Since the release of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro was more than six months ago, you can imagine that there have been a lot of rumors about the next iPhone 16.
The conversation is becoming hotter on everything from design leaks to speculative changes in cameras to more.
With the iPhone 16, we anticipate some more significant changes than with the iPhone 15, therefore we’ve compiled all the important rumors and reports in one place for you. Now let’s get started.
Date of release for the iPhone 16
Apple is anticipated to reveal and ship the iPhone 16 range this fall, similar to previous iPhone releases. It’s likely that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models will be released in September, barring any unforeseen circumstances. This was the case in 2020, when the iPhone 12 was released in October. Although things are always subject to change, this is what we currently expect. Expect Apple’s next iPhones to be released in September 2024, unless we hear differently.
iPhone 16: cost
With the exception of the iPhone 15 Pro Max model, which now starts at $1,200 for the 256GB version (there is no longer a 128GB variation), it was anticipated that the price of the iPhone 15 series would climb. If you want to call it that, the only iPhone 15 in the lineup to see a “price increase” was that one.
Apple was able to absorb the additional production expenses even though the prices of the iPhone 15 component were at their highest point. However, that might not occur in 2024, thus all iPhone 16 models might experience a minor bump. It’s unclear how much of a potential increase there might be.
iPhone 16: layout
The iPhone 16 lineup—most notably the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus—will see some significant upgrades in the near future. The most recent leak appears to reveal which of the three prototype designs for the iPhone 16 that MacRumors has previously suggested we would be getting. Apple is moving away from the diagonal camera orientation it has been employing for the previous few years with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. As an alternative, it will adopt the vertical pill-shaped camera island that was originally shown on the iPhone X, although with larger lenses and sensors.
Previous sources suggest that the basic iPhone 16 models may receive an Action button, even if it’s likely that the rest of their profile will stay the same.
Apple seems to be happy with the adjustments it made with the iPhone 15 Pro, so any design changes for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max could not be as significant. According to reports, the new Capture button would fit flush with the phone’s chassis and be capacitive rather than physical. It will probably be able to function as a camera shutter button because it is supposed to be a “capture” button, but it might also be programmable like the Action button. This new capacitive button will require the wireless antenna to be moved to the opposite side. In comparison to the present iPhone 15 Pro, the Action button on the iPhone 16 Pro models might also be larger.
It appears that these speculations have some merit, even though Apple never confirms changes to the iPhone design until the phone is unveiled. All of the aforementioned design modifications were reiterated in images of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro dummy models that were released by well-known Apple leaker Sonny Dickson in early April.
Some metal dummy units of what appear to be the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max were acquired by the YouTube channel EFTM. Manufacturers of cases and accessories rely on dummy units to create their accessories, which helps them construct them in time for the real product launch. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus’s vertical camera modules seem to be confirmed by the dummy units that EFTM received.
On all of the dummy units, there is one noteworthy detail, though: the Action and Capture buttons. It’s possible that the iPhone 16 lineup as a whole will feature both of these buttons. While the Capture button was originally said to be exclusive to the Pro versions, earlier speculations suggested that the Action button would be available on the regular iPhone 16 models. If these models are right, that seems to be shifting.
Another clue that Apple might be doing away with the real SIM card entirely in some nations is the Capture button, which will be situated on the bottom right side of the phones. With the release of the iPhone 14 series, Apple made the switch to eSIM-only in the United States, and it now appears that other regions of the world may follow suit.
Speaking of phony units, Sonny Dickson posted the image above to X (previously Twitter) in late April, which resulted in additional leaks. These specific dummies have a more finished appearance and provide us a better idea of how the iPhone lineup for this year should seem.
More recently, some mold leaks from ShopSystem surfaced online. Comparing the iPhone 16 models side by side with the iPhone 15 models, the molds reveal that the iPhone 16 models’ MagSafe charging ring is somewhat thinner. If this is true, it implies that Apple has made an effort to lower the bulk of the magnetic material needed for the MagSafe components, even though the magnets’ overall location hasn’t altered. This is advantageous since it implies that previous models of MagSafe accessories ought to remain compatible with the current ones.
The basic iPhone 16 lineup may be available in seven colors, according to the most recent reports from a Weibo leak: pink, blue, yellow, green, black, white, and purple. Titanium will be used once more in the iPhone 16 Pro, albeit “Blue Titanium” may be replaced with “Space Black” in terms of hue.
Additionally, “Natural” and “White Titanium” colors might be available, but they’ll be a little different from years past. Natural will have a gray tinge, whereas White Titanium will be more silver-white in color. The last color rumored is “Rose,” which is said to be akin to gold and may overlap with the previous story regarding a hue called “Desert Titanium.” In addition, a new and enhanced titanium finishing and coloring method is allegedly present in the iPhone 16 Pro, which will give it a more refined brushed finish than the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Additionally, Apple is improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the iPhone 16 lineup’s microphones over earlier models. This should make it easier for the device to hear you when you make Siri queries. Reportedly, iOS 18 will have more generative AI elements, thus Siri has to be more precise.
iPhone 16: shows
There might be upcoming adjustments to the iPhone 16 Pro models’ display sizes. The basic iPhone 16 models, however, won’t change. It’s possible that the iPhone 16 Pro’s 6.1-inch display will grow to 6.3 inches. Instead of 6.7 inches, the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max will measure 6.9 inches.
The smaller iPhone 16 Pro will be able to accommodate a larger telephoto camera lens thanks to its upcoming size boost, which will enable the 5x optical zoom that was first seen on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The tetraprism lens was unable to fit because of the 6.1-inch size restrictions, but this can be fixed with a 6.3-inch chassis.
All of Apple’s devices will have smaller bezels, but the Pro versions will reap the most benefits. Apple is reportedly utilizing a new display technology called Border Reduction Structure (BRS), which enables manufacturers to minimize the size of the black borders surrounding the screen, according to a recent report.
Given that Apple is apparently utilizing microlens technology in the iPhone 16 OLED panels, we may also see brighter displays and more energy-efficient battery consumption. Last but not least, according to a source from The Elec, the iPhone 17 line will be the first to adopt LTPO OLED panels with ProMotion and always-on screens across all models, even the lowest models. Put another way, regrettably, the 60Hz refresh rate display should still be available on the lowest model iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
iPhone 16 specifications
We should see an A17 chip for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus base models. It’s possible, though, that this chip differs from the A17 Pro one found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple is probably going to adopt a less expensive process for a conventional “A17” processor, which might end up in the regular iPhone 16 versions.
Analyst Jeff Pu believes Apple will take a different approach and just refer to the new CPUs as A18 and A18 Pro. This would imply that, as opposed to using an A17 processor, which may be considered a “last generation” semiconductor, all iPhone 16 models would have some variant of an A18 chip.
Although the iPhone 15 models that were released on launch day experienced overheating, it is rumored that Apple has worked on a new thermal design to aid with heat dissipation. For the entry-level iPhone 16 models, this might take the shape of a graphene thermal system, whilst the iPhone 16 Pro might feature a metal battery cover. The heat sinks on the iPhone are now made of copper, however graphene has a greater thermal conductivity.
Although there have been reports that Apple has been developing its own 5G modem chips internally, it is not going to happen until 2024. Instead, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem might be used by the iPhone 16 Pro to enable 5G connectivity that is quicker and more effective. The Qualcomm X70 chip used in the iPhone 15 will still be used in the entry-level iPhone 16. Additionally, Wi-Fi 7 technology—which has a throughput of up to 40 gigabits per second—might be included in the iPhone 16.
iPhone 16: the camera
The dual camera arrangement on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be shown in a vertical pill-shaped camera island, as was previously announced. The triple-lens camera arrangement on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max seems to be the same as it has been for a few years. The camera specifications don’t seem to have changed, despite the fact that the base versions will feature a new camera configuration. For the Pro models, that isn’t the case, though.
Apple may replace the current 12-megapixel ultrawide lenses on the iPhone 15 Pro with 48-megapixel sensors on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max this year. This would be a significant upgrade. If so, there will be more detail in ultrawide photos, especially in dimly lit areas. With two glass components and six plastic elements in each lens, the iPhone 16 Pro Max may also see advancements in all three lenses.
There’s a fair likelihood that those who favor the smaller Pro model will also receive an upgrade to their camera this year. The iPhone 16 Pro’s 6.3-inch display will enable for the tetraprism camera to be incorporated into the chassis, resulting in 5x optical zoom capabilities, which is a welcome improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro’s 3x optical zoom.
A leaker going by the handle yeux1122 claims that the lenses on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max may also be receiving an enhanced lens coating that makes use of atomic layer deposition (ALD). Because ALD applies one atomic layer at a time, Apple would have even greater control over the coating’s composition and thickness. Without introducing additional mass, this can assist in fine-tuning the camera lens stack.
But practically speaking, what does that mean? In essence, when direct sunshine is present, the ALD coating will aid in reducing digital artifacts in photographs, such as lens flare and halos. Additionally, ghosting will be less for things moving quickly. Additionally, it adds an additional layer of defense to the camera lens, enhancing its longevity.
iPhone 16: duration of battery life
With the iPhone 16 Pro versions, which are expected to feature stacked battery technology, we should finally see some improved battery life. Higher capacity and longer lifespans can be achieved with layered batteries. Faster 20W MagSafe and 40W wired charging rates might also result from this. For quite some time, Apple has not kept up with its rivals when it comes to charging speed. We might be in for a nice treat if the iPhone 16 actually solves this.
We also know very well what to anticipate from all of the iPhone 16 lineup’s batteries, according to @MajinBuOfficial, with certain modifications expected in each category. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, according to the leak, will have bigger batteries than their predecessors, but the iPhone 16 Plus will be left behind and have a smaller battery than previously. Additionally, the Pro Max model’s battery will no longer be shaped like a L; instead, it will once again be rectangular, similar to that of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.
As of right now, Apple appears that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have 4,676 mAh (up from 4,422 mAh), the iPhone 16 Plus will have 4,006 mAh (down from 4,383 mAh), and the normal iPhone 16 will have 3,561 mAh (up from 3,349 mAh). There is no information regarding the iPhone 16 Pro’s potential, for whatever reason. However, given @MajinBuOfficial’s inconsistent track record with Apple leaks, this is purely conjecture.
Software and upgrades for the iPhone 16
We can anticipate iOS 18 to release alongside the iPhone 16 because Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) starts on June 10 and the iPhone 16 lineup will come in the fall. Even while the majority of other tech firms have been making significant investments in AI, Apple has mostly kept quiet. However, with iOS 18 and Siri, all of this might change as Apple has been working to strengthen it with more intelligent AI driven by large language models (LLM). While new LLM features may eventually make their way into all iPhone models, some will probably only be available in the iPhone 16 series.
Better interactions with Siri and Messages, better automatically created playlists for Apple Music, connection with productivity apps, and more are some of the potential AI features. Along with the enhanced AI-powered Siri experience, there are also rumors of enhancements to the microphone, including increased signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance.
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