As we inch closer to the iPhone 16 launch event in early September 2024, I can’t help but think how the iPhone 16 isn’t just another smartphone for Apple. Having played around with every iPhone launched over the past decade, I’ve seen Apple evolve from a simple smartphone company to a modern day big tech behemoth.
From the legendary reveal by the late Steve Jobs, who introduced the original iPhone as a combination of three devices: a mobile phone, an iPod with touch controls, and an internet communicator. Over the years, each new iPhone iteration has brought something new to the table: from the truly game-changing App Store to the stunning Retina displays, with lots of iterative upgrades to the iPhone’s core feature set. But for some reason the iPhone 16 feels different. It feels like a turning point.
Also read: iPhone 16 launch event: Date, time, new devices, live streaming and other details
For Apple, the iPhone 16 is shaping up to be more than just another smartphone. It’s a statement. A declaration that they’re ready to enter the world of Gen AI and compete with other smartphone biggies who have had a head start. While the likes of Google and Samsung have been making strides in AI-powered devices, Apple has been relatively quiet so far, as is their wont. Until, of course, the big reveal of the iPhone 16. The whole world, including me, will be looking forward to seeing how the iPhone 16 – Apple’s first ever Gen AI iPhone – will deliver on the AI front.
I’ve always admired Apple’s knack for entering a market late but doing it with a bang. Remember when they launched the iPod? It wasn’t the first MP3 player to launch in the market, but it was undoubtedly the best selling one. Same can be said about Apple’s iPad and Apple Watch wearable, exemplifying the company’s strategic later mover advantage. Late to the party by design, but sweeping the markets with a ‘better offering’. Apple will be hoping the iPhone 16 will be their iPod, iPad or Watch moment in the AI space.
I’ve been particularly excited about the upcoming AI advancements in the iPhone 16. Not just making a more intelligent Siri or enhancing AI photography capabilities, Apple is making a significant foray into the realm of artificial intelligence like never before with the introduction of Apple Intelligence, announced at WWDC 2024. Teaming up with OpenAI, Apple Intelligence will integrate ChatGPT into iPhone 16’s operating system – iOS 18 and beyond – to enhance user experience like never before. Siri will utilise ChatGPT’s intelligence with user consent, while writing tools and image generation features will be accessible system-wide natively without having to jump between different apps.
Despite speculation that not all features would be rolled out with the iPhone 16, the tech giant is sticking to its fall 2024 release timeline, as confirmed by current iOS 18 beta versions. The infusion of Apple Intelligence into the iPhone ecosystem should hopefully reimagine the scope of Gen AI use cases and applications for the entire smartphone industry to draw inspiration from – if Apple gets this right.
The Gen AI-based iPhone 16 should aim to simplify daily life, while prioritising user privacy, and offer an array of exciting capabilities thanks to Apple Intelligence – such as composing emails, firing up natural language searches, and even generating personalised memory movies based on user prompts. All this Gen AI goodness will reportedly be free of charge for at least three years, as plans for a paid subscription model for Apple Intelligence won’t arrive until at least 2027, according to a CNBC report – in stark contrast to Google Gemini Advanced, Microsoft Copilot Pro or even OpenAI ChatGPT Plus’ monthly $20 subscription cost. Upcoming iOS 18 beta releases are expected to introduce exciting new tools like Genmoji, Image Playground, and expanded ChatGPT integration into the iPhone 16, further setting the stage for Apple’s AI vision.
However, it’s essential to manage expectations. Not all of Apple Intelligence’s anticipated Generative AI features will be available on day one of the launch for the iPhone 16 series. According to the latest reports, the full suite of AI capabilities will only become available through subsequent updates, with the first major rollout expected in October alongside iOS 18.1. Additionally, the flagship Apple Intelligence features will fully materialise only by late 2024 or the first half of 2025, according to Bloomberg. It’s also worth noting that older models, including last year’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, won’t be compatible with Apple Intelligence, highlighting a clear technological leap in Apple’s AI integration strategy.
Also read: Is your iPhone ready for Apple Intelligence? Here’s a list of supported devices
Despite the delay, there’s always a risk of things not going according to plan. Apple isn’t immune to overpromising and under delivering at times. I remember the initial hype around the iPhone X and its Face ID feature. While it was impressive, it wasn’t as seamless as advertised. In a bid to replace Google Maps, Apple Maps was rushed out of the door but it wasn’t very good in its early days. Apple’s ambitious AI plans could either redefine the user experience or fall short of the sky-high expectations they’ve set since WWDC 2024. The success of the iPhone 16 will depend not just on the grandeur of its features but on Apple’s ability to execute them flawlessly, proving that despite coming late they’re ready to make a huge splash in the Gen AI revolution as only they can.
But I’m willing to give Apple the benefit of the doubt. Despite minor speed bumps every now and then, they’ve proven time and again that they can deliver groundbreaking products on an unprecedented scale. And if the iPhone 16 is truly the AI powerhouse they’re making it out to be, it promises to have a game-changing effect on the rest of the smartphone pack.
