Now that the Pixel 9 lineup has finally made its debut, all eyes are on Apple in anticipation of its upcoming iPhone 16. But before that officially arrives, Apple could certainly learn a few things from the Pixel 9 launch to make its iPhone 16 even better.
It’s very important for the Cupertino-based company to take note of Google’s new releases, as the Pixel 9 lineup gives us a glimpse of what not to do, which we’ll explain in a bit more detail below. More importantly, it’ll be an opportunity for the next iPhone to exceed expectations to become the best phone released this year. With all the recent leaks, this gives a clear picture of what to expect.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max each have their own strengths, there's also a lot of interest in iOS 18 and how Apple Intelligence could amplify the iPhone experience. Here's everything the iPhone 16 could learn from the Pixel 9.
Don't raise prices
It’s an obvious move, 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, making the Pixel 9 $799. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro’s true successor, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, is also getting a $100 price increase, making it the most expensive Pixel ever at $1,099.
So far, there is no indication that Apple would increase the prices of the iPhone 16, but anything can happen. For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it would be wise to keep the same price considering the price increase of the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year.
Give the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max the same telephoto lens
One of the most notable features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is how it gets a better telephoto camera than the iPhone 15 Pro, thanks to a 5x optical zoom. (The Pro tops out at 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 camera with 5x optical zoom.
The iPhone 16 Pro camera rumors seem promising in this regard, as multiple sources claim that the same tetraprism telephoto lens that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro Max will find its way to the iPhone 16 Pro this year. That would give the standard 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 assumption might be a bit far-fetched, given Apple's recent moves to differentiate its Pro iPhones from its non-Pro counterparts. This year's standard iPhone 16 models are expected to inherit the A17 Pro chip, but another rumor suggests an A18 chip, with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max getting a more powerful A18 Pro chipset.
Google has stuck to the same format of putting the same chip on all of its new Pixels, with the Tensor G4 being the name of the game on all Pixel 9 models. It's almost unlikely that the iPhone 16 will use the same processor as the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, but it would certainly be an unexpected treat if that were to happen.
Faster loading
Apple’s iPhones may be some of the most feature-packed phones out there, but they’ve never been faster when it comes to charging. In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are ridiculously behind other premium phones due to their 20W wired charging. Google deserves credit for bumping up the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s charging to 37W, which is up from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W. A similar improvement for the iPhone is long overdue.
iPhone 16 refresh rate upgrade
Among the big players in the flagship phone market, Apple is the only one that has chosen to stick with a 60Hz refresh rate for its standard iPhones. In contrast, Google has been extremely generous with its Pixels in this area. In fact, the modest Pixel 9 has a dynamic refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz, making its 6.3-inch Actua display more pleasant to look at for gaming and watching videos.
The iPhone 16 is unlikely to ditch the locked 60Hz refresh rate, but Apple could end up enticing more users to upgrade if it ever makes that change.
Integrate Apple Intelligence features across the entire range
At WWDC 2024, Apple explicitly stated which devices would support Apple Intelligence features. While the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are officially on this list, everything else is still uncertain. Presumably, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max would benefit, but nothing is certain yet for the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Google isn't shy about offering new AI features, as the entire Pixel 9 lineup gets almost the same features, like Add Me, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Screenshots. The only thing the Pixel 9 doesn't get are a few video-related 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, giving all new iPhones access to Apple Intelligence.
But keep some features exclusive to the Pro models
That said, there should be a few Apple could thus opt for the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro models. Apple could unveil exclusive Apple Intelligence features for these models, which would help differentiate them and give them more value compared to the standard iPhone 16 models.
Google is certainly doing this for the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, which have their own set of AI-assisted features with Video Boost, Night Sight Video, and Super Res Zoom Video. We’re not saying Apple should focus on isolating AI features with video recording alone, but it would be nice if the Pro models eventually got a bit more.