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The iPhone 16 has a ‘game-changing’ new button, but it’s been on the Android models for years.
On Monday (9/9/2024), Apple officially launched the new iPhone 16 at its annual event at Apple Park in California.
The tech giant unveiled its latest model, which comes in brand new colours – including white, black, ultra marine, teal and pink – and has a series of cool new functions.
As well as the already confirmed enhancements, such as AI writing tools, voice transcribing and new emojis, Apple CEO Tim Cook said it’s the first iPhone ‘designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence’ and promises it ‘raises the bar for what an iPhone can do’.
Cloud seeding involves spreading substances in the sky to encourage rain. Traditionally, this is done with piloted aircraft, but using drones provides greater precision and flexibility, reaching areas that are hard to access. Drones are also more cost-effective, safer, and can be quickly adjusted based on weather changes.
The new features also include: aerospace-grade aluminium, 85 percent recycled content in the enclosure, spatial photos and a new ultra-wide camera.
But one new feature that many tech fans have been talking about is one that Android has had for years.
The ‘camera control’ shortcut – which is a button on the side of the device – gives iPhone users the ability to open and operate the camera with the touch of a button, which one user called a ‘game changer’.
You can even use this button for some other pretty impressive features.
For example, you can take a photo of a restaurant and then Apple Intelligence will look up the information for you.
While we can all agree, it’s pretty handy, Android users were quick to point out that their devices added the camera shortcut feature a while back.
One person wrote: “Been double clicking for camera for 13 years on Android. Welcome to the 2010s.”
Another said: “‘Game changing’… Android for years.”
“Soooo yall got the same button I have on my Android for the last decade?” A third questioned.
Even Samsung users were getting in on the criticism, with one person adding: “Congratulations to all Samsung galaxy users you’ve been living in the future with more advanced tech compared to this dudes!
“Apple clearly couldn’t keep up the market trend anymore! Same phone new colors every few months!”
And another said: “Android crying in the corner.”
Another pretty cool feature of the iPhone 16 is the new emoji function.
With the help of ‘Apple Intelligence’ users will now be able to create their own emojis.
Apple explains: “Emoji will be taken to an entirely new level with the ability to create original Genmoji by simply typing a description, or by selecting a photo of a friend or family member.”
The iPhone 16 starts at $799 (£610.60), with the iPhone 16 Plus at $899 (£687).