Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 16, showcasing a blend of enhanced AI features and improved multitasking, and some Southern Miss students are anticipating its release this Friday.
Retaining much of its predecessor’s design while introducing key updates, the iPhone 16 will come in several fresh colors like ultramarine, teal, pink, black, and white, which is an attractive feature for many.
“The design is similar to previous models,” said USM student, Mark Sutton. “But the new colors offer a fresh look.”
But he also expressed that some of the brighter options might not fit well in professional or academic environments.
For students on a budget, the iPhone 16 may come as a pleasant surprise. Both Sutton and fellow USM student, Alex Whalley, agreed that its pricing is more reasonable compared to recent releases.
“The prices seem more reasonable,” Sutton remarked. “For students on a budget, this could make upgrading more accessible.”
Whalley echoed similar sentiments when acknowledging challenges of purchasing a smartphone in today’s market.
“Asking above a grand is a lot for a student,” Whalley stated. “But that’s the norm nowadays.”
Despite the price the new features offer significant improvements in productivity, which might be worth the investment to some. Its A18 Bionic chip, which brings a drastic improvement to multitasking can be an essential feature for students balancing multiple apps and tasks.
“For a college student handling apps like note-taking, research, and communication tools, the smoother and faster performance is a huge benefit,” Sutton said.
He also highlighted the benefits of hands-free features like voice commands for organizing notes and setting reminders.
Whalley shared his excitement about the AI’s ability to assist in academic tasks.
“Especially with classes being more compact, having the ability to chat with AI for math explanations is awesome,” he said.
The iPhone 16’s camera upgrades are another highlight, especially for students in creative fields. With 4K video capabilities and a 48-megapixel camera, the device is ideal for media production projects, vlogging, and even academic presentations.
The Cinematic Pro feature, which enhances video quality and provides advanced editing tools, caught Whalley’s attention. He believes the feature could replace the need for separate cameras or editing software.
“It could add professional quality to amateur projects,” he remarked. “Adding that it’s a huge advantage for students in fields like journalism and digital media.”
With remote learning and virtual collaboration becoming a norm, the iPhone 16 also offers improved communication tools. Sutton praised the enhanced FaceTime clarity, noting its importance for group projects, study sessions, and virtual office hours with professors.
Both Sutton and Whalley concluded that the iPhone 16 offers a compelling package for students with its enhanced performance, AI integration, and longer battery life. While the value depends on individual needs, both students believe the device’s productivity and creative features are likely to make a positive impact on daily life.