It’s only been a few months since Apple launched the iPhone 15 lineup, but rumor is that the 2024 iPhone 16 is on the horizon. Here’s a roundup of what we’ve heard about design, features, specs, and more.
iPhone 16: Expected Size and Design
Size Upgrades:
- The iPhone 16 Pro models are set to receive a boost in size. iPhone 16 Pro is expected to measure approximately 149.6mm x 71.4mm x 8.4mm and feature a 6.3-inch display with thinner bezels123.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Anticipated to have dimensions of approximately 149.6mm x 71.45mm x 8.25mm and a 6.9-inch display2.
Design Tweaks:
- Capture Button: The iPhone 16 lineup will introduce a new “Capture Button” specifically for taking photos and videos. This button will function similarly to the shutter button on a digital camera, detecting varying pressure levels to focus and capture images.
- Vertical Camera Arrangement: The iPhone 16 models will feature a vertical camera lens arrangement, departing from the prior diagonal lens setup. This change may enable the standard iPhone 16 models to capture Spatial Video for the Vision Pro headset.
- There’s talk of a side-mounted button that might function as both an action and a power button, replacing the current mute switch.
- Colors: iPhone 16 lineup may offer seven color options: blue, pink, yellow, green, black, white, and purple.
Apart from the vertical lens setup and Capture Button, iPhone 16 models retain the same design as iPhone 15, with no notable alterations in shape or size.
iPhone 16: Display
iPhone 16 Pro: Display Size:
- Approximately 6.3 inches (rounded to 6.3 inches) 12.
- Notable Features: The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature a vertical camera lens arrangement, allowing it to capture Spatial Video for the Vision Pro headset.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Display Size:
- Anticipated to be approximately 6.9 inches (rounded to 6.9 inches).
- Additional Feature: The Tetraprism 5x optical zoom lens may also be included in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, potentially extending beyond the Pro Max model. These size and camera enhancements promise an exciting evolution in Apple’s flagship smartphone series.
iPhone 16: Cameras
The anticipated camera features for the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro:
Triple-Lens Camera System:
- The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will both sport a triple-lens camera system:
- Wide-Angle Lens: Expect improved image quality with a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera. Pixel binning technology will enhance performance, especially in low-light conditions.
- Telephoto Lens: This lens may offer up to 10x optical and 100x digital zoom. Its periscope design uses mirrors to extend the focal length.
- Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens: Capturing expansive scenes with precision.
Vertical Camera Arrangement:
Departing from the prior diagonal lens setup, the iPhone 16 Pro models will feature a vertical camera layout. This change may enable the standard iPhone 16 models to capture Spatial Videos for the Vision Pro Headset.
Capture Button:
The iPhone 16 lineup introduces a new “Capture Button” specifically for taking photos and videos. Like a digital camera’s shutter button, it detects varying pressure levels to focus and capture images.
Tetraprism 5x Optical Zoom Lens:
While initially rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, this advanced zoom lens may also be included in the iPhone 16 Pro.
iPhone 16: Battery
Battery Capacities:
iPhone 16: Expected to house a 3,561mAh battery.
iPhone 16 Plus: It may feature a 4,006mAh battery, slightly smaller than its predecessor’s capacity of 4,383mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro: It is speculated to include a 3,355mAh battery, representing a 2% boost from the iPhone 15 Pro’s capacity.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: It is anticipated to sport a 4,676mAh battery.
Graphene Thermal System: Apple is reportedly working on a graphene thermal system for the iPhone 16 models, which would enhance heat dissipation. These battery upgrades promise improved performance and longer lifespan. Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the iPhone 16’s release!
iPhone 16: Chip:
Leaked details hint at all iPhone 16 models sharing the A18 chip. However, a split into A18 and A18 Pro variants might occur, possibly with disabled or binned modules. The A18 chip for iPhone 16 Pro models could boast a larger die size and an enhanced Neural Engine, featuring “significantly” more cores for superior AI/machine learning capabilities.
iPhone 16: Siri Enhancements and Microphone Improvements
Rumors suggest that iOS 18 will introduce advanced Siri features powered by large language models (LLMs), with some exclusive to iPhone 16 models. While many new LLM features will be available across all iPhones, on-device AI capabilities could be limited to the iPhone 16.
Enhanced Siri Functionality
iOS 18 may enhance Siri’s capabilities, facilitating improved interactions with the Messages app, auto-generated Apple Music playlists, and integration with productivity apps for AI-assisted content creation.
Microphone Upgrades for iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 models are expected to boast improved microphones, enhancing the AI-powered Siri experience for users.
iPhone 16: Specs
If Apple maintains its approach, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus could inherit the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro, albeit with variations. Another compelling rumor suggests all iPhone 16 models may adopt 3-nanometer A18 chips, with Pro versions potentially surpassing some laptops’ performance. However, leaks hint at potential setbacks for the A18 Pro.
There’s speculation that the A18 might feature a larger die area than the A17, accommodating additional transistors or specialized hardware, potentially enhancing on-device AI capabilities.
While chip and storage details remain uncertain, there’s anticipation for a RAM boost to 8GB in the base model, possibly to support on-device AI features.
Rumors also suggest WiFi 6E support for faster home internet speeds. Initial storage options may start at 128GB for the base, Plus, and Pro models, potentially reaching 2TB on Pro models.
Talks of an Apple-built modem persist, though it’s uncertain if iPhone 16 will feature it, given Qualcomm’s contract until 2026.
WiFi 7 compatibility could be a highlight for iPhone 16 Pro, albeit requiring WiFi 7 routers for full utilization, serving as a future-proofing feature.
Enhanced 5G Connectivity for iPhone 16 Pro
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem could empower iPhone 16 Pro models with faster and more efficient 5G connectivity. Featuring improved carrier aggregation, the X75 occupies 25% less circuit board space and consumes up to 20% less power than previous models.
Additionally, the X75 supports the “5G Advanced” standard, integrating AI and machine learning enhancements for superior 5G performance. With this technology, Apple may market the iPhone 16 Pro models as offering “5G Advanced” connectivity.
Apple’s Pursuit of Independence from Qualcomm
While the standard iPhone 16 models are anticipated to utilize Qualcomm’s X70 chip, Apple is actively developing its modem chip and antenna setup to reduce reliance on Qualcomm.
The Prospect of an iPhone Ultra: A Potential Shift in Apple’s Lineup
Apple’s trajectory with the Pro and Pro Max iPhones over the past four years hints at the possibility of an iPhone Ultra joining the lineup with the iPhone 16 series. This would mark a significant departure, potentially resulting in the discontinuation of one of the primary iPhone models, consolidating the lineup to a quartet.
However, indications suggest that the Ultra model might be introduced within the next couple of years, raising uncertainty about its inclusion in the iPhone 16 series.
Details on how Apple plans to elevate the iPhone to an Ultra level remain vague. Drawing inspiration from existing Ultra phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could involve enlarging the display or incorporating additional cameras. Much like the transformation seen with the Apple Watch Ultra, which expanded on the basic design of the Apple Watch 8, an iPhone 16 Ultra could redefine expectations with enhanced features both inside and out.
iPhone 16: Price and Release Date
If Apple sticks to its usual timeline, the iPhone 16 series is expected to debut in September 2024, although delays are possible.
While pricing rumors are scarce, we can speculate that the entry-level model may start at $800, with Pro models ranging from $1,000 to $1,100 and higher storage configurations commanding a premium. However, rising component costs could drive the prices of iPhone 16s higher. For instance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra saw a $100 price hike to $1,299 this year. If an iPhone 16 Ultra materializes, it could potentially surpass $1,200.
2024 iPhone 16: Final Thoughts
The iPhone 16 rumor mill is churning out exciting possibilities. There’s a lot to speculate about, from a potential camera overhaul to a revamped design with new buttons. While some rumors may fizzle out, others could become reality. With the September 2024 launch date approaching, Apple fans won’t have to wait long to see what the iPhone 16 truly holds. Stay tuned for further updates as we inch closer to the official reveal!
FAQ’s
Q. What are the expected models in the iPhone 16 lineup?
A. The iPhone 16 models are expected to include the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 Ultra.
Q. When is the launch date for the iPhone 16 rumored to be?
A. The launch date for the iPhone 16 is speculated to be in the fall of 2024.
Q. What features can we expect in future iPhone models?
A. The future iPhone features in the iPhone 16 lineup are expected to be cutting-edge technological advancements.
Q. How many iPhone 16 models are speculated to be released?
A. Four iPhone 16 models are expected to be part of the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup.
