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The 2024 iPhone 16 Lineup
Launching on September 9, 2024, the iPhone 16 series promises exciting upgrades. The iPhone 16 Pro will feature a larger 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will expand to 6.9 inches, marking the first size increase in years. However, the standard iPhone 16 models will retain the same size as the iPhone 15, with minor design tweaks, including additional buttons. Despite these updates, both the standard and Pro variants will maintain a familiar appearance.
Apple is introducing new A-series chips for the iPhone 16 lineup, built on N3E 3-nanometer technology, enhancing efficiency and performance. While specific details remain undisclosed, the iPhone 16 Pro models will likely feature a more advanced chip compared to the standard versions.
A major change in 2024 is the introduction of the Action Button across all iPhone 16 models, previously limited to the iPhone 15 Pro. Additionally, the new “Capture Button” will make its debut, designed for capturing photos and videos. This button will function like a camera shutter, responding to pressure levels for focus and image capture, enhancing the photography experience.
- iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: 15+ Expected Upgrades Compared
- iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: 25+ Expected Upgrades Compared
Apple is set to introduce a new vertical camera layout for the iPhone 16 series, replacing the previous diagonal design. This change is expected to enable Spatial Video recording, making it compatible with the Vision Pro headset. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro is rumoured to feature the Tetraprism 5x optical zoom lens, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This upgrade will bring enhanced zoom capabilities to both Pro models in 2024.
iPhone 16 Design
Apple tested multiple designs for the iPhone 16 but ultimately opted for a vertically aligned camera system with a pill-shaped camera bump. This new design replaces the previous square-shaped bump used for diagonal lenses. The vertical layout not only enhances aesthetics but also allows for a sleeker, more streamlined look on the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 features a pill-shaped camera bump housing the Wide and Ultrawide lenses, with the microphone beside them and the camera flash positioned outside the bump on the device’s back.
Apple is replacing the mute switch on the left side with the Action Button, first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models. Below it, the volume buttons will be placed for easy access.
A new Capture Button will be added to the right side, where the mmWave antenna was previously located on U.S. models. This ergonomic placement enhances usability, especially in landscape mode. The mmWave antenna will now be repositioned to the bottom left side of the iPhone 16.
Despite the vertical camera arrangement and the addition of the Capture Button, the iPhone 16 will retain a similar body shape and size as the iPhone 15, with no major structural changes.
Colours
Rumours suggest that the iPhone 16 models may come in up to seven colours, including blue, pink, yellow, green, black, white, and purple.
However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a different lineup, stating that the iPhone 16 will be available in black, green, pink, blue, and white, with no purple or yellow variants.
Dummy models hint at potential shades like light pink, a deeper blue-green, and vibrant blue, along with classic black and white.
The iPhone 16 is expected to feature a colour-infused glass back, similar to the iPhone 15, with a frosted finish that contrasts with the main frame colour for a premium look.
MagSafe
The iPhone 16 models could come with slimmer MagSafe alignment magnets, allowing for a smaller magnetic ring in MagSafe-compatible cases.
Dummy Models
Before launching new iPhone models, case manufacturers acquire leaked dimensions and specifications from Apple suppliers. They use this data to create dummy models for their cases. As being first with a new case design is costly, these dummy models often provide an accurate preview of upcoming iPhones.
In April, leaked dummy models of the iPhone 16 revealed size variations across the lineup. The Pro models are slightly taller and wider, while the standard iPhone 16 features a new vertical camera cutout for its dual-lens system.
The iPhone 16 Pro models retain the square camera bump with three lenses.
On the left side, the Action Button appears on all four models, aligning with earlier reports. The right side features the new Capture Button, which sits flush with the device, unlike the protruding volume and power buttons.
Size Changes for iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature larger displays than previous models. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to have a 6.27-inch screen (rounded to 6.3 inches), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will boast a 6.85-inch display (rounded to 6.9 inches).
With these expanded screens, both models will be taller and wider, though their thickness remains unchanged. Due to the increased size, there will be a slight weight increase. While the overall design remains similar to the iPhone 15 Pro series, the bezels will be slimmer, enhancing the display experience.
iPhone 16 Pro
| iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro | |
| Thickness | 8.25 mm | 8.25 mm |
| Height | 149.6 mm | 146.6 mm |
| Width | 71.45 mm | 70.60 mm |
| Display | 6.3″ (159.31 mm) | 6.1″ (155.38 mm) |
| Screen Border | 1.2 mm | 1.71 mm |
| Weight | 194 grams | 187 grams |
iPhone 16 Pro Max
| Phone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Thickness | 8.26 mm | 8.25 mm |
| Height | 163.0 mm | 159.9 mm |
| Width | 77.58 mm | 76.70 mm |
| Display | 6.9″ (174.06 mm) | 6.7″ (169.98 mm) |
| Screen Border | 1.15 mm | 1.55 mm |
| Weight | 225 grams | 221 grams |
Comparison images of a dummy model alongside the iPhone 15 Pro Max reveal that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be significantly larger.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to retain the same dimensions as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, with no changes in size anticipated for these models.
Display Technology
The iPhone 16 models are expected to feature OLED displays with advanced micro-lens technology, enhancing brightness while reducing power consumption. This innovation utilizes billions of tiny lenses within the panel to minimize internal reflection, boosting brightness without extra power usage.
With improved materials, the iPhone 16 lineup will have more energy-efficient OLED displays.
Additionally, some models may incorporate Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology, allowing for thinner bezels by compacting display circuitry. However, it remains unclear whether this feature will be available across all iPhone 16 models or just the Pro versions.
There might also be minor updates to the Face ID system, though specific details are still unknown. Reports indicate Apple could introduce a Face ID overhaul due to supply chain issues with a supplier in England.
Buttons
Apple is set to introduce two new buttons on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. One will replace the Mute Switch, while the other will be an entirely new addition to the device.
Action Button
In 2024, Apple plans to bring the Action Button—previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models—to the standard iPhone 16 models. This Action Button will be identical across all iPhone 16 versions, just like the one on the iPhone 15 Pro.
Replacing the traditional mute switch, the Action Button on the iPhone 16 can perform a variety of functions, such as activating the Flashlight, launching the Camera, opening Shortcuts, toggling Focus modes, using Translate, switching Silent Mode, and much more.
Capture Button
The extra Capture Button on the iPhone 16 is located on the same side as the Power button, replacing the area once occupied by the 5G mmWave antenna in the U.S.
With the addition of the Capture Button, the mmWave antenna has been relocated to the left side of the iPhone, just below the volume buttons. This new Capture Button is expected to be mechanical (rather than capacitive) but will respond to both pressure and touch, offering a range of versatile functions.
- Gently press the Capture Button to autofocus while taking a photo or recording a video.
- Press firmly on the Capture Button to snap a photo.
- Swipe left or right on the Capture Button to zoom in or zoom out.
- A gesture might also be available to switch between photo and video modes, similar to the action of pressing and swiping in the iPhone’s camera app to capture a video.
The Capture Button, specifically for photo and video capturing, will be available across all four iPhone 16 models.
A-Series Chips
Code in iOS 18 reveals that all four iPhone 16 models will be powered by the next-gen A18 chip. However, Apple may still differentiate between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. The standard iPhone 16 could feature an A18 chip with fewer GPU cores, while the Pro models may include a more powerful GPU version, potentially named A18 and A18 Pro.
The A18 chip for the iPhone 16 Pro models is expected to feature an upgraded Neural Engine, with significantly more cores to boost AI and machine learning performance. The chip is also anticipated to have a larger die size.
Thermal Improvements
The iPhone 16 models are expected to feature an innovative thermal design aimed at preventing overheating. Apple is reportedly working on a graphene thermal system for these devices, and the iPhone 16 Pro models may also include a metal battery casing to improve heat dissipation.
Graphene boasts superior thermal conductivity compared to the copper currently used in iPhone heat sinks, making it far more efficient at managing heat.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 models will incorporate a larger graphite sheet to further assist in heat management, reducing the risk of overheating from the Apple silicon chip.
RAM
The standard iPhone 16 models may receive an upgrade to 8GB of RAM, an increase from the 6GB available in the iPhone 15 models. This would mean that all four iPhone 16 models will come equipped with 8GB of RAM.
5G Modem Chips
The iPhone 16 Pro models may feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem, which promises faster and more efficient 5G connectivity. This modem enhances carrier aggregation, combines sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G transceivers, reduces the circuit board footprint by 25%, and consumes up to 20% less power.
The Snapdragon X75 also supports the “5G Advanced” standard, offering AI and machine learning improvements for enhanced 5G performance. Apple may market the iPhone 16 Pro models as equipped with “5G Advanced” connectivity.
On the other hand, the standard iPhone 16 models are expected to continue using Qualcomm’s X70 chip, as seen in the iPhone 15.
Apple is working on its own modem chip and antenna technology to reduce reliance on Qualcomm, but these Apple-designed chips are not expected to be ready until 2025, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
WiFi 7
Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, predicts that the iPhone 16 Pro models may come equipped with Wi-Fi 7 technology, offering speeds of at least 30 gigabits per second and potentially reaching up to 40 Gb/s.
Wi-Fi 7 supports 320MHz channels and 4K quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), delivering up to 2.4 times faster speeds than Wi-Fi 6 using the same antennas. It promises improved maximum transfer speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity.
While the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature Wi-Fi 7, the standard iPhone 16 models could be upgraded to Wi-Fi 6E, which supports the 6GHz band. Currently, Wi-Fi 6E is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro models.
USB-C Port
Apple will maintain the use of USB-C technology for the iPhone 16 models, continuing from its debut in the iPhone 15 lineup.
AI Capabilities
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo anticipates that the iPhone 16 models will feature an enhanced microphone, designed to improve the AI-driven Siri experience. This upgraded microphone will provide better water resistance and an improved signal-to-noise ratio, leading to a notable boost in Siri’s performance.
iPhone 16 Camera Technology
The iPhone 16’s main camera is expected to keep its f/1.6 aperture unchanged. However, the Ultra Wide camera will receive an upgrade to an f/2.2 aperture, improved from the previous generation’s f/2.4, offering better performance in low-light conditions.
With the enhanced ultra-wide lens, the iPhone 16 models will likely support macro mode for the first time. Additionally, all iPhone 16 models will feature a dedicated Capture Button on the side for easy image capture.
While there are minimal changes across the iPhone 16 lineup, the iPhone 16 Pro models will boast a new 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, expected to significantly improve low-light performance.
Battery
Rumours suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro models might adopt stacked battery technology, offering higher capacity and a longer lifespan. This technology, commonly used in electric vehicles and medical devices, is making its way into smartphones for the first time.
The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to support faster charging, with 40W wired and 20W MagSafe charging, an improvement over the current 27W wired and 15W MagSafe charging. However, the accuracy of this claim remains uncertain.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 battery could feature a new stainless steel casing to improve energy density, potentially boosting battery life by up to 10%. However, this upgrade might not be available across all iPhone 16 models.
In response to EU regulations requiring easily replaceable batteries, Apple plans to introduce a new battery replacement method. This will involve encasing the battery in metal and using low voltage to safely remove it, eliminating adhesive and simplifying the repair process.
Overall, the iPhone 16 models are expected to see a slight increase in battery life.
| iPhone 15 Lineup (2023) | iPhone 16 Lineup (2024) | % Change | |
| [Standard] | 3,349 mAh | 3,561 mAh | +6% |
| Plus | 4,383 mAh | 4,006 mAh | -9% |
| Pro | 3,274 mAh | 3,355 mAh | +2.5 |
| Pro Max | 4,422 mAh | 4,676 mAh | +5% |
No iPhone 16 Ultra
Apple might unveil a premium iPhone 16 Ultra alongside the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Ultra could feature enhanced camera upgrades, a larger display, and potentially a portless design.
However, early iOS 18 code reveals no indication of an iPhone 16 Ultra, suggesting Apple is currently focusing on four iPhone models: two standard versions and two Pro versions.
iPhone 16 Launch Date
Apple is set to reveal the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models at the “It’s Glowtime” event on Monday, September 9. The official launch is anticipated to take place on Friday, September 20.
Future iPhone Features
ProMotion technology, which brings up to a 120Hz refresh rate to iPhone displays, is expected to be available on standard iPhone models starting in 2025. Until then, it will remain exclusive to the higher-end “Pro” models.
Analyst Jeff Pu forecasts that the iPhone 17 Pro Max (launching in 2025) may feature a 48-megapixel Telephoto lens optimized for the Vision Pro headset. He also predicts that the iPhone 17 Pro will include an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip.
While early rumours suggested that the iPhone 16 Pro models might adopt under-display Face ID technology, it now appears that this feature will not arrive until 2025 or later. The under-display Face ID will help maximize screen space by eliminating the need for Dynamic Island, although a camera cutout will still be present.
The 2025 iPhone 17 is expected to feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, greatly improving image quality and low-light performance.
Additional rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 models could feature an anti-reflective display with a super-hard layer, providing better scratch resistance than the current Ceramic Shield.
Looking further into 2026, the iPhone 18 might introduce under-display Face ID and under-display front-facing camera technology, potentially creating a completely all-display design with no visible camera cutouts.
iPhone 16 Roundup Changelog
- August 30 – Updated with the iPhone event date and a comprehensive refresh.
- August 23 – Included launch date rumours and new details about the camera.
- August 15 – Updated the Capture Button section.
- August 9 – Revised launch details.
- July 30 – Added an updated video.
- July 24 – Included details on the new thermal design.
- July 15 – Updated with new rumours about iPhone 16 Pro charging.
- July 1 – Included new rumours about the battery.
- June 5 – Revised the dimensions of the iPhone 16 Pro.
- May 20 – Included details on available colour options.
- May 17 – Included a size comparison image for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- May 3 – Added a rumour regarding a thinner magnetic ring for MagSafe.
- May 1 – Updated design details with a rumour about the back glass.
- April 29 – Included new images of dummy models.
- April 19 – Introduced a rumour regarding potential colour options.
- April 9 – Revised battery details.
- April 4 – Added new dummy model images and details on display technology.
- March 25 – Updated with information on the A18 Pro chip.
- March 21 – Updated with details on the new display technology.
- March 1 – Added new details on the A18 chip.
August 2024
- August 30 – iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: 20 Expected Upgrades Compared.
- August 28 – Unverified Rumor Suggests iPhone 16 Pre-Orders May Start on Thursday Instead of the Usual Friday.
- Aug 28 – iPhone 17 to Upgrade to 12GB of RAM, an increase from the 8GB Found in iPhone 16 Models.
- Aug 26 – Apple Announces Event for September 9: ‘It’s Glow Time‘
- Aug 26 – iPhone 16 Expected to Launch on September 20 with Exciting New Features
- Aug 23 – Apple Set to Reveal iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and AirPods 4 on September 10
- Aug 22 – iPhone 16 Series to Bring Significant Camera Upgrades
- Aug 21 – The iPhone 16 Will Feature an Action Button: Here’s What It Can Do
- Aug 20 – Survey Shows New iPhone 16 Thermal Design is a Top Priority for Buyers
- Aug 13 –The iPhone 16 unveils a new button: Discover its features.
- Aug 9 – Foxconn adds 50,000 workers as Apple increases iPhone 16 production.
- Aug 8 – iPhone 16 display mass production ramps up ahead of its launch.
- Aug 7– The iPhone 16 lineup may launch sooner than usual in Korea.
- Aug 5 – The iPhone 16 is still set to arrive in September, despite delays in the rollout of Apple Intelligence.
July2024
- Jul 23 – Internal change to iPhone 16 models expected to reduce overheating.
- Jul 18 – Kuo: Expectation that Apple Intelligence will drive iPhone 16 sales “may be too optimistic”.
- Jul 10 – Apple aims to increase iPhone shipments by 10% in 2024 with the help of iOS 18 AI features.
- Jul 9 – iPhone 16 models rumoured to feature Face ID-related design changes.
- Jul 2 – Apple leak confirms four iPhone 16 models featuring the same A18 chip.
- Jul 2 – Apple increases A18 chip orders in anticipation of high iPhone 16 demand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPhone 16 is set to bring several exciting updates and enhancements. Slated for release in September 2024, the lineup will showcase new design features, including a vertical camera lens arrangement and improved colour options. Additionally, there will be a larger Action Button and a new Capture Button to enhance functionality. While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will keep their current sizes, the Pro models will offer larger displays, upgraded performance, and advanced chips with improved thermal management. The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to introduce new camera technologies and faster connectivity. As Apple continues to innovate, the iPhone 16 will set the stage for future advancements in the iPhone lineup.
