Just a few months after Apple rolled out the 2023 iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, discussions are already buzzing about what the 2024 iPhone 16 lineup might bring.
Anticipated adjustments in the iPhone 16 lineup include enlarging the iPhone 16 Pro to 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max to 6.9 inches, marking the first size upgrade in years. However, these size modifications will be exclusive to the Pro models, as the standard iPhone 16 models will maintain the same dimensions as their predecessors. While the iPhone 16 models won’t see a size increase, they will undergo some minor design alterations, mainly featuring additional buttons. Overall, both the standard iPhone 16 and Pro models are expected to retain the look of the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro.
Apple is developing new A-series chips for the iPhone 16 lineup, utilizing the latest N3E 3-nanometer node. Although details on the improvements in efficiency and performance remain undisclosed, we anticipate separate chips for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, with the latter featuring a higher-end chip.
In 2024, the Action Button, previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models, will be integrated into all four iPhone 16 models. Additionally, a new “Capture Button” for taking photos and videos will debut in the iPhone 16 lineup. This button will function akin to a traditional camera shutter button, employing pressure sensitivity for focusing and capturing images.
Apple is contemplating a new vertical camera lens arrangement for the iPhone 16 models, deviating from the diagonal setup seen in previous models. This shift is expected to enable standard iPhone 16 models to capture Spatial Video for the Vision Pro headset. Furthermore, the iPhone 16 Pro might incorporate the Tetraprism 5x optical zoom lens, potentially extending beyond the Pro Max variant.
Several months prior to the expected launch, this roundup compiles all the rumors circulating about the iPhone 16 lineup. With ample time remaining, Apple may alter its plans.
iPhone 16 Design
Apple explored various designs for the standard iPhone 16 models before settling on a vertically aligned camera system with a pill-shaped camera bump. This departure from the square-shaped bump used in prior iPhones aims to reduce the bump’s size while accommodating the new lens arrangement.
The pill-shaped bump will house separate Wide and Ultrawide lenses, with the microphone positioned alongside them and the camera flash located outside the bump on the device’s back.
On the left side, Apple intends to replace the mute switch with the Action button, consistent with its introduction in the iPhone 15 Pro models. Below the Action button, the volume buttons will remain.
The right side will feature a new Capture Button, situated where the mmWave antenna was located on previous U.S. iPhone models. This positioning facilitates easy access when the iPhone is in landscape orientation, with the mmWave antenna relocated to the bottom left side.
Apart from the new camera arrangement and the Capture Button, the iPhone 16 models will retain the same overall design as the iPhone 15 models, with no significant changes in body shape or size.
Colors
The iPhone 16 models are rumored to be available in seven colors: blue, pink, yellow, green, black, white, and purple.
Dummy Models
Ahead of the iPhone launch, case makers rely on leaked dimensions and specifications from Apple suppliers to create dummy models for case production. These dummy models typically provide accurate representations of the upcoming iPhones.
Leaked dummy models of the iPhone 16 lineup reveal the expected size differences, with slight variations between the Pro and standard models. Additionally, the standard iPhone 16 models feature a redesigned vertical camera cutout compared to the diagonal layout of the iPhone 15 models.
The exterior camera design of the iPhone 16 Pro models remains largely unchanged, retaining the square camera bump housing three lenses. The dummy models confirm the presence of the Action Button across all four models, along with the new Capture Button on the right side, flush with the device’s frame.
Size Changes for iPhone 16 Pro
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are projected to feature larger displays compared to their predecessors. The iPhone 16 Pro is anticipated to sport a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max could have a 6.9-inch display.
With the display size increase, the overall dimensions of the iPhone bodies will also expand, resulting in taller and wider devices. However, the thickness will remain consistent, while the weight might slightly increase due to the larger size. Despite these changes, the general shape and design will remain unchanged.
Display Technology
The iPhone 16 OLED panels are expected to incorporate micro-lens technology, enhancing brightness and reducing power consumption. Micro-lens arrays reduce internal reflection within the panel, leading to perceived brightness enhancement without consuming additional power.
Additionally, the OLED displays utilized in the iPhone 16 lineup are anticipated to be more power-efficient, thanks to improved materials. Some models might feature Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology, enabling slimmer bezels by optimizing the layout of circuitry beneath the display.
Button Enhancements
Apple plans to introduce two new buttons in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, replacing the Mute Switch and adding a new one.
Action Button
The Action Button, initially exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models, will be expanded to all iPhone 16 models in 2024. This button, identical to its predecessor, replaces the traditional mute switch and serves various functions such as activating the flashlight, camera, shortcuts, focus mode, translation, and managing silent mode.
Capture Button
A new Capture Button will debut on all four iPhone 16 models, located on the same side as the Power button. Positioned in place of the 5G mmWave antenna on U.S. models, this button will respond to pressure and touch, enabling users to zoom, focus, and initiate recordings with different levels of pressure.
A-Series Chips
Leaked information suggests that all iPhone 16 models will utilize the same A18 chip. However, Apple might differentiate between them by disabling or binning specific modules, possibly resulting in separate A18 and A18 Pro variants.
The A18 chip intended for the iPhone 16 Pro models might feature an enhanced Neural Engine with more cores, leading to improved AI and machine learning performance.
Thermal Improvements
The iPhone 16 models are expected to feature a new thermal design to address overheating concerns. Apple is reportedly exploring a graphene thermal system, with potential inclusion of a metal battery casing in the iPhone 16 Pro models to enhance heat dissipation.
RAM
The standard iPhone 16 models might receive a RAM upgrade to 8GB, up from 6GB in the iPhone 15 models. Consequently, all iPhone 16 models would offer 8GB of RAM.
5G Modem Chips
The iPhone 16 Pro models could integrate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem for faster and more efficient 5G connectivity. The X75 chip supports advanced 5G standards, potentially positioning the iPhone 16 Pro models as offering “5G Advanced” connectivity.
WiFi 7
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro models might adopt next-generation WiFi 7 technology, providing faster speeds and lower latency. While WiFi 7 could be limited to the Pro models, the standard iPhone 16 models might receive an upgrade to WiFi 6E,
