Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 lineup in their September 2024 event and the iPhone 16 is the most affordable version, starting at $799. However, this is the most attractive phone this year as it offers similar advanced features at a more affordable price as compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.
In terms of design, the iPhone 16 feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR displays with OLED panel and Dynamic Island. They boast industry-leading durability with a strong back glass and an advanced Ceramic Shield front cover. The new Action Button replaces the traditional silent switch, allowing quick access to functions like the camera, flashlight, or accessibility features with a single press.
The most notable feature of the iPhone 16 is Apple Intelligence – a personal intelligence system designed to understand user context and provide helpful, relevant information while maintaining privacy. This system leverages advanced generative models and Apple silicon to enable seamless actions across apps, simplifying everyday tasks.
It also has the new Camera Control with tactile switches and touch interactions, users can quickly launch the camera, snap photos, or start video recordings instantly. A new camera preview aids in framing shots and adjusting settings like zoom and exposure by simply sliding a finger. Later, it will enable visual intelligence features, allowing users to learn about objects and places rapidly by pressing and holding the control.
The iPhone features a powerful camera system, including a 48MP Fusion Camera with a 2x optical-quality Telephoto option, effectively providing two cameras in one. The 12MP Ultra Wide Camera, with autofocus and macro capabilities, captures more light for enhanced image quality. The phone is powered by the new A18 chip which is built on 2nd-gen 3-nanometer technology, the chip accelerates Apple Intelligence and supports demanding AAA games.
The iPhone 16 is available under 4 different model numbers: A3081, A3286, A3287, and A3288. Each model number corresponds to versions of the device designed for specific regions and network compatibilities. Within each model, there are multiple part numbers that represent variations such as storage capacities (128GB, 256GB, 512GB) and color options (black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine). Let’s check out all the differences in the table below.
iPhone 16 A3081
| Description | The iPhone 16 model A3081 is exclusive to the United States and Puerto Rico. Designed to enhance the 5G experience, it supports mmWave 5G technology, delivering ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and increased bandwidth. By removing the traditional SIM card slot in favor of Dual eSIM capability, the A3081 allows users to operate 2 active eSIMs simultaneously and store eight or more eSIM profiles. This provides greater flexibility for managing multiple carriers or phone numbers on a single device. |
| Countries & Carriers |
United States, Puerto Rico |
| Cellular Bands |
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| Part Numbers |
United States – Factory Unlocked, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon
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iPhone 16 A3286
| Description | The iPhone 16 model A3286 is available in regions including Japan, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. This version retains a physical nano-SIM card slot, enabling dual SIM functionality with both an eSIM and a nano-SIM card. Notably, the Japanese variant emits a camera shutter sound when taking photos, but this sound is turned off when the device is used outside of Japan. | |
| Countries & Carriers |
Bahrain, Canada, Iraq, Guam, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, USVI |
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| Cellular Bands |
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| Part Numbers | Canada
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Japan
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iPhone 16 A3287
| Description | The iPhone 16 A3287 is the global edition, made for countries in South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, the UK, and Australia. It features Dual SIM functionality, supporting either one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM or two eSIMs, allowing users to seamlessly manage multiple networks or phone numbers. Notice that due to local regulations in Korea, the camera shutter sound is mandatory and remains active whenever a photo is taken. This model is ideal for travelers and international users. | |
| Countries & Carriers | Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, BES Islands, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Republic of the Congo, Congo – Kinshasa, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Côte d’Ivoire, Jamaica, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Islands, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Saint Martin, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis & Futuna, Zambia, Zimbabwe. | |
| Cellular Bands |
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| Part Numbers | United Kingdom
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Singapore, Australia
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iPhone 16 A3288
| Description | The iPhone 16 model A3288 is specifically made for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. This version stands out as it is the only model that supports physical dual nano-SIM cards. Due to strict regulations, the iPhone doesn’t support eSIM. Furthermore, the variant sold in China lacks FaceTime Audio and Wi-Fi calling features, while the Hong Kong version still has access to these capabilities. | |
| Countries & Carriers | China mainland, Hong Kong, Macau | |
| Cellular Bands |
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| Part Numbers | China
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Hong Kong
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