During the iPhones 16 launch event, Apple boasted about the power of its new models, comparing their CPUs to high-end desktop PCs and claiming they have desktop-class GPU architecture. This led to speculation about whether anyone is actually playing AAA games on a 6-inch smartphone for extended periods of time. While iPhones excel at tasks like processing audio and video, their emphasis on raw power seems to overlook their limitations. Although some users may enjoy playing complex games or using advanced features like multi-track recording, iPhones are not a comprehensive replacement for laptops or gaming consoles. Apple’s incremental upgrades and addition of features like a dedicated camera button may not be compelling enough for users to rush out and upgrade, echoing Steve Jobs’ comparison of personal computers to “trucks” versus phones and tablets as “cars.” The iPhone 16 launch event felt like Apple cramming a Big Rig engine into a Porsche, prompting questions about the direction of the device.
