What we know so far about Apple's iPhone 16
Less than a year after the iPhone 15 series was released, the successor to Apple's flagship phone is already drumming up discussions.
Apple releases a new iPhone line every year, bumping up the specs and adding upgrades to its mobile device. In 2023, the iPhone 15 series saw some major changes as it ditched the notch seen in previous models for a pill-shaped cutout it calls the Dynamic Island. Additionally, the latest iPhones said goodbye to the lightning port and instead supported USB-C charging.
The upcoming iPhone 16 is expected to be released in September of this year but as early as now, early leaks and rumors are suggesting what we may see in the future device. Here's what we know so far about the iPhone 16 line.
New camera layout for base models
According to a report from MacRumors, Apple could give the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus a new camera arrangement. The current base models for the 14 and 15 shifted to a diagonal dual-lens array but early prototypes suggest it will revert to the vertical camera alignment.
One design also suggests that the iPhone 16 will feature a single pill-shaped enclosure housing its two rear cameras, which is reminiscent of the iPhone X's shooters.
New capture button for photos
The Action button, seen on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, could be making a comeback in the upcoming series, but it won't be the only new button on the phone.
MacRumors uncovered "Project Nova," which it described as one of the main selling points of the iPhone 16 lineup. This project reportedly will add a capacitive button where the mmWave cutout is to serve as a "Capture Button" for easier mobile photography.
A18 chip for all models
According to alleged early development versions of the upcoming iOS 18, all four models in the iPhone 16 lineup are predicted to use the same new A18 chip. This will be a change as in the past few years, Apple has been using different chips on its base models and Pro variants.
New sizes for Pro models
Well-known Apple leaker Ross Young has suggested that there will be a new display size for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. The rumored screen sizes will be as follows:
- iPhone 16 - 6.1 inches
- iPhone 16 Plus - 6.7 inches
- iPhone 16 Pro - 6.3 inches
- iPhone 16 Pro Max - 6.9 inches
The upcoming devices are also expected to still come with a USB-C port for charging.
Catching up with AI features
Apple does have plans to catch up to its competitors Samsung and Google when it comes to AI features on smartphones. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the upcoming iOS 18 software update will feature more AI functions.
"Let me just say that, I think there's a huge opportunity for Apple with GenAI and AI," the tech giant's CEO Tim Cook said in an earnings call, as per finance website Seeking Alpha.
In addition to the iPhone 16, Apple is also reportedly working on a budget iPhone SE 4 with a look similar to the iPhone 14.
Everything mentioned is based on rumors and leaks so best take it with a grain of salt. Apple also doesn't discuss their products before launch so it's best to wait and see until fall of this year.
