual photographers to have faster access and greater control of their moments.
3. Macro & Spatial Video: Get Closer and Go Deeper
Apart from this Control Button, the camera setup of the iPhone 16 has undergone significant enhancement.
Its camera layout has vertically aligned lenses on all models to enable two major upgrades:
- Macro photography: You can capture stunning close-ups with rich detail.
- Spatial video recording: You can shoot immersive, 3D-style video content for playback on devices like Apple Vision Pro.
Overall, the iPhone 16 has revolutionized the photography setup even on standard models. Here is a summary of its features for photography:
| Feature | iPhone 16 / 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP wide, 1.0µm pixels, ƒ/1.6 aperture | 48MP wide, 1.22µm quad-pixel sensor, ƒ/1.78 |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, 1.4µm pixels, ƒ/2.4, 120° FOV, autofocus | 12MP, 1.4µm pixels, ƒ/2.2, autofocus |
| Telephoto Lens | ❌ | 12MP, 5x optical zoom (Pro Max only), ƒ/2.8 |
| Macro Photography | ✅ | ✅ |
| Spatial Video Recording | ✅ | ✅ |
| Camera Control Button | ✅ Physical button | ✅ |
| Night Mode | Available (main & ultra-wide) | Enhanced with LiDAR and Smart HDR 5 |
| LiDAR Scanner | ❌ | ✅ |
| Front Camera | 12MP, ƒ/1.9, TrueDepth | 12MP, ƒ/1.9, TrueDepth + Face ID improvements |
| Video Recording | 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, HDR, Cinematic Mode | Same, with ProRes and LOG video on Pro models |
4. Ultra-Wide Lens with Autofocus: Sharper, Brighter Shots
Apple significantly upgraded the ultra-wide lens in the iPhone 16. Its autofocus technology lets you have group shots and landscapes that are crisper than ever.
It also features larger 1.4-micron pixels that capture more light. As a result, you’ll have clearer, less grainy photos, especially in dark or low-light settings.
In other words, you have beautiful, wide shots day or night, without needing extra gear or editing.
5. Action Button: Custom Control That Works for You
The Action Button was previously exclusive to Pro models. However, Apple has added this feature to all iPhone 16 versions.
It’s a customizable shortcut that you can assign to actions you use frequently. For example, if you’re using mute/unmute, apps like Camera, or voice memo, many times, you can use this small button to have more flexibility.
6. USB-C & Wi‑Fi 7: Modern Connectivity at Last
Apple has officially moved to USB-C on all the iPhone 16 models, while in the previous generations, only Pro models had USB-C. As a result, you have one cable for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This gives you faster charging and data transfer in file sharing and accessories.
Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max support Wi‑Fi 7, while the iPhone 15 only supports Wi-Fi 6E. This makes the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max great for gaming and streaming.
7. Best Battery Life Yet: Go Further Between Charges
Battery life is another milestone of the iPhone 16. It’s the best battery performance in all generations. Here is a detailed comparison between the battery life of various generations of iPhone:
| Model | Battery Size | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | ~3,279 mAh | 20 hours |
| iPhone 15 | ~3,349 mAh | 20 hours |
| iPhone 16 | ~3,400 mAh | 22 hours |
| iPhone 14 Plus | ~4,325 mAh | 26 hours |
| iPhone 15 Plus | ~4,383 mAh | 26 hours |
| iPhone 16 Plus | ~4,500 mAh | 27 hours |
| iPhone 15 Pro | ~3,274 mAh | 23 hours |
| iPhone 16 Pro | ~3,150 mAh | 23 hours |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | ~4,422 mAh | 29 hours |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | ~4,676 mAh | 29 hours |
As you see, you have more time to commute, play, or listen to music.
8. Liquid Glass UI: Sleek, Dynamic Visuals in iOS 26
Liquid Glass UI is the new design style in iOS 26. As it comes from the name, it’s almost like you’re looking through a piece of polished glass
It has changed how your iPhone looks and feels with a shinier screen. Also, you have a clearer and 3D-like appearance. Here are some of the benefits of this feature:
- Smoother animations: Menus and apps open and close more beautifully
- Reflective, layered look: Feels more modern and “alive” visually
- Better transitions: Switching apps or screens feels more natural
- Consistent across apps: All apps feel like they’re part of one clean system
- Light-responsive effects: Your screen subtly reacts to how light hits it
9. Smart AI Tools in iOS 26: A More Helpful Phone
Thanks to Apple Intelligence, iOS 26 includes next-level features:
- Genmoji: Create unique AI-powered emojis of anything
- Image Playground: Generate and edit images with simple prompts
- Siri 2.0: Context-aware and more helpful than ever
- Live Translate: Speak and get real-time translations
- Math Notes: Write equations by hand in the Calculator—solved instantly
These tools turn your iPhone into a smart assistant, creative companion, and productivity powerhouse.
10. Eco-Friendly Design & Rugged Build: Strong and Sustainable
Apple doubled down on sustainability and durability. It was made with 100% recycled copper and gold, 95% recycled lithium, and recycled aluminum.
Also, It has a durable ceramic shield front and IP68 water resistance, making it a strong mobile.
iPhone 16 Price in the UAE
The price of the iPhone 16 depends on various factors, including the model and the storage. The following table compares the price of various models of the iPhone 16:
| Model | Storage | Official Apple Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 128 GB | 3,399 |
| 256 GB | 3,799 | |
| 512 GB | 4,649 | |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 128 GB | 3,799 |
| 256 GB | 4,199 | |
| 512 GB | 5,049 | |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 128 GB | 4,299 |
| 256 GB | 4,699 | |
| 512 GB | 5,549 | |
| 1 TB | 6,399 | |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 256 GB | 5,099 |
| 512 GB | 5,949 | |
| 1 TB | 6,799 |
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?
The iPhone 16 isn’t just faster or prettier than previous generations of iPhones. It’s smarter and more intuitive. If you’re using an iPhone 12, 13, or even 14, you will be excited about the enhancements in AI capabilities, camera controls, battery life, and connectivity in iPhone 16. You’re not just getting a new phone, you’re getting a more personal assistant, a better camera, and a faster hub for your digital life. This is a popular mobile in Dubai and other cities of the UAE. If you’re looking for a luxurious mobile, you just need to afford to pay something between AED 4,000 to AED 7,000.
FAQs
It features Apple Intelligence (on-device AI), a camera control button, USB-C, and improved battery life.
It can summarize texts, edit photos with AI, shoot spatial video, and customize controls with the new Action and Camera buttons.
iOS 16 (2022) introduced lock screen customization, Live Activities, and enhanced Messages—not to be confused with iOS 26 on iPhone 16.
It adds the A18 Pro chip, 5x telephoto zoom, Wi‑Fi 7, ProRAW/ProRes support, and spatial video recording.
