Apple’s iPhone 16 features an upgraded version of Photographic Styles that enhances the color and tone of images. This improvement makes the older version feel basic in comparison. The tech industry is abuzz with generative AI, making this upgrade refreshing as it enhances the essential function of taking photos. A survey shows that camera features are a significant motivation for smartphone upgrades, highlighting the importance of camera improvements. The Photographic Styles feature allows users to change images in a way that is immediately apparent and gratifying, making it more impactful than incremental hardware improvements.
Photographic Styles on the iPhone 16 are not just filters but apply aesthetics to a scene based on specific colors in the photo. This feature is available for the iPhone 16 lineup, including the Pro and Pro Max models, and can be applied before or after taking a photo. Apple provides a range of choices for different looks, including skin undertone and mood-based options. Users can set a specific style as the default for the camera, making it highly customizable. The ability to tweak tone and color for each style enhances creative control over images, even for users without a background in photography or editing.
The Photographic Styles feature offers a variety of choices, some subtle and focused on skin undertones while others are more striking and mood-based. Customization options allow users to create their own color and tone profile, giving a personalized touch to their photos. Users can choose from options like Vibrant, Dramatic, and Stark Black & White to enhance color, contrast, and lighting in their images. While current choices provide a good range, additional skin undertone options with more variety could further enhance the feature for users looking for different looks.
Smartphone giants are increasingly offering customizable features for phone cameras, giving users more control over their photos. Apple’s introduction of Photographic Styles demonstrates a shift towards creative enhancements rather than reality-bending edits. While AI-based editing tools on other phones allow for altering and manipulating photos, Photographic Styles focus on enhancing existing images with bolder colors and contrast. This approach may appeal to users seeking creative control over their images without fundamentally changing the scene itself.
While not a feature worth buying a new iPhone for on its own, Photographic Styles on the iPhone 16 is still an underrated addition that enhances the camera experience. Combined with other upgrades, this feature makes the iPhone 16’s camera feel like a significant leap forward for users upgrading from older models. The customizable nature of Photographic Styles, along with its immediate impact on photos, sets it apart from incremental hardware improvements, making it a standout feature on Apple’s latest phone.
