Apple is preparing to unveil its next flagship iPhone lineup in September 2024, with the high-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models getting some significant upgrades. The biggest change will be an increase in display size for the Pro iPhones.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Get Larger Displays and Top-Tier Upgrades
Apple is gearing up to unveil its iPhone 16 series in September 2024, with the high-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models poised to be the stars of the show. These flagship devices are expected to receive a host of substantial upgrades, headlined by larger displays and cutting-edge camera capabilities.
Bigger is Better for Pro iPhones
In a first for several years, Apple plans to increase the screen sizes of its Pro iPhone models. The iPhone 16 Pro will boast a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be even more expansive at 6.9 inches, compared to 6.7 inches for its predecessor.
Despite the larger footprint, Apple isn’t straying too far from the current Pro design language. Expect a similar flat-edged look with a premium stainless steel frame and vertically-stacked rear camera module. However, the Pro models may gain new color options like “space black” and “rose” titanium finishes with a glossier, more scratch-resistant treatment.
A Powerhouse Under the Hood
At their core, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will likely be driven by Apple’s latest A18 chip, fabricated on a cutting-edge 3nm process for improved performance and efficiency. Rumors also point to a significantly upgraded Neural Engine that could supercharge AI and machine learning capabilities.
To capitalize on the enhanced AI performance, Apple is said to be working on new Siri features powered by large language models. Some of these generative AI functions may be exclusive to the iPhone 16 series, at least initially.
Photography Prowess Redefined
As usual, Apple is putting a heavy focus on computational photography and videography for its Pro iPhone models. The iPhone 16 Pro lineup could include an even more advanced 48MP main camera sensor with technologies like a stacked design for better light capture.
The Pro Max may take things a step further with a larger 48MP main sensor that promises superior dynamic range, background separation, and low-light performance. Both Pro models are also rumored to gain upgraded ultra-wide lenses with more light-gathering capabilities.
Perhaps the biggest camera upgrade could be the addition of “tetraprism” zoom lenses that should enable a minimum of 5x optical zoom across the Pro lineup, compared to 3x currently. The Pro Max may even boast a periscope-style “super telephoto” zoom system.
Other Potential Enhancements
While cameras are the mainstream focus, the iPhone 16 Pro series could pack other high-end technologies like:
- Support for WiFi 7 for blazing-fast wireless connectivity
- Increased 1TB storage capacities, potentially using newer NAND types
- Faster 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe wireless charging
- Higher-capacity stacked battery designs for improved longevity
- A new dedicated “Capture Button” for handling photo/video recording
- An improved microphone system for better Siri voice interactions
Is an “Ultra” iPhone on the Horizon?
There’s been some speculation that Apple could introduce an even higher-end “iPhone 16 Ultra” above the Pro Max, but concrete details remain elusive. If real, such a model could boast exclusive features to further differentiate it.
Whatever Apple has in store, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are lining up to be the most technologically impressive and capable iPhones to date. But such cutting-edge hardware is expected to command a premium, so consumers should prepare their wallets accordingly when these flagships make their anticipated debut this fall.