The iPhone 16 series is at least 10 months away, and yet there are 18 rumors already circulating about the devices. Below, we've recapped all of the new features and changes we have covered here at MacRumors so far.
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The following key changes have been rumored for the iPhone 16 lineup as of November 2023:
- Larger Displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to have larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively. The iPhone 16 Pro will have a display that's 6.27 inches in size (rounded to 6.3), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to have a display that's 6.85 inches in size (rounded to 6.9).
- Camera Layout: The standard iPhone 16 models are rumored to have a vertical camera layout that's similar to the camera layout used in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. Apple used a diagonal layout for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, and it's not entirely clear why Apple would revert, but one theory is that it could allow the devices to record spatial video for Apple Vision Pro.
- Capture Button: A new physical "Capture Button" is rumored for all iPhone 16 models. What its purpose is remains a mystery at this point.
- 48-Megapixel Ultra Wide Lens: The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature an upgraded 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera lens for higher-resolution photos with more detail when shooting in 0.5× mode.
- Super Telephoto Camera: The iPhone 16 Pro Max could be the first to feature a super telephoto periscope camera for dramatically increased optical zoom, allowing Apple to maintain differentiation between the two "Pro" devices next year.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: The Pro models are expected to get Wi-Fi 7 in the Pro models, enabling data transfer over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously, resulting in faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity. .
- A18 Pro Chip: Apple's next-generation A18 Pro chip is expected to be manufactured with TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, known as N3E.
- 5G Advanced: Pro models may feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 modem for faster and more power efficient 5G connectivity over networks supporting "5G Advanced".
- 5x Optical Zoom: Both iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature 5x optical zoom, which is currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Solid-State Buttons: Apple may finally introduce solid-state volume, power, and mute buttons to the Pro models. Apple originally wanted to replace the physical buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro models, but pulled them due to "unresolved technical issues."
- Micro-Lens Technology: iPhone 16 OLED display panels might use brighter micro-lens technology and a more power-efficient material set.
- Action Button: The iPhone 15 Pro models include an Action Button, and in 2024, the Action Button is expected to be expanded to the standard iPhone 16 models. Apple plans to add even more functionality to the Action button by changing the button from mechanical to a capacitive-type button.
- A17 Chips: The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to use an A17 chip, but rumors suggest it won't be the same A17 Pro chip that's in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- AI Capabilities: New Siri features powered by large language models are expected in iOS 18, but on-device AI features could remain exclusive to the iPhone 16 models.
- Upgraded Microphone: Apple plans a significant upgrade to the iPhone 16 microphone to improve the new AI-enhanced Siri experience, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple's Siri AI ambitions will heavily rely on improved voice input processing, and the new mic will offer significantly enhanced signal-to-noise ratio.
- Stacked Battery Technology: Rumors suggest the iPhone 16 Pro models will use stacked battery technology, which can result in higher capacity and a longer lifespan.
- Ultra Model: Apple could introduce a high-end iPhone 16 "Ultra" that would be sold alongside the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The device could feature additional camera improvements, a bigger display, and perhaps even a portless design.
- New Thermal Design: Apple is rumored to be working on a graphene thermal system for the iPhone 16 lineup, while the iPhone 16 Pro models could add metal battery casings to reduce overheating. The move could be in response to widely encountered overheating issues experienced with the iPhone 15 Pro, which Apple addressed through a software update.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 models around its usual September timeframe in 2024. More details about the devices will likely emerge before then, so be sure to bookmark MacRumors.com and of course keep tabs on our regularly updated iPhone 16 roundup for the latest information.
Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
Top Rated Comments
Why in the world is this phrased as a positive? Can those of us that don't want iPads for phones please get the full "Pro" specs on our phones. Actually, the same thing happens with the iPads too, which is equally infuriating.
At night, you will need two blue light glasses.