Apple unveiled the iPhone 16, the first generation of its flagship phones purpose-built for generative artificial intelligence (AI). The announcement was made during Apple's annual hardware event on Monday (September 9) at the company's Cupertino, California headquarters. The event was teased with the cryptic motto of "It's glow time," hinting at the new AI capabilities of the iPhone 16.

The iPhone 16 is expected to revolutionize the way users interact with their devices. The new phone will feature Apple Intelligence, a set of features that will enable more natural conversations with Siri, help draft emails, make it easier to find specific moments in photo albums, and incorporate users' personal information into its responses. The company's task is to show iPhone users what that will look like in real life.

The new iPhone 16 models will include a new higher-performance A18 chip, created specifically for the new phones, which is up to 30% faster than the chip in the iPhone 15. This is to ensure the iPhone 16 can handle the increased data processing needs that will come with the new AI features without compromising battery life.

The iPhone 16 model will start at $799 for the version with a 6.1-inch screen and 128 gigabytes of memory, while the 16 Plus, with a 6.7-inch screen, will be priced at $899. Both models will be available starting September 20, 2024.

The new iPhone 16 is expected to give Apple a much-needed boost in sales, as the company has struggled to convince customers to upgrade their devices in recent years. With the introduction of the iPhone 16, Apple hopes to convince both customers and investors that it hasn't fallen behind in the AI arms race.

Tony Sandoval on The Breeze