It’s that time of year again when the rumor mill kicks into high gear about Apple’s next flagship iPhone release. This year, the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series is generating a lot of buzz about potential design changes, improved performance, enhanced photography capabilities, and cutting-edge AI features.
While Apple remains characteristically tight-lipped about future products until very close to launch, a steady stream of leaks and reports from insiders and analysts has provided an early glimpse at what to potentially expect from the 2024 iPhone 16 lineup. Here’s a deep dive into all the credible rumors so far:
Bigger Displays for the Pro Models
One of the most substantiated rumors is that Apple plans to increase the display sizes for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to get a larger 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max may boast an even bigger 6.9-inch screen, compared to 6.7 inches previously.
These larger displays will naturally result in slightly bigger overall device dimensions as well. But the increased screen real estate should provide an even more immersive viewing experience for movies, games, and other content. It’s also expected to better accommodate new augmented reality (AR) applications optimized for Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
No Size Changes for Standard Models
Notably, the rumor mill suggests the display sizes will remain unchanged for the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus compared to their iPhone 15 counterparts. This likely keeps these devices pocketable and one-hand friendly for users prioritizing portability over massive screens.
iPhone 16 Pro Spece
| iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 8.25 mm | 8.25 mm |
| Height | 149.6 mm | 146.6 mm |
| Width | 71.45 mm | 70.60 mm |
| Display | 6.3″ (159.31 mm) | 6.1″ (155.38 mm) |
| Weight | 194 grams | 187 grams |
iPhone 16 Pro Max Specs
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 8.25 mm | 8.25 mm |
| Height | 163.0 mm | 159.9 mm |
| Width | 77.58 mm | 76.70 mm |
| Display | 6.9″ (174.06 mm) | 6.7″ (169.98 mm) |
| Weight | 225 grams | 221 grams |
While the Pro variants are rumored to get larger displays, those hoping for bigger screens on the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may be disappointed. Early reports suggest Apple plans to keep the display sizes unchanged from the current iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models.
Maintaining the same compact dimensions could allow the standard iPhone 16 lineup to retain its one-handed usability and portability that many users prefer. It would also help differentiate the higher-end Pro models in terms of offering a more immersive viewing experience on the larger canvases.
However, the standard models are still expected to benefit from other design tweaks like the rumored vertical camera layout and addition of new Action and Capture buttons along the chassis. So while the overall size may stay the same, there could still be some notable changes when it comes to handling and using the cameras.
Vertical Camera Layout on Standard Models
While the Pro models will supposedly retain their square camera module design, the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are rumored to be getting a major camera system redesign. Leaked schematics point to a vertical alignment of the lenses, a departure from the previous diagonal arrangement.
This vertical camera layout appears to allow for a sleeker, more streamlined camera bump. More importantly, it could enable new capabilities like capturing Spatial Video optimized for viewing in the Vision Pro headset and AR apps using the wide and ultra-wide cameras simultaneously.
New Action and Capture Buttons
All iPhone 16 models are expected to gain two new exclusive buttons located along the side chassis. First up is the Action button that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro series, replacing the iconic mute switch. This customizable button can be configured to activate different system functions and shortcuts.
More interestingly, Apple is said to be adding a dedicated “Capture Button” optimized for photography and videography. It will allegedly offer a digital camera-like experience, with light presses used for focusing and deeper presses to record photos or videos. Rumor has it the button may even support touch gestures like swiping for zooming.
The addition of these buttons could significantly enhance one-handed usage for taking photos, videos, and actioning different system commands, especially when combined with the larger Pro display sizes.
A18 Chip, Graphene Cooling, More RAM
Under the hood, the entire iPhone 16 lineup is rumored to be powered by Apple’s next-gen A18 chip, likely built on an even more efficient 3nm process node. The A18 should provide a notable boost in CPU and graphics performance, as well as improved power efficiency and thermal management.
The Pro models in particular may benefit from design enhancements like a graphene thermal system promising better heat dissipation than traditional copper solutions. There are also whispers about the Pro variants gaining more advanced AI processing cores.
In another break from tradition, even the standard iPhone 16 models are expected to get a RAM increase to 8GB, up from 6GB in the iPhone 15. This should allow for better multitasking performance across the board.
Camera Upgrades: 48MP Sensors, Periscope Zoom, More
Consistent with past releases, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are pegged to receive the bulk of camera architecture improvements. One major anticipated upgrade is an enhanced 48MP ultra-wide camera capable of capturing much more light data and detail in dimmer environments.
Apple is also rumored to be finally bringing its periscope-style zoom lens to the iPhone 16 Pro, rather than limiting it to just the larger Pro Max. This folded telephoto design could enable up to 5x optical zoom while maintaining a relatively compact camera bump.
There are even whispers of a potential “super” or “ultra” telephoto periscope lens making its way to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If true, it could push the optical zoom capabilities to 10x or higher, rivaling some DSLR camera lenses in terms of reach.
Other rumored camera upgrades for the iPhone 16 Pro series include an 8-element hybrid lens system for the 48MP wide camera, and a new microphone design promising better audio capture.
5G, Wi-Fi 7, USB-C Advancements
Connectivity is also poised to receive a big boost across the iPhone 16 series. The Pro models are expected to move to Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X75 5G modem, which promises faster 5G speeds, improved latency, better power efficiency, and support for advanced AI/ML processing of 5G signals.
There are also rumblings that at least the Pro variants may be among the first smartphones to get support for the blazing-fast Wi-Fi 7 standard, promising multi-gigabit wireless transfer speeds. The standard models may get Wi-Fi 6E, which is still a nice step up.
With lightning ports being phased out, USB-C is all but confirmed to be the universal wired and data transfer interface on the entire iPhone 16 lineup. More robust charging speeds up to 40W wired and 20W wireless MagSafe are also a possibility.
AI and Generative Capabilities
One of the most tantalizing rumors is that the iPhone 16 series could gain powerful new AI capabilities, including support for next-gen generative AI models. This could pave the way for on-device AI that can assist with content creation, photo and video editing, interactive assistants, and more.
Some leaks point to AI enhancements coming to apps like Messages, Music, and productivity suites. There are also hints that certain advanced AI functions may be exclusive to the newer A18 silicon in the iPhone 16 models.
LiDAR, Stacked Battery Enhancements
In addition to the AI processing boosts, the iPhone 16 Pro models are said to be in line for an upgraded LiDAR sensor enabling even faster and more accurate AR/VR experiences, 3D scanning, and computational photography. It should pair well with the new Vision Pro headset that’s in Apple’s pipeline.
More pragmatically, Apple is rumored to be implementing stacked battery designs in the iPhone 16 Pro series that could increase overall capacity and longevity versus traditional battery packs. The Pro Max could gain a particularly hefty nearly 4,700 mAh cell for all-day battery life.
Other Design Refinements
Several other noteworthy design tidbits have trickled out about the iPhone 16 range. These include slimmer display bezels enabled by a new circuit layout technology called Border Reduction Structure, allowing for a slightly more all-screen visual experience.
There are also reports of subtler changes like a slimmed-down MagSafe magnetic ring array to maximize compatibility with different accessories. And Apple may finally be expanding its bold new color treatment with frosted, color-infused glass backs across more than just the Product Red option.
No iPhone 16 “Ultra” This Year
One recurring rumor that has seemingly been put to rest is the potential launch of an ultra-premium “iPhone 16 Ultra” model above the standard Pro and Pro Max tiers. While such a device was speculated to push boundaries with features like an even larger display, pro-grade camera system, and maybe even a portless design, the latest insider information points to no Ultra model for 2024.
It does raise the possibility of such an ultra-high-end iPhone materializing in future years as Apple continues to differentiate the higher and lower end of its smartphone lineup. But for the iPhone 16 cycle, it seems the Pro and Pro Max will reign as the top flagship offerings.
Release Timing and Potential Price Increases
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the iPhone 16 lineup should debut in its usual mid-September timeframe for a retail release just ahead of the 2024 holiday season. The new models will ship with iOS 18, though it remains to be seen just how many of the rumored features make the final cut.
One area of pricing uncertainty is whether the increased component costs that Apple absorbed for the iPhone 15 generation will necessitate a price hike across the board for 2024’s iPhone 16 models. Analysts predict it could result
1 Comment
iPhone 16 launch event was a bit of a disappointment since other than the new A18 6-core chipset + 48MP camera + wifi 7 and 4k @ 120fps recording (Samsung already had it on S24 Ultra) we did not get anything else… And the whole AI is not even live…And that camera button that is very uncomfortable for portrait shots. One major camera improvement – low light photo performance!
Unless you are upgrading from iPhone 11 or earlier models, it does not make sense to go for 16 pro models this time. Wait for another year.