Now that the Pixel 9 series has finally been unveiled, all eyes are on Apple in eager anticipation of the upcoming iPhone 16. But before it officially happens, Apple could certainly learn a few things from the launch of the Pixel 9 to make its iPhone 16 even better.
It’s really important for the Cupertino-based company to take note of Google’s new releases, as the Pixel 9 range gives us a glimpse of what not to do, which we’ll explain in a little more detail below. More importantly, it will be an opportunity for the next iPhone to do more than it needs to in order to be the best phone to come out this year. With all the leaks lately, it paints a clear picture of what to expect.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have their own unique features, there’s also a lot of interest in iOS 18 and how Apple intelligence could improve the iPhone experience. Here’s everything the iPhone 16 could learn from the Pixel 9.
Do not raise prices
This decision is a no-brainer, especially considering that last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max cost $100 more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max that preceded it. Google has done the unthinkable by raising the prices of all of its Pixel 9 models, including the base model, which now costs $100 more, at $799 for the Pixel 9. The Pixel 8 Pro’s true successor, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, also gets $100 more expensive, making it the most expensive Pixel ever at $1,099.
So far, there has been no indication that Apple would increase prices for the iPhone 16, but anything can always happen. For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it would be wise to keep the price the same, given last year’s price hike for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Give iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max the same telephoto camera
One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is that it benefits from a better telephoto camera compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, thanks to a 5x optical zoom. (The Pro has a maximum of 3x zoom.) But Google has done something better with its new phones – the Pixel 9 Pro has the same telephoto camera as the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro XL in the form of a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
The iPhone 16 Pro camera rumors sound promising in this regard, with multiple sources claiming that the same tetraprism telephoto lens that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro Max will make its way into the iPhone 16 Pro this year. This would give the regular iPhone 16 Pro the same 5x optical zoom range as the more expensive Pro Max. Unless the rumor that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will get a 6x zoom turns out to be true.
Same A18 chip in all models
This might be too far-fetched considering what Apple has recently done to differentiate its Pro iPhones from the non-Pro iPhones. This year’s standard iPhone 16 models are expected to inherit the A17 Pro chip, but another rumor suggests the possibility of an A18 chip, with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max getting a more powerful A18 Pro chipset.
Google has stuck to giving all new Pixels the same chip, with the Tensor G4 ruling the roost on all Pixel 9 models. It’s almost unlikely that the iPhone 16 will have the same processor as the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, but it would certainly be an unexpected delight if it did happen.
Faster loading
Apple’s iPhones may be some of the most feature-rich handsets, but they’ve never been particularly fast at charging. In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max hilariously lag behind other premium phones due to their 20W wired charging speeds. To Google’s credit, it has increased the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s charging speed to 37W – which is an increase from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W speed. A similar boost for the iPhone is long overdue.
Update iPhone 16 refresh rate
Apple is the only one to hold back among the major players in the flagship phone space by opting to keep a 60Hz refresh rate on its standard iPhones. In contrast, Google has been hugely generous in this area with its Pixels. In fact, the humble Pixel 9 has a dynamic refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz – making its 6.3-inch Actua display more comfortable when gaming and watching videos.
The iPhone 16 is unlikely to abandon the fixed 60Hz refresh rate, but it could entice more users to upgrade if Apple ever makes that change.
Bring Apple Intelligence capabilities across the product range
At WWDC 2024, Apple specifically shared which devices will support Apple Intelligence features. While the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are officially on that list, everything else is still uncertain. Presumably the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max would get them, but it’s unclear for the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Google isn’t shy about its new AI features, with the entire Pixel 9 lineup getting access to almost the same features – like Add Me, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Screenshots. The only thing the Pixel 9 doesn’t get is some video features and the free one-year subscription to Gemini Advanced, which are reserved for the Pro models. Apple could take a similar approach with its iPhone 16 lineup by giving all new iPhones access to Apple Intelligence.
However, some exclusive features are reserved for the Pro models.
That means it should some Incentive to opt for the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro models. Apple could introduce exclusive Apple Intelligence features for these models that would help differentiate these models from the standard iPhone 16 models and give them greater value.
Google certainly does this for the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, which have their own AI-powered features with Video Boost, Night Sight Video, and Super Res Zoom Video. We’re not saying Apple needs to focus on limiting AI features to video recording only, but it would be nice if the Pro models did get a bit more of it in the end.
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