Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is happening on June 10th and rumors are strong about what the tech giant could bring with the next iPhone.
The iPhone 16 series launch is four months away and we are already hearing whispers about its features, such as the new power-efficient and larger displays, better zoom lenses, action button on all models, and a suite of generative AI capabilities.
For the time being, everything is a speculation and nothing will be confirmed until the iPhone event in September is over. However, these rumors provide us with a picture of what to expect from the next-generation iPhone.
Here is what we know about the upcoming iPhone 16.
1. Bigger Screens on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Apple’s high-end Pro series iPhones have maintained two screen sizes ever since they were first introduced in 2020 with the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max. However, reports suggest that with the iPhone 16, the Pro variants might get bigger screens.
Tech analyst Ross Young suggested earlier this year that the iPhone 16 Pro will have a 6.3-inch screen while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will get a 6.9-inch display. That rumor was later confirmed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gruman, who said the iPhone 16 Pro models could grow by “a couple of tenths of an inch diagonally”.
The move is believed to have been made by Apple to further distinguish its higher-end models from the regular iPhones. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are expected to remain at their current sizes of 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch, respectively.
2. Design Changes
In March, AppleInsider published pictures displaying 3D-printed dummy models of the rumored iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro variants. The images revealed that the regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will most likely have a vertical camera module and an action button, similar to the one Apple introduced last year with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Apple is set to bring big design changes to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The most expensive model of the lineup may have slimmer bezels and either a slightly reduced notch or even a notch-less design that could be revolutionary.
3. Camera Enhancements
Fans can expect significant camera upgrades this time around, which are mainly aimed at the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The device is set to include a larger image sensor with improved periscope zoom capabilities. Apple believes these improvements will result in superior low-light camera performance and more detailed zoom-in shots.
The Pro models coming this year could have 5x telephoto lenses. Rumors also suggest a tetra prism lens that will make its way to both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, as opposed to just the most expensive model.
A recent leak discovered by MacRumors suggests that Apple might be exploring a novel approach to enhance the image quality of the iPhone 16’s camera. The company is reportedly testing an anti-reflective technology that if successful, could potentially eliminate lens flare, resulting in more realistic and richer photos.
4. A18 Processors For All iPhone 16 Models
Apple is breaking its recent tradition of powering just the Pro series iPhones with its next-generation chipset. According to MacRumors, all four models of the iPhone 16 will be powered by the A18 series chip, with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max getting the A18 Bionic Pro while the regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus gets a slightly detuned but segment-leading A18.
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are powered by the A16 Bionic, which debuted with 2022’s iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max run on the A17 Pro processor.
5. Connectivity Upgrades
The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to support the latest WiFi 7 standard and will have improved 5G network capabilities. This could ensure faster and more reliable internet connectivity on the high-end device compared to WiFi 6E with 5G support found on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max.
6. New Colors
Prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested the iPhone 16 lineup will feature two new colors that will replace existing options. In an X post last month, he said the Blue color option introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro would be replaced with a rose that will be available for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
Kuo also predicts that the Yellow color released with the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will be replaced with White for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.
7. More AI Party Tricks
AI has been the buzzword in the tech sector lately, and Apple is expected to follow in the footsteps of rivals, Samsung and Google, to introduce new AI tips and tricks on its flagship smartphone.
Back in January, Gurman wrote in his Power On newsletter that iOS 18 could bring the “biggest” software update in the iPhone’s history and will feature generative AI technology that “should improve” how Siri works. Apple is rumored to be using large language models (LLMs) to make its voice assistant smarter and more conversational.
Apple also finalized a deal with artificial intelligence startup OpenAI to include some of its AI technologies in iOS 18. The partnership will be formally announced during the WWDC where the iPhone’s new operating system will be showcased for the first time.
Some speculated AI-powered features coming to the iPhone include a model for transcribing memos, editing photos, enabling faster web searches on Safari, and major updates to Siri.
When Will the iPhone 16 Models Be Released?
Apple typically holds its annual iPhone event in September. So, we expect the timeline to remain the same for the iPhone 16. The phones are released shortly thereafter, usually on the Friday following the event.
The company does sometimes delay releases for specific models, especially when introducing a new design. There is a possibility that the iPhone 16 Pro models could be launched at a later date than the regular iPhone 16s.
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