The smartphone industry is fiercely competitive, and Chinese smartphone brands are no strangers to innovation and adaptation. With the release of the iPhone 16, tech enthusiasts and consumers worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the features that set it apart. Unsurprisingly, many of China’s top smartphone brands have taken note, swiftly incorporating some of the iPhone 16’s groundbreaking features into their own models. From the addition of a camera button to the integration of features like Live Photos and the intriguing ‘Origin Island’, this trend of emulation is shaking up the smartphone landscape.
The Global Influence of Apple’s iPhone
Apple’s iPhone has long been a trailblazer in the smartphone market, influencing both consumers and competitors alike. Each iteration of the iPhone sets new standards for design, technology, and functionality. With Apple’s premium reputation, the iPhone often introduces features that rapidly become the norm across the industry.

The iPhone 16 is no exception, and it’s fascinating to observe how quickly other brands, especially in China, adapt to these innovations.
Key Features of the iPhone 16 That Are Being Copied
Several features of the iPhone 16 have captured the attention of Chinese smartphone manufacturers. Among them, the most prominent are the camera button, Origin Island, and Live Photos. These features enhance the user experience and have quickly become hot commodities in the tech world. Here’s a closer look at each of these standout features and how they’re being mimicked.
1. The Camera Button: A Photographer’s Dream
One of the most talked-about additions to the iPhone 16 is the camera button. Positioned strategically for easy access, this button allows users to snap photos quickly without needing to open the camera app. It’s an ideal feature for those who want to capture moments on the fly, especially in situations where speed is of the essence.
Chinese brands have been quick to incorporate similar features. Brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, and OPPO have all introduced smartphones with dedicated camera buttons in response. They’re not just replicating Apple’s idea—they’re also improving it by adding customizable functions that cater to specific user preferences. This trend highlights the ability of Chinese manufacturers to not only adopt popular features but also enhance them.
2. ‘Origin Island’: Redefining the Notch
The ‘Origin Island’ is another key feature that has generated buzz with the release of the iPhone 16. While previous iPhone models featured the familiar notch design for housing the front camera and sensors, the iPhone 16 introduces a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing ‘Origin Island’. This design allows for more screen space and a cleaner look, offering users a more immersive display.
Chinese smartphone companies have taken note of this sleek redesign. Vivo and Realme, for example, have incorporated similar designs in their latest releases, reducing the size of the notch and improving screen-to-body ratios. Their versions of the ‘Origin Island’ concept offer high screen resolution and superior display quality, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless viewing experience.
3. Live Photos: Capturing the Moment in Motion
Live Photos, a feature first introduced by Apple in earlier iPhone models, has become even more refined in the iPhone 16. This function allows users to capture not just a still photo but also a few seconds of video before and after the image is taken, creating a more dynamic representation of moments.
Seeing the growing demand for this type of feature, Chinese smartphone brands such as OnePlus and Xiaomi have introduced their own versions of Live Photos. By implementing similar technology, these brands cater to the increasing consumer desire for interactive and lively imagery.
Why Are Chinese Smartphone Brands So Quick to Copy?
There’s a pattern in the smartphone industry, particularly with Chinese brands, where new features from premium models like the iPhone are swiftly adopted. Several reasons explain this trend:
4. Meeting Consumer Demand
Chinese consumers are known for their strong interest in cutting-edge technology. When a product like the iPhone 16 hits the market, it generates excitement not just among Apple fans but also among consumers of other brands. Chinese smartphone manufacturers understand that by incorporating similar features, they can attract a larger customer base who might be drawn to the latest tech innovations.
5. Staying Competitive in the Global Market
Chinese smartphone brands compete fiercely, not just with each other but also with global giants like Apple and Samsung. By quickly adopting features introduced by Apple, these brands can remain competitive in both domestic and international markets. This strategy allows them to offer high-end features at more affordable prices, making their products appealing to a broader range of consumers.
6. Rapid Manufacturing and Innovation Cycles
One of the defining characteristics of Chinese smartphone manufacturers is their ability to move swiftly from concept to production. With well-established manufacturing hubs and advanced supply chains, companies like Xiaomi, Huawei, and OPPO can introduce new features and models at a much faster pace than their Western counterparts. This agility gives them an advantage in keeping up with industry trends and ensuring that their products remain relevant.
How Are Chinese Brands Improving on iPhone 16 Features?
It’s important to note that while many Chinese smartphone brands are adopting features from the iPhone 16, they are not merely copying them. In fact, several companies are working to improve upon these features in ways that cater to the needs of their target markets.
7. Enhanced Customization Options
One of the ways that Chinese smartphone brands are setting themselves apart is by offering greater customization. For example, the camera button on many Chinese models can be programmed for different functions, such as launching specific apps or activating certain modes, providing users with more flexibility.
8. Better Integration with Local Apps and Services
In addition to customization, Chinese manufacturers are also focusing on integrating local apps and services. Features like Live Photos and Origin Island are being designed to work seamlessly with popular Chinese platforms such as WeChat and Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese counterpart). This localization strategy enhances the user experience by making the smartphone more relevant to the daily lives of Chinese consumers.
9. Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality
Another key area where Chinese brands excel is price competitiveness. While Apple’s iPhones come with a premium price tag, Chinese manufacturers are able to offer similar high-end features at a fraction of the cost. Xiaomi and Realme, for instance, have released models that include many of the same features as the iPhone 16 but at a much lower price point. This ability to balance quality with affordability is one reason why these brands are gaining global market share.
The Future of the Smartphone Industry
As Chinese smartphone brands continue to innovate and adapt, the line between premium and budget phones becomes increasingly blurred. With each new release, these brands prove that they can keep up with—and sometimes even outpace—their Western competitors in terms of both technology and design.
10. Continued Innovation
Moving forward, it’s clear that Chinese smartphone manufacturers will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile technology. Whether it’s through enhanced cameras, better battery life, or more sophisticated designs, these companies are committed to staying at the forefront of the industry.
Conclusion: The Race to Stay Ahead
The iPhone 16 has once again raised the bar for smartphone technology, but Chinese brands are proving that they are more than capable of meeting the challenge. By adopting and improving upon key features like the camera button, Origin Island, and Live Photos, these manufacturers are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the global market. As the smartphone race continues, consumers can expect even more exciting innovations from both Apple and its Chinese competitors.