Apple’s iPhone 16 line hits store shelves on Sept. 20, and while the new phones get some impressive hardware upgrades, their biggest selling point isn’t the Pros’ larger displays or the lineup’s Camera Control button. It’s the generative AI-powered Apple Intelligence software platform.

I already love the new hand gesture interface, and 3D photo conversions are amazing, too. But I want more, especially for connecting to the iPhone.

At a launch event on Monday September 9, Apple released details of its new iPhone 16, along with several other new products such as the Apple Watch Series 10 and Air Pods 4. The unveiling of the iPhone 16 could mark a turning point in the history of Apple’s smartphone brand.

Apple's newest iPhone models launch Friday, but starting Monday iPhone owners with compatible devices can update to the latest operating system, iOS 18. The big picture: The new version of the software that powers the iPhone will allow greater customization but users will have to wait for a future update to use "Apple Intelligence,

The new iPhone 16 lineup will get its first batch of generative AI features next month through a software update. It appears that the company will be gradually introducing AI tools from its Apple Intelligence suite of generative AI features as it looks to make a dent in an emerging smartphone niche that's expected to take off big-time in the long run.