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Progress to Perfection: The Evolution to iPhone 16

Can you envision iPhone without Face ID? It may be hard to believe, but there was a time when unlocking your phone with just a glance was the stuff of Sci-Fi movies. Since then, the smartphone has undergone impressive transformations, culminating in iPhone 16 with its AI-powered Visual Intelligence, larger Pro displays, and a more powerful A18 chip. Discover key advancements such as Touch ID, Retina display, and wireless technology as it evolved from the original iPhone to this latest marvel.

The Original iPhone (2007): Your 3-in-1 Device

 

Close-up Apple iPhone First Generation.

The groundbreaking first-generation iPhone was a phone, iPod, and web browser in one.

The first iPhone was a game-changer. It wasn't just a phone—it was also an iPod and a web browser all in one. It featured a 3.5-inch display, a 2 MP rear camera, and EDGE connectivity, which was revolutionary for its time. This groundbreaking device debuted the touchscreen, bidding goodbye to keypads for an unparalleled user experience. While it boasted a revolutionary user interface like no other, it still made do with built-in apps. Imagine, the App Store—an essential application that transformed software distribution and spawned countless mobile apps—was nonexistent at that time!

iPhone 3G and 3GS (2008-2009): Faster Connectivity

Globe Telecom, in partnership with Apple, pioneered the introduction of iPhone 3G to the Filipino market in 2008. iPhone 3G banished the slow load time of web pages, a major leap from the original. With iPhone 3GS, users enjoyed faster internet, paving the way for 4G LTE technology (which would later debut with iPhone 5). This move cemented Globe's position as a leader in connecting Filipinos through cutting-edge technology and showcased Globe's commitment to innovation.

iPhone 4 and 4S (2010-2011): Sight and Sound Enhancements

iPhone 4's Retina display made pixels—those tiny dots that make up the picture—almost invisible to the naked eye. It also launched a front-facing camera, enabling FaceTime. The 4S then unveiled Siri, a voice-activated assistant that could do things for you, like make calls, send texts, or look up information.

iPhone 5 to 6S (2012–2015): Touch ID and Larger Displays

Woman holding iPhone 6 Plus in the Apple store.

iPhone 6 Plus made viewing visuals a richer experience.

iPhone 5 may not have impressed with visible design changes, but the small switch from the old-style wide iPhone charger to the sleek Lightning port meant more space for better features. The 5S launched Touch ID, an innovative fingerprint-scanning setup that made passwords obsolete. The 6 Series rolled out larger displays, making them perfect for new Slow Motion and Live Photos features that allowed you to creatively capture and relive moments that traditional photos or videos couldn’t match.

iPhone 7 to 8 (2016–2017): Wireless Technology

By the time iPhone 7 came around, Apple ditched the headphone jack and the physical home button, paving the way for a wireless audio future and gesture-based controls. iPhone 7 Plus offered DSLR-like depth effects to mobile photography with a dual-camera system and portrait mode that allowed you to achieve more professional-looking photos. iPhone 8 continued cord-free technology with its wireless charging for a more convenient, less-cluttered charging experience.

iPhone X to 11 (2017–2019): Face ID, Triple Cameras, and Animoji

A hand holding an iPhone X with Face ID technology.

 iPhone X debuted Face ID, making typing passwords near-obsolete.

Face ID arrived with the iPhone X series. This new standard for biometric security meant you could unlock your phone just by glancing at it. But it also introduced the controversial notch, a small, black cutout at the top center that housed the TrueDepth camera and sensors needed for Face ID, which interrupted the seamless edge-to-edge display. These front-facing sensors and camera made the animated Animoji and Memoji possible for more expressive texting.

In 2018, iPhone XR arrived with eSIM compatibility, an important feature for mobile connectivity. That same year, Globe introduced eSIM technology to its postpaid customers, making them instrumental in the adoption of eSIM technology in the Philippines.

 

iPhone 11 series followed, offering Night Mode and ultra-wide shots, allowing you to capture the stars clearly and fit everyone in your frame.

iPhone 12 and 13 (2020–2021): 5G, MagSafe, and Cinematic Mode

iPhone 12 supercharged your browsing and streaming experience with 5G blazing speeds, a feature further enhanced by Globe Telecom's launch of 5G services in the Philippines. 

 

The telecom company initially rolled out 5G connectivity in select areas, focusing on providing high-speed internet for home broadband users. Over time, Globe has expanded its 5G network to include mobile services and cover more areas across the country. Today, the company is recognized as the Philippines' Most Reliable Mobile Network based on Q1-Q2 2023 Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data.

 

The 12 series also featured Ceramic Shield, a cutting-edge glass-ceramic material that offered four times better drop performance. Apple also revived MagSafe with iPhone 12, originally used for laptop chargers, gearing up for the move towards efficient wireless charging. Then came iPhone 13, featuring ProMotion tech for smooth scrolling and Cinematic Mode with jaw-dropping depth effects and automatic focus shifts.

iPhone 14 (2022): The Dynamic Island

There's not much difference between iPhone 13 and 14's non-Pro versions, but the Pro versions got a significant upgrade to the A16 chip for faster performance and smoother multi-tasking. The notch was also replaced with the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped camera module for notifications and alerts. People loved how Apple transformed the notch into something more, gathering all activities, alerts, and notifications in one interactive location.

iPhone 15 (2023): USB-C and Camera Upgrades

Type-C cables lying beside an iPhone on an orange surface.

The new iPhone 15 now flaunts USB-C compatibility, so you can charge all your Apple devices with one cable.

 

The iPhone 15 series brought some exciting changes, most notably the switch to USB-C charging. This means you can now use the same charger for your iPhone 15 and other Apple devices like your MacBook or iPad. It also perfects iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island, offering live updates for music control, caller ID, and flight status, all while you multitask.

 

But that's not all! The 15 series features a vibrant color-infused back glass and a Super Retina XDR display that's twice as bright in sunlight compared to the iPhone 14. Photography enthusiasts will love the 48 MP camera with its ability to shift focus between subjects even after taking the shot!

iPhone 16 (2024): The AI Revolution

Photo of iPhone 16’s Photographic Styles feature.

The iPhone 16’s new Photographic Styles give you more creative control to personalize every photo.

Image Credit: Apple

The iPhone 16 series marks a significant leap forward with its focus on integrating AI into everyday tasks. The entire lineup features the A18 chip—significantly more powerful than the A16 chip in the iPhone 15 series—with iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max getting the even faster A18 Pro. 

 

This powerful hardware enables features like Photographic Styles for customized photos, improved Camera Control, and console-quality gaming with enhanced visuals. Both chips have dedicated Neural Engines for powerful AI capabilities. 

 

This allows you to use features like Visual Intelligence, activated by holding the new action button (a.k.a. capacitive camera button). Point your iPhone 16 camera at anything, and it will analyze the image to provide information, context, and even perform searches. Imagine identifying landmarks, translating text, or getting details about a product just by looking at it!

 

While the full potential of these AI features will be rolled out through software updates, the 16 series sets the stage for a new era of intelligent smartphones. With its advanced hardware and innovative AI functionalities, the iPhone 16 promises to revolutionize mobile photography and redefine how you interact with the world around you.

 

The innovation doesn't stop there. With Globe's Gadget Xchange, you can make your iPhone 16 experience even smoother, enjoying hassle-free device switch or replacement without the need for any documentation. Or you can avail of Globe's Trade-in program to effectively cut your monthly costs. Just trade in your old smartphone and get cashback that’s transferred directly to your postpaid bill.


iPhone 16 is not just another phone; it's the product of years of fine-tuning for cutting-edge functionality. Pair this iconic device with a Globe Postpaid or Globe Platinum plan, and experience next-gen innovation in the palm of your hand.

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