Mere months have gone by since Apple launched the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series, but the typical leaks and rumors for the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup have already started circulating. The iPhone 16 series is anticipated to introduce significant changes, including larger screens for the Pro models, a revamped rear design for the standard models, the addition of a new “Capture Button,” and more. Here’s a roundup of what we’ve gathered about the 2024 iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro so far:
Design and Display
Starting with the design aspect, Apple seems to be opting for a vertical camera lens setup on the non-Pro iPhone 16 models. Unlike the diagonal arrangement seen on the iPhone 13, the iPhone 16 will showcase a vertical layout for its main and ultra-wide camera sensors. This alteration is likely geared towards enabling spatial video capture for Apple’s Vision Pro, a function that necessitates a vertical camera configuration.
Moreover, on the standard models, there are reports suggesting that Apple will replace the mute switch with the previously introduced Action button from the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. A notable addition would be the Capture Button, anticipated to be situated on the device’s right side, currently housing the mmWave antennas. This button is poised to simplify capturing photos in landscape mode.
Regarding the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, no significant design changes are expected for this year. However, both models are likely to sport larger displays compared to their predecessors. The iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to feature a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches in the present generation, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to boast a 6.9-inch screen, an upgrade from the 6.7-inch display on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Processor and Internal Hardware
Up until the iPhone 15 series, Apple typically employed the previous generation’s high-end chipsets for the base models, saving the newer high-end chipsets for the Pro models. However, with the iPhone 16 series, this practice might shift. The latest rumors indicate that both Pro and non-Pro iPhone 16 models will feature the A18 chipset, split into A18 for standard models and A18 Pro for the Pro variants.
The A18 Pro is anticipated to offer enhanced performance compared to the standard A18 chipset. Moreover, reports hint at the A18 Pro chipset potentially featuring an improved Neural Engine with notably more cores for enhanced AI and ML operations. The base iPhone 16 models may also come equipped with 8GB of RAM, an increase from the 6GB in the iPhone 15 models, aiming for better performance. Meanwhile, the Pro models currently feature 8GB of internal memory.
One significant upgrade in the iPhone 16 series could revolve around thermal management. It’s been rumored that the forthcoming models will introduce a redesigned graphene-based thermal system to tackle overheating issues. Apple currently utilizes a copper-based heat sink for the iPhone, but with graphene’s superior thermal conductivity, it could offer a solution to overheating on the iPhone. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to introduce a metal battery casing for enhanced heat dissipation.
Software and AI
All iPhone 16 models are expected to debut with iOS 18 out of the box. iOS 18 is projected to introduce a slew of new AI features to the iPhone operating system, including numerous new Siri functionalities powered by LLM. It’s speculated that AI features will be accessible offline (on-device) on the iPhone 16 models, while other iPhones may need to rely on the cloud for specific AI features.
Camera
As for the camera, significant upgrades are anticipated. Apple introduced a 48MP primary lens with the iPhone 14 Pro series, but the ultra-wide lens remained at 12MP. With the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple is expected to raise the ultra-wide lens resolution to 48MP as well, promising sharper ultra-wide shots and more detailed videos with less noise, particularly in the Cinematic Mode which defaults to 0.5x when activated.
It is speculated that akin to the primary lens, Apple might leverage pixel binning to merge data from four pixels into a single “super pixel,” enhancing image quality. Further enhancements are anticipated for the iPhone 16 Pro, which is set to feature a 5x telephoto optical zoom lens, an upgrade from 3x on the iPhone 15 Pro. There have been murmurs about Apple adding “Super Zoom” to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but concrete details are scarce as of now.
Battery
Regarding the battery, reports suggest that the iPhone 16 models will incorporate a new stacked battery technology, resulting in increased capacity and longevity. Consequently, the iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to potentially sport a 3355mAh capacity. Furthermore, faster wired and wireless charging speeds are also expected, including 40W wired and 20W MagSafe charging for the iPhone 16 Pro models.
Expected Price and Launch Date
Similar to the iPhone 15 series, Apple is anticipated to unveil the iPhone 16 series in September 2024. The company traditionally holds its Special iPhone Event during September, so this year is expected to be no different. Concerning pricing, the iPhone 16 series might command a higher price tag than its predecessor. Production costs for the iPhone 15 series were around 15% higher than for the previous models, and although Apple didn’t officially raise prices for the iPhone 15 series, an increase in pricing seems probable for the iPhone 16 lineup.
That sums up all the latest insights on the iPhone 16 series. Which features are you most eagerly anticipating? Are you willing to shell out more for the latest iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
