What to expect from the iPhone 16 rumors and leaks

What to Expect from the iPhone 16: Rumors and Leaks

Written by: Franzria Ferriols

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Time to read 5 min

What Are the iPhone 16 Rumored Upgrades?

The tech world is already abuzz with the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, just a few months since the latest release for the iPhone 15 series. Leaks fuel excitement about potential design changes, performance boosts, and camera improvements. While Apple keeps its cards close until the official launch event, these rumors hint at what we can expect from the next-generation iPhone.


This article explores the possible exciting upgrades we’ll witness once the iPhone 16 series launches in September 2024.

🔑 Key Takeaways:


  • The iPhone 16 lineup will include the standard model, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max.

  • Pro models will see more significant upgrades, including design, performance, camera setup, and software.

  • There will be several physical changes on the iPhone 16 devices to optimize user experience, including camera setup.

  • The iPhone 16 battery life will slightly increase compared to its predecessor, thanks to a new battery component.

  • The new iPhone will have the latest software - iOS 18.


1. Design and Display

While it’s no surprise that Apple has yet to make a new iPhone, speculations on the iPhone 16 design and display came out early. An iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max are in the works.


Leaks suggest potential size variations for the iPhone 16 lineup. The Pro models might see a slight screen size increase – 6.3 inches (iPhone 16 Pro) and 6.9 inches (iPhone 16 Pro Max) – further differentiating them from the standard models. This is a first upgrade for the Pro models in several years, which have had a 6.1-inch display since the iPhone 12 Pro.


New finishes or a more durable build material could also be on the table. Apple may finally replace the notch with a sleek under-display fingerprint sensor or improved Face ID technology.


Additionally, the device may have a new Capture button on the right side of the phone with a “mechanical design” that presses in and out.


Here are the alleged uses and capabilities of this extra “touch-sensitive” button:


  • Capture photos and videos with a simple press.

  • Zoom in and out by swiping left and right on the button's surface.

  • Fine-tune focus with a light press for focus lock and a deeper press for immediate shutter activation.

iPhone16 camera design neutral background



With this exciting new feature, the potential design changes, like a new button, might necessitate new cases or accessories to accommodate them. It would be convenient to use a thin phone case  that allows for easy access to all ports and buttons. The increased durability of the build material would also provide peace of mind for users who are worried about accidental drops or scratches.

2. Hardware and Performance

Another significant upgrade you can expect for the iPhone 16 is its A-series chip, built on the latest N3E 3-nanometer node . The A17 Bionic (or a new naming scheme entirely) should deliver enhanced processing power and improved battery efficiency. Users can expect faster speeds and smoother performance.


Moreover, leaks suggest RAM upgrades will allow for smoother multitasking. However, there is no credible information about a significant bump in terms of RAM. Currently, only Pro models have up to 6GB capacity.


Apple might equip the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro with distinct chips. The higher-performance chip would be reserved for the Pro models. This would allow for even better performance and features, like improved computational photography and augmented reality experiences.

3. Camera Setup

The camera system is often a major focus for iPhone upgrades. Rumors point towards higher megapixel sensors for capturing sharper images, low-light performance, and telephoto lenses to boost zoom capabilities.


But an exciting new feature has been sighted in an early prototype: a new vertical camera lens arrangement. This new orientation can apparently record Spatial Video for Apple's Vision Pro headset. It’s also likely that the camera will have longer zooms, at least in the Pro models.


As you can see in this Reddit post, there is a noticeable difference from the diagonal camera lens setup.

Lastly, an impressive Tetraprism 5x optical zoom lens might be included in all iPhone 16 Pro models, not just the Pro Max.

4. Battery Life

Battery life is a constant concern for smartphone users, and Apple might be focusing on improvements in this area. This involves a bump in battery capacity through a “stacked battery technology.”


This feature essentially longs the battery life span and improves battery density. Stacked batteries are common in cars and medical equipment, but are emerging battery technology in smartphones .

There’s also a rumored slight increase in battery life compared to the 2023 iPhone 15 lineup.


iPhone 15 Series

iPhone 16 Series

Change

iPhone 15

3,349 mAh

iPhone 16

3,561 mAh

+6%

iPhone 15 Plus

4,383 mAh

iPhone 16 Plus

4,006 mAh

-9%

iPhone 15 Pro

3,274 mAh

iPhone 16 Pro

3,355 mAh

-9%

iPhone 15 Pro Max

4,422 mAh

iPhone 16 Pro Max

4,676 mAh

+5%

5. Software

A powerful iOS 8.0 will certainly take over the new iPhone. It is reported to be the “biggest” iOS update yet. Rumors hint at exciting new features and potential UI changes, although specifics remain under wraps.


Let’s see what more we can expect from the iPhone 16, software-wise.



iPhone 16 AI features blue background

Release Date and Pricing

Apple typically unveils new iPhones in September of the year. They usually reveal pricing details at the launch event, but rumors suggest there might be no significant price changes, from $800 for entry-level models up to $1,000 - $1,100 or higher.


The possibility of new pricing tiers to accommodate different storage options cannot be ruled out, especially with smartphone component costs on the rise.


If you're wondering if it's worth upgrading to iPhone 16, find out in this video:

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 is shaping up to be an exciting upgrade, with potential improvements across design, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. We have a couple of months left to see them for ourselves, and a lot of information can still come up. While software features and pricing specifics remain, to a large extent, unconfirmed, the rumor mill has certainly set the stage for an eagerly anticipated official announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iPhone 16 come with a new charger or USB-C port?

There are no concrete leaks about a new charger or USB-C port for the iPhone 16. Apple continues to use its proprietary Lightning port on current iPhones, and there's no clear indication of a switch in the near future.

Is there any information about new color options for the iPhone 16?

Apple may introduce a rose color option for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus might also get a fresh white. Other color options may include black, green, and blue.

Will the iPhone 16 support any new Apple accessories?

Leaks haven't revealed any information about new Apple accessories specifically designed for the iPhone 16. However, the potential design changes, like a new button, might necessitate new cases or accessories to accommodate them.

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Author thumbnail photo

Franzria F.

Content Writer of Thinborne - The super thin phone case made of aramid fiber.

"I write anything tech and help businesses reach their target audience with a messaging that best fits the reader's needs. I can obsess over grammar and bite-sized, readable sentences because I care about people more than search engines. When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my friends and loved ones exploring local sceneries."

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