Apple is gearing up to release the iPhone 16 series next month. A recent leak on Weibo shows photos of what appears to be an iPhone 16 dummy model. The images reveal the device’s backside in two of the five rumored finishes.
The photos showcase a new vertical alignment for the rear cameras. This change may enable spatial video recording on the non-Pro models. The regular models are also expected to adopt the Action button, previously only available on the Pro and 15 Pro Max.
One notable change is the placement of the LED flash. Instead of being part of the main camera bump, Apple has placed it separately on the right side of the island. While some users may find this placement unappealing, it allows the company to avoid increasing the size of the camera bump.
In addition to the white and black finishes shown in the leak, the iPhone 16 is rumored to come in blue, green, and pink variants. Apple may opt for more saturated colors this year, unlike the washed-out models from the previous release. We should have concrete answers soon, with the keynote event potentially being less than a month away.
However, given the imminent release of the iPhone 16, it’s likely that this leak represents the final design that Apple has settled on. The iPhone 16 series is set to introduce several key upgrades and features. One of the most prominent additions is Apple Intelligence, the company’s latest suite of AI capabilities.
However, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this feature alone may not be enough to drive a significant increase in upgrades, especially for users of recent models like the iPhone 12 and newer. Among the notable changes is a new camera control button on the right edge of all iPhone 16 models. This button aims to enhance photography and video capabilities.
Additionally, previously limited to the pricier Pro models, the Action Button will be available across the entire iPhone 16 lineup, providing users with customizable controls. The series will also increase screen display sizes, although it’s unclear if this applies to all models or just the Pro and Pro Max variants. New color options are expected, including introducing a rose gold shade and removing the titanium blue option from the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone 16 camera alignment change
Under the hood, all iPhone 16 models will feature versions of the A18 processor and 8GB of RAM, which are crucial for running Apple Intelligence. Despite significant advancements over the past several versions, Gurman notes that the evolution has been gradual rather than dramatic since the iPhone 12.
Looking ahead, Gurman anticipates that 2025 will be a pivotal year for Apple, with a new iPhone SE and an exceptionally slim iPhone 17 in the fall. However, he acknowledges that the upcoming features and innovations in the iPhone 16 series slated for 2024 promise to make it a noteworthy release. As the official announcement approaches, all details will be revealed, confirming the extent of the new features and enhancements in the iPhone 16 lineup.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are expected to be the most powerful in the series. They will feature larger screens, measuring 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Despite the increased screen sizes, the phones will only be slightly bigger and heavier than their predecessors.
The Pro models will likely maintain muted color options, although the Blue Titanium finish may be replaced with a bronze or rose gold option. Improved cameras are also expected, with the telephoto lens available on both Pro sizes and potential advancements in lens technology. The ultra-wide camera might see its resolution increase from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels.
The Pro models will introduce a new feature called the Capture Button. Designed to mimic a DSLR camera button, it will support autofocus and capture images with varying pressure levels. Users can also swipe along the button to zoom in and out, enhancing photography and videography capabilities.
All four models in the iPhone 16 lineup will feature the new A18 processor and 8 gigabytes of memory to support the latest Apple Intelligence software. However, the Pro models might have additional capabilities or enhanced graphics features. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will also likely be equipped with Wi-Fi 7 for the first time.
Reports suggest that the new Pro models might see either longer battery life or the same battery life despite handling the additional demands of new features and Apple Intelligence. Size enhancements in the battery are expected to support this improvement. The next Apple keynote will be Tuesday, September 10, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with pre-orders likely beginning on Friday, September 13.
The new iPhones are expected to be available for purchase on Friday, September 20.
