Say all you want about Apple's perceived lack of flair at It's Glowtime, but the tech giant did add a nice touch – pun intended – to its latest flagship devices.
The iPhone 16 line-up is set to usher in a new era for the world's most valuable company by market cap, as it taps into generative artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and creativity within its ecosystem.
The National takes an initial dive into two of the devices from the line-up – the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max – the top bets in their respective price tiers. We were able to play around with them for a couple of days and here are our initial impressions.
Hardware revival
Remember when Apple caused a ruckus by deciding to remove key hardware elements on its devices? It seems the company now thinks adding more physical properties is cool again.
The Action Button is back, first introduced exclusively on the iPhone 15 Pro models. This time, it is available across the board on the iPhone 16 line-up. One click with this and you will be able to activate a specific action, depending on what you choose – or do nothing at all.
But the most intriguing addition is Camera Control, a depressed button just below the power button on the right side. And as the name implies, you do have an idea what it does.
A normal press launches the camera, ditto for taking a shot. Simple enough, right? But the real trick lies when you go easy on it, so to speak.
A light double press reveals an overlay that gives you access to camera controls and settings – hence the name – and sliding your finger over the button lets you choose which function, such as zoom and depth, to use.
Sure, these are controls you would normally see on a camera app's interface – we say “a” because Camera Control will also work on third-party apps, not just the iPhone's – but Apple seems to be aiming for a more natural feel of how you would hold a regular camera, with Camera Control acting as the shutter button.
Another key action it provides is that you will now be able to take selfies using the main camera with an easy press on Camera Control. The drawback here is that you will not be able to see what you are taking, so if you are looking for the right angle – and for those who are camera conscious – it might take a few shots.
Camera Control has a learning curve; it eliminates the need to swipe through the screen to adjust controls, and we're pretty sure it will be easy for you to get the hang of it.
Which also begs the question: what about their protective cases? Well, Apple has developed a new generation of those that work seamlessly with Camera Control. It is impressive how the cases are able to accurately sense your finger movements, if we are being honest.
Camera Control's positioning is also hit or miss; normally you would use your index finger, but may end up using the middle one, particularly on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which, at 6.9 inches, is Apple's biggest smartphone by far.
Going bigger
Which brings us to our next point: the iPhone 16 Pro Max is heavier on the scales again, after significantly dropping in weight last year: it is up at 227g, from the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 221g, but still lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 240g. It is also a tad thicker and wider.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro's display has also been bumped up to 6.3 inches, from the 6.1-inch display that has been used for four years since the iPhone 12 Pro. We see this as a good move to further distinguish the base Pro model from the base non-Pro model, which have been at par since the iPhone 11.
The bigger display has also resulted in even thinner bezels, with some estimates pegging it at 1.15mm; while it may not sound like much given how minuscule it is, that is actually nearly a quarter smaller than its predecessor's 1.5mm. The result is a big display that truly lives up to its Max moniker. The iPhone 16 Plus, meanwhile, remains at 6.7 inches.
Battery
So far, the iPhone 16 Pro Max holds up well when it comes to battery life; the latest Pro and Pro Max models promise up to 27 hours and 33 hours of juice, respectively, up from the 23 and 29 hours of its predecessors.
In our one-hour YouTube-at-full-brightness test, it used 6 per cent – the third Pro Max in a row we have come up with the same results. Battery lasts well into a second day.
Charging, on the other hand, showed the device going up to 55 per cent in half an hour – better than the promised 50 per cent but below the 60 per cent got last year – with a 30W power brick and the power noodle out of the box.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, on the other hand, now have up to 22 hours and 27 hours of battery, respectively, compared to last year's versions that had 20 hours and 26 hours. The 16 Plus was not far behind in our YouTube test at 7 per cent, and it also lasted at par with the 16 Pro Max.
It did, however, outperform the 16 Pro Max in the charging department, shooting up to 58 per cent in 30 minutes, using the same charging gear.
Where is Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence, highlighted at the Worldwide Developers Conference and It's Glowtime in a big way, is, unfortunately, still currently unavailable, and will only be rolled out in, as Apple promised, the iOS 18.1 update coming in October.
Until then, we will have to wait. But a closer look at it shows a really promising proposition for Apple's ecosystem and its loyal fan base dependent on it.
But, to re-emphasise, Apple Intelligence will help users with productivity, activity and creativity, using machine learning built into the devices.
The iOS 18.1 update is expected to include Writing Tools (summarising, proofreading content), Clean Up, Memory movie creation and natural language search in Photos, notification summaries, Reduce Interruptions Focus (which prioritises notifications), message priorities in Mail, Smart Reply and Summaries in Mail and Messages, and an overhaul of Siri that makes it more accurate.
The update will come out in October, and more Apple Intelligence features will be rolled out in 2025, though Apple has not given any specific time frame.
Initial verdict
The new iPhone 16 devices are quick and, without a doubt, Apple's most powerful and most flexible, considering the combination of additional hardware and what we expect to be a powerful generative AI platform.
We will never know if Apple had really planned to make Apple Intelligence unavailable from the get-go. But intended or not, they were still able to give us something to gleam over with Camera Control; take that out of the equation and you can make the argument that the iPhone 16 is, pound-for-pound, a token upgrade.
But look deeper and Apple did make moves to give more bang for your buck – remember, it kept prices steady again for the fourth year in a row – with bigger screen sizes for the Pros, the latest processors across the board (though the Pro models have the higher A18 Pro chips).
We will revisit this once we have fully tested out its performance, battery and camera. And, of course, we will surely be there when Apple Intelligence finally makes its debut.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The biog
Full name: Aisha Abdulqader Saeed
Age: 34
Emirate: Dubai
Favourite quote: "No one has ever become poor by giving"
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Price, base / as tested Dh207,846 / Dh220,000
Engine 6.2L V8
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Power 420hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque 624Nm @ 4,100rpm
Fuel economy, combined 13.5L / 100km
Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
Basquiat in Abu Dhabi
One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier.
It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.
“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October
Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Director: Romany Saad
Starring: Mirfat Amin, Boumi Fouad and Tariq Al Ibyari
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
