Winning Bizness Desk
Apple has recently launched its highly anticipated iPhone 16, marking a significant leap in the tech giant’s lineup with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The latest innovation is not just a technical marvel but a product of international collaboration, with Indian-origin engineers playing a pivotal role in its development. The iPhone 16, which starts at ₹79,900 and goes up to ₹1,84,900, is set to hit Indian markets on September 20, 2024. It is available for purchase online and in-store. What sets the iPhone 16 apart from its predecessors is the integration of Apple Intelligence (AI), making it the company’s first AI-powered smartphone. This groundbreaking technology enhances user experience through improved performance, intelligent camera features, and seamless operation. Behind this cutting-edge innovation are three Indian-origin engineers: Piyush Pratik, Paulom Shah, and Sribalan Santhanam. Their expertise has been instrumental in shaping the iPhone 16, particularly in the areas of camera innovation, design, and processing.
Piyush Pratik: Redefining Camera Control
At the forefront of the iPhone 16’s advanced camera functionality is Piyush Pratik, a product manager who has revolutionized the way users interact with their phone’s camera. A gold medalist from IIT Delhi, Pratik was responsible for designing the new dedicated camera control button on the iPhone 16. This innovative feature allows users to capture photos with a single press, adjust zoom by sliding, and switch between modes with a double press, offering a seamless and intuitive experience. Pratik’s work underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through thoughtful design. His academic background and technical prowess have made him a key player in bringing advanced camera features to the iPhone 16, setting a new standard for smartphone photography.
Paulom Shah: Leading the Charge in Camera Design
Another significant contributor to the iPhone 16’s success is Paulom Shah, who currently serves as the Camera Hardware Engineering Manager. Shah’s journey at Apple began as a camera design intern, where he quickly rose through the ranks to lead the team responsible for the wide and telephoto camera design. His expertise in mechatronics engineering, acquired from the University of Waterloo, Canada, has allowed him to oversee significant advancements in the iPhone’s camera systems. Before joining Apple, Shah honed his skills at BlackBerry and Lytro, a part of Google, further expanding his expertise in camera hardware engineering. His leadership in camera design ensures that the iPhone 16’s camera is not only advanced but also user-friendly and efficient.
Sribalan Santhanam: The Mind Behind Apple’s Processing Power
No AI-powered phone would be complete without the processors that enable its seamless operation. Sribalan Santhanam, the Vice President of Silicon Engineering at Apple, has been a key figure in the development of the A-series processors that power the iPhone 16. Santhanam, who holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, has been part of the semiconductor industry for over 35 years. His journey with Apple began in 2008, when the company acquired PA Semi, a chipmaker where Santhanam was the Vice President of Design Engineering. The acquisition laid the foundation for the processors used in Apple devices today, making Santhanam a crucial player in the iPhone 16’s AI capabilities.
A Global Effort with Indian Excellence
The iPhone 16 is a testament to global collaboration, with Indian-origin engineers playing a central role in its creation. Their work in camera innovation, design, and processing has made the iPhone 16 a revolutionary product, setting a new benchmark for AI-driven smartphones worldwide. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology, the contributions of engineers like Pratik, Shah, and Santhanam highlight India’s growing influence in the global tech industry.
