Apple asserts that the iPhone 16 is akin to a powerful gaming device users can carry in their pockets

Apple has newly revealed its iPhone 16, introducing capabilities to run AAA gaming titles, a feature previously available only in its higher-end Pro models.

The iPhone 16 is equipped with the innovative A18 chip, which Apple asserts offers a 30% performance enhancement compared to the iPhone 15’s CPU. This upgrade is aimed at facilitating demanding AAA games and improving battery life, effectively turning the iPhone 16 into a robust gaming device.

According to Apple, "Hardware-accelerated ray tracing allows games on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to replicate light behavior more accurately," achieving up to five times higher frame rates than prior software-based methods. Both variants now accommodate AAA games, which were earlier exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro.

Additionally, Apple's iOS 18 introduces Game Mode, striving to achieve "more consistent frame rates." This mode is reported to augment gaming performance by up to 30% sustained.

In a preceding announcement, Apple highlighted that its iPhone 15 Pro could host native versions of AAA games, including titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and Death Stranding. Despite this, the adoption has been limited. Earlier this year, a report noted that the iOS release of Resident Evil 7 garnered only approximately $28,000 in revenue for Capcom.

Following these developments, industry analyst Rob Fahey discussed in an opinion piece that premium games face challenges on mobile platforms, attributed not only to their pricing but also to broader concerns about the mobile gaming experience.