The Apple iPhone lineup keeps drawing in tech lovers and buyers, and the excitement for the iPhone 16 is just as high. With rumors and leaks emerging, here’s a detailed overview of the much-awaited iPhone 16.
Every gossip regarding the iPhone 16, set to be released in 2024
The 2024 iPhone 16 Collection
Announced for release in September 2024, the iPhone 16 is set to introduce significant updates to the iPhone series, with Apple rumored to expand the dimensions of the iPhone 16 Pro to 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max to 6.9 inches, signaling the first increase in size in over a decade.
These size adjustments will be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models, while the iPhone 16 models will maintain their original dimensions similar to the iPhone 15 models. Although the iPhone 16 models will not see a significant increase in size, they will receive some subtle design improvements, including additional buttons. However, for the most part, both the standard iPhone 16 models and the Pro models will retain their appearance similar to the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro models.
Apple is developing new A-series processors for the iPhone 16 series, utilizing the most advanced N3E 3-nanometer technology. There might be enhancements in terms of efficiency and speed, though specifics on the improvements are yet to be announced. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro might feature different processors, with the more advanced one exclusive to the Pro models.
The Action Button, previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models, will be available across all four iPhone 16 models by 2024. Additionally, the iPhone 16 series is expected to introduce a new “Capture Button” designed for photo and video capture. This Capture Button operates similarly to a digital camera’s shutter button, adjusting focus by sensing varying levels of pressure before capturing an image.
Apple is set to introduce a fresh design for camera lenses in the iPhone 16 series, moving away from the previous diagonal layout. This shift is anticipated to enable the standard iPhone 16 models to record Spatial Video for the Vision Pro headset. Additionally, it’s rumored that the iPhone 16 Pro will feature the Tetraprism 5x optical zoom lens, suggesting it might not be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max release this year.
This summary covers all the speculations regarding the iPhone 16 series that we’ve gathered. Although there are still several months until the launch is projected, the majority of Apple’s plans for the iPhone 16 series are currently finalized.
iPhone 16 Design
Apple explored various options for the basic iPhone 16 models, but ultimately settled on a camera setup that is aligned vertically, featuring a camera bump in the shape of a pill. Previous iPhones have utilized a square camera bump to fit the diagonal lenses, but with the new lens configuration, Apple managed to make the camera bump more compact.
Inside the rounded protrusion, you’ll find the distinct Wide and Ultrawide lenses. The microphone will be positioned alongside the lenses, and the camera flash will be situated on the rear of the gadget, just beyond the bump.
On the left edge of the iPhone, Apple intends to swap out the mute switch for the Action button. The iPhone 16 series will feature the same button as seen on the iPhone 15 Pro models, with the volume buttons placed beneath it.
The left side of the gadget will introduce a fresh Capture Button, positioned where the mmWave antenna was previously found in the U.S. versions of earlier iPhone models. This new location is designed for simplicity in pressing the button when the iPhone is laid out horizontally. Apple intends to relocate the mmWave antenna to the lower left corner of the iPhone 16.
In addition to the updated vertical lens setup and the Capture Button, the iPhone 16 models will retain a similar layout to the iPhone 15 models, featuring no significant alterations to the overall shape or dimensions of the device.
Table of Contents
iPhone 16 Colours
There’s been a variety of rumors regarding the available colours for the iPhone 16 models. A particular rumor mentioned seven colour choices, such as blue, pink, yellow, green, black, white, and purple.
However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, on the other hand, thinks that the iPhone 16 will come in black, green, pink, blue, and white, without the inclusion of purple or yellow.
The upcoming iPhone 16 series is anticipated to utilize the identical color-streaked rear glass seen in the iPhone 15 series. This rear glass layer will showcase a frosted appearance that stands out against the primary frame colour.
iPhone 16 MagSafe
The MagSafe magnets in the iPhone 16 series might be thinner now, reducing the need for a smaller magnetic ring in cases that are MagSafe-compatible.
Dimensions Adjustments for iPhone 16 Pro
Sources predict that the iPhone 16 Pro Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Pro Max will feature bigger screens. The iPhone 16 Pro Pro is set to boast a screen measuring 6.27 inches (closest to 6.3), whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Pro Max is anticipated to sport a screen size of 6.85 inches (closest to 6.9).
As the screen size grows, the overall size of the iPhone will also expand. These new models are projected to stand taller and wider than their predecessors, iPhone 15 Pro, while the thickness will stay constant, albeit with a slight increase in weight attributed to the larger dimensions. The basic form and aesthetic will stay the same, but the edge bars will be made slimmer.
iPhone 16 Pro
| Thickness | 8.25 mm |
| Height | 149.6 mm |
| Width | 71.45 mm |
| Display | 6.3″ (159.31 mm) |
| Screen Border | 1.2 mm |
| Weight | 194 grams |
iPhone 16 Pro Max
| Thickness | 8.26 mm |
| Height | 163.0 mm |
| Width | 77.58 mm |
| Display | 6.9″ (174.06 mm) |
| Screen Border | 1.15 mm |
| Weight | 225 grams |
iPhone 16 Display Technology
The iPhone 16’s OLED screens might incorporate micro-lens technology for enhanced luminosity and lower energy usage. Micro-lens technology, or MLA, employs a consistent arrangement of billions of lenses within the screen to minimize the amount of light bouncing back, thereby boosting the screen’s apparent brightness without using more power.
The OLED screens in the iPhone 16 series are set to become more energy-efficient due to advancements in materials.
Apple is adopting Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology for certain iPhone 16 models, which is anticipated to lead to narrower bezel widths. BRS enables a more compact and effective arrangement of the circuit board beneath the display, allowing for thinner bezels without affecting the display’s quality.
It remains uncertain whether the narrower bezels will be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models or if this design change will be applied universally across the iPhone 16 series.
There might be some slight adjustments to the Face ID feature in the iPhone 16 models, though the specifics of these changes are not yet disclosed. It has been reported that an Apple supplier in England lost a contract with Apple due to Apple’s intention to “reinvent” Face ID with the introduction of the iPhone 16.
iPhone 16 Buttons
Apple intends to introduce two fresh features to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, one to take the place of the Mute Switch and another that is completely novel.
Action Button
The iPhone 15 Pro series features an Action Button, and it’s anticipated that by 2024, this feature will be made standard on the iPhone 16 models as well. The Action Button across the iPhone 16 range will match the design of the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action Button.
This Action Button, which takes the place of the usual mute switch, has the capability to carry out various tasks, including activating the Flashlight, switching on the Camera, starting a Shortcut, enabling or deactivating a Focus mode, utilizing Translate, and adjusting the Silent Mode.
Capture Button
The additional Capture Button is situated on the same side of the iPhone as the Power button, in the area where the 5G mm Wave antenna is located in the United States.
With the introduction of this button, the mm Wave cutout has been moved to the left side of the phone, below the volume buttons. Although it is anticipated to operate mechanically rather than through capacitive touch, The Information reports that it will be responsive to pressure and touch. Users of the iPhone will be able to zoom in and out by swiping left and right on the button, adjust focus with a gentle touch, and initiate a recording by applying more pressure.
The Capture Button is set to be available across all four iPhone 16 models and will be utilized for capturing photos and videos.
A-Series Chips
The iOS 18 update has confirmed that every model of the iPhone 16 will utilize the latest A18 chip, yet there’s potential for Apple to distinguish between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro. It’s possible that the A18 chips for the iPhone 16 could have fewer GPU cores, either grouped together or turned off, while the A18 chips for the iPhone 16 Pro might have a more advanced GPU. Additionally, these chips might even be named differently for the A18 and A18 Pro.
The A18 chip slated for the iPhone 16 Pro could come with an enhanced Neural Engine boasting “significantly” more cores, leading to better performance in AI/machine learning, and it’s anticipated to have a larger chip size.
Thermal Improvements
Apple is anticipated to introduce a new cooling system in the iPhone 16 series to tackle issues of overheating. The company is developing a graphene-based thermal solution for the iPhone 16 series, and it’s also considering a metal battery cover for the iPhone 16 Pro, which could enhance the device’s ability to dissipate heat.
Graphene’s ability to conduct heat is superior to that of copper, which is the material currently employed in the heat sinks of iPhones.
The iPhone 16 series will feature an expanded graphite layer to help manage heat and prevent overheating caused by the Apple silicon chip.
RAM
The basic iPhone 16 series could be enhanced with an additional 8GB of RAM, moving up from the 6GB in the iPhone 15 series. This would result in all four iPhone 16 models coming with 8GB of RAM.
iPhone 16 5G Modem Chips
The latest iPhone 16 Pro devices might come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 chip, which promises quicker and more effective 5G connections. Qualcomm highlights that the X75 enhances carrier stacking and features a combined sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G transceiver that occupies 25% less space on the circuit board and consumes 20% less energy.
The X75 is designed to support the “5G Advanced” standard, incorporating AI and machine learning features to boost 5G capabilities, allowing Apple to label the iPhone 16 Pro models as having “5G Advanced” capabilities.
It’s anticipated that the standard iPhone 16 devices will utilize Qualcomm’s X70 chip, the same chip utilized in the iPhone 15 models.
Apple is in the process of creating its own modem chip and antenna design to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm, though it’s not set to launch in 2024. Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, suggests that the company’s modem chips will be available in 2025.
WiFi 7
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at Apple, thinks the iPhone 16 Pro series might incorporate the latest WiFi 7 technology, which is anticipated to deliver speeds of “at least 30” gigabits per second, possibly reaching up to 40Gb/s.
Wi-Fi 7 is capable of utilizing 320MHz channels and features 4K quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) technology, which could result in speeds up to 2.4 times faster than Wi-Fi 6 with the same number of antennas, offering quicker maximum transfer speeds, reduced latency, and improved reliability in connectivity.
Although Wi-Fi 7 might be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro series, the standard iPhone 16 models could receive an enhancement to Wi-Fi 6E, which is designed to support the 6GHz Wi-Fi band. Currently, Wi-Fi 6E is available only in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
USB-C Port
Apple is set to adopt USB-C technology in its iPhone 15 series, and it’s anticipated that this new standard will also be incorporated into the iPhone 16 models.
AI Capabilities
Apple is rumored to unveil new Siri capabilities, utilizing advanced language models, and some of the latest generative AI functionalities might be restricted to the iPhone 16 models.
A source has revealed that iOS 18 will incorporate numerous LLM capabilities across all iPhone models, but certain AI capabilities might be exclusive to the iPhone 16. The updated AI features of iOS 18 are set to enhance Siri’s interactions with the Messages app, create personalized Apple Music playlists automatically, integrate with productivity tools for AI-driven content creation, and offer more.
Enhancements to the Microphone
The iPhone 16 models are anticipated to come with an upgraded microphone that will be part of the Siri experience enhanced by AI. This microphone is expected to offer better water resistance and a superior signal-to-noise ratio, which will “significantly enhance the Siri experience,” as stated by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
iPhone 16 Camera
The latest iPhone 16 Pro models might come with an enhanced Ultra Wide camera equipped with a 48-megapixel sensor, which promises to deliver better photos in dim lighting situations. It’s expected to operate similarly to the 48-megapixel primary camera, employing a technique called pixel binning to merge the data from four pixels into a single “super pixel,” thereby enhancing the image’s quality.
The 48-megapixel wide-angle sensor in the iPhone 16 Pro Max is set to feature a new eight-part hybrid lens design, combining two glass elements with six plastic ones. Additionally, there will be upgrades for both the Telephoto and Ultra Wide sensors.
It’s anticipated that both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max could introduce 5x Telephoto lenses in 2024, marking a departure from the current restriction of this technology to the more advanced Pro Max model.
Camera Layout
It’s anticipated that the latest iPhone 16 models will feature a camera setup that closely resembles that of the iPhone 12’s. Apple has previously employed a diagonal camera setup in the iPhone 13 and 14, but this change is believed to enable better video recording space with the use of the Ultrawide and Wide cameras.
A leaked photo of an iPhone 16 camera case shows the expected vertical camera layout, which appears to confirm this design decision for the iPhone 16. The leaked iPhone 16 case designs also show the same vertical camera setup.
Super Periscope
The iPhone 16 Pro Max might include a highly magnifying periscope lens for an exceptionally enhanced optical zoom. This detail is sourced from a Weibo account known for its precise information in the past, although it lacks confirmation from another trustworthy source.
“Super” or “ultra” telephoto typically refers to lenses with a focal length exceeding 300mm. The existing telephoto lens is similar in size to a 77mm lens, suggesting a significant boost in zoom features if true.
iPhone 16 Battery
There are whispers that the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro models will incorporate stacked battery technology, potentially leading to increased storage and durability. This technology is already in use in electric cars and medical equipment, though it’s a relatively new approach for mobile phones.
The rumored iPhone 16 Pro is set to offer both wired and wireless charging options, with 40W wired charging and 20W wireless charging capabilities, according to a report from China. Currently, the iPhone lineup supports wired charging up to 27W and wireless charging up to 15W. The accuracy of this report remains uncertain.
The battery of the iPhone 16 Pro is anticipated to feature an upgraded stainless steel shell, which could enhance its energy storage capacity by up to 10 percent, potentially extending the battery’s life. However, this enhancement may not be available across all iPhone 16 models.
According to EU regulations, phone companies are required to design batteries that can be easily replaced by users with simple tools, and Apple is expected to comply by 2025. Apple is considering a novel battery replacement technique for at least one iPhone 16 model, by encasing the battery in metal instead of foil. This approach, with its low voltage, would simplify the battery removal process, reducing the need for glue and simplifying maintenance.
iPhone 16 Ultra
Apple might unveil a premium version of the iPhone 16, known as the iPhone 16 “Ultra,” alongside the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This device would be marketed as Apple’s most advanced iPhone lineup, possibly boasting better camera features, a larger screen, and maybe even a design without a port.
However, despite speculations about an iPhone 16 Ultra, there’s currently no indication of its existence in the initial iOS 18 code. The code indicates that Apple is developing just four iPhones, including two basic iPhone 16 models and two “Pro” iPhone 16 models.
iPhone 16 Pricing
Prices for the basic iPhone 15 models hit a new peak, rising by 16 percent from the iPhone 14 models. Apple took on the higher costs of making the iPhone 15 series, but it might have to raise the iPhone 16’s price to prevent it from affecting the company’s total earnings.
iPhone 16 Release Date
It’s anticipated that the iPhone 16 series will be released in September 2024, following the 2023 iPhone 15 models.
Future iPhone 17,iPhone 18
The ProMotion technology, which enhances the iPhone’s screen refresh rates to 120Hz, is set to be available on standard iPhone models by 2025. Until then, it will be exclusive to the premium “Pro” iPhones.
The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max, scheduled for 2025, is rumored to feature a 48-megapixel Telephoto lens, specifically designed for the Vision Pro headset. Analyst Jeff Pu has hinted at this, but has not disclosed the details of its compatibility with the Vision Pro. Pu also predicts that the iPhone 17 Pro will be equipped with a Wi-Fi 7 chip, designed by Apple.
There have been speculations about the iPhone 16 Pro models integrating under-display Face ID technology, but recent updates indicate that this feature will not be introduced until 2025 or beyond. Under-display Face ID is expected to free up more screen space by eliminating the need for the full Dynamic Island, albeit with a camera cutout.
The iPhone 17 is anticipated to boast an improved 24-megapixel front-facing camera, which will enhance both image quality and the ability to capture in low-light conditions.
There are whispers that the iPhone 17 models will incorporate an anti-reflective display, rumored to be more resistant to scratches than the Ceramic Shield. This display is described to have a “super hard” layer capable of withstanding greater wear and tear.
By the 2026 iPhone 18, it is rumored that Apple will introduce both under-display Face ID and under-display front-facing camera technology, potentially leading to a design that eliminates camera hardware cutouts, marking the debut of an all-display design.