Highlights
- Apple’s iPhone 16 series will have significant differences between the U.S. and European models.
- Different models are being launched due to regional regulations.
- There will be a total of 8 different iPhones released.
The upcoming iPhone 16 lineup is turning out to be quite different this year. What version of the iPhone 16 you will get entirely depends on where you are in the world.
We have the EU Digital Market Act to thank for this.
Let’s understand different iPhone models and their variations.
iPhone 16 series will have four handsets –
- the iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
While all iPhone 16 models may look identical at first glance, there are significant differences in software and features in different regions.
The user experience of iPhones will be vastly different depending on where the device is purchased.
iPhone 16 users in Europe will get more control over their devices, although they won’t be getting access to Apple’s latest AI-powered features.
On the contrary, the US iPhone 16 users will benefit from the full capabilities of Apple Intelligence.
Though in the US iPhone users won’t have the same level of customization available.
So, we will have four phones of the iPhone 16 series for the American market and four phones of the iPhone 16 series for the European market.
That makes a total of 8 different iPhone 16 series models for Apple to produce.
All these models will be powered by Apple’s latest A18 or A18 Pro chipsets.
These are expected to get at least 8GB of RAM.
Apple specifically designed the specs of the iPhone 16 series phone to support Apple’s new AI platform, Apple Intelligence.
This is an important step towards achieving processing power and machine learning capabilities for new iPhones.
The difference between the iPhone 16 models in the U.S. and Europe creates one clear fragmentation within Apple’s product lineup.
iPhone 16 Series with No App Store in EU
It is the European Union’s (EU) Digital Market Act that compels Apple to make sure that the upcoming iOS 18 update will allow iPhone 16 users complete control over their devices.
This unprecedented legislation requires Apple to open up its ecosystem.
It required tech giant companies like Apple to allow its users to uninstall default apps, including the App Store, and replace them with third-party alternatives.
Not only that, but “in future software updates, users will get new default settings for dialling phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and call spam filters,” Apple promised.
For example, an iPhone 16 in the EU could run Chrome instead of Safari, AltStore instead of the App Store, and Google Wallet for contactless payments.
These changes reflect a significant shift in how European users can customize their iPhones.
Apple confirmed, “By the end of this year, we’ll make changes to the browser choice screen, default apps, and app deletion for iOS and iPadOS for users in the EU. These updates come from our ongoing and continuing dialogue with the European Commission about compliance with the Digital Market Act’s requirements in these areas.”
iPhone 16 Series With Apple Intelligence in the US
While European users will get complete device control and customisation, U.S. iPhone 16 users will have access to the full suite of Apple Intelligence features.
These AI-powered capabilities include advanced typing suggestions for Siri, smart messaging replies, mail summaries, and a new Clean Up tool for photo editing, similar to Google’s Magic Eraser.
These features are designed to enhance the user experience with on-device AI processing.
However, due to the EU’s stringent AI regulations, Apple has decided not to roll out Apple Intelligence in Europe.
The company is citing unspecified “security compromises” as the reason for withholding these features.
In total, Apple will be releasing two versions of these iPhones, which means a total of eight different iPhone models.
Every iPhone has been trailer-made to comply with regional laws and regulations.
As the iPhone 16 series launches on September 9, customers in different regions will need to consider these variations when choosing their next device
How does the EU Digital Market Act Influences iPhones?
The European Commission has expanded its General Data Protection Regulation.
The act is now a much more robust framework.
It is now framed to focus on user personal privacy, security, and consumer choice.
A part of this framework is the Digital Markets Act.
It required tech giants such as Apple to allow users more control over their purchased devices.
This means Apple has to keep the door of alternatives open for its users.
And there is the AI Act.
It demands transparency and imposes restrictions on AI models designed for general use.
This includes platforms like OpenAI, Google Gemini, and Apple’s own AI initiative.
Tech giants such as Meta, Apple, Google, and OpenAI have all expressed concerns and are not pleased with these new regulations.
They have even threatened to withhold their AI-powered services from European users.
The Apple Intelligence suite was announced at WWDC, Apple indicated that these features might not be available in Europe due to “security compromises.”
iPhone 16 Series – Key Features To Expect?
- All iPhone 16 models will be equipped with the new A18 Pro chip.
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will retain their existing screen sizes.
- iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature larger displays, 6.3 inches and Pro 6.9 inches respectively.
- A new dedicated “Capture Button” is expected.
- Advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities are expected.
- Enhanced machine learning
- AI-driven features are expected.
- The iPhone 16 series is rumoured to have substantial camera upgrades.
- Camera features include better low-light performance, improved optical zoom, and enhanced image stabilization, offering superior photo and video quality.
- Pro and Pro Max to introduce new colours, including a distinctive bronze-like shade, likely to be named ‘Desert Titanium.’
- Pro models are expected to come in white, black, gold, and grey.
iPhone 16 Specs
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Display
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Camera
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Technical
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Connectivity
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Battery
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FAQs
Q1. What’s the difference between iPhone 16 in Europe and iPhone 16 in the US?
Answer. iPhone 16 users in Europe will get more control over their devices, although they won’t be getting access to Apple’s latest AI-powered features.
On the contrary, the US iPhone 16 users will benefit from the full capabilities of Apple Intelligence.
Though in the US iPhone users won’t have the same level of customization available.
Q2. When is the iPhone 16 series coming out?
Answer. The iPhone 16 series is all set to be launched in September 2024, with Apple announcing the final date of September 9.
Q3. What models will be included in the iPhone 16 series?
Answer. The iPhone 16 series will likely include four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
However, all four iPhones will have different versions released in both the EU and the US.
Q4. What are the new Color’s coming to iPhone 16 on the September Apple event ?
Answer. Apple’s color lineup for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus looks significantly bolder than last year’s options.
The image above features dummy units from Sonny Dickson.
Yellow is being replaced by white, but the other core colors all stay the same—though with greater saturation this year.
Black
Blue
Green
Pink
White
Q5. Is A18 chip supercharged for Apple Intelligence ?
Answer. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, which will gain the new A18 chip. The shift this year is expected to be driven by the high demands of Apple Intelligence.
There are so many advantages to everyday tasks that stand to benefit from a new chip.
New chips bring efficiency improvements which could cause battery benefits.
Q6. What is iPhone 16 release date ?
Answer. Apple is expected to follow its typical schedule for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhones will be introduced at the September 9 event.
Pre-orders should go live at the end of that week, on Friday, September 13.
The new iPhones should then arrive in users’ hands and retail stores one week later, on Friday, September 20.
Q7. What are the new apple intelligence features on the IPhone 16?
Answer. Apple Intelligence support on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will also enable the following features:
- AI writing tools for proofreading, rewriting, and more
- Genmoji and other image generation tools
- Notification summaries and priority notifications
- Photos features like Memory movie creation and clean-up
- System-wide ChatGPT writing assistance
- Apple Mail Priority messages
- Smart reply suggestions
- Recording and Safari webpage summaries
Q8. Are the displays not changing on the iPhone 16?
Answer. The iPhone 16 will feature a 6.1-inch display and the 16 Plus a 6.7-inch, just like last year’s models.
Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro Series Rumoured to Feature New Colours and Capture Button
Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro Latest Prototype Reveals Design Changes in Action Button
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