The iPhone 16 pro series is anticipated to introduce a larger display, a dedicated camera button, and potentially increased storage capacity.
Following the recent debut of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra last week, attention now shifts to Apple’s potential plans for the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro lineup. While Apple typically unveils new iPhones in September, a flurry of leaks and analyst insights provides a glimpse into what we might anticipate. Anticipate faster and more power-efficient processors, and there’s speculation that Apple might introduce hardware changes, providing a significant enhancement to its premium iPhone Pro series.
Doubling Up: Twice the storage
Apple has consistently provided Pro iPhones with storage options up to 1TB. However, the upcoming iPhone 16 might bring a significant upgrade, potentially offering up to 2TB of storage, especially on the pro models. A recent report from DigiTimes also suggests a cost-effective shift to QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND storage, which could bring added affordability compared to the traditional TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND.
The prospect of a larger 2TB storage option on the iPhone 16 Pro is attractive for content creators and power users who store a lot of data locally. With iPhones able to shoot 3D Spatial videos, this upgrade may be particularly appealing. If this trend continues, all models of the iPhone 16 could start with a minimum of 256GB internal storage, following the precedent set by the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Apple is currently looking into both QLC (Quad-Level Cell) and TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND technologies. QLC NAND can store more data, but TLC NAND has lower read/write speeds and slightly higher reliability risks. Apple is investing in both to find a balance between cost and performance.
A dedicated camera button
A new leak from The Information hints that the iPhone 16 Pro series may have an extra button, deviating from the previous idea of a buttonless design. The rumored button could be placed on the lower right side, reminiscent of older Nokia Lumia and Sony Xperia models.
The placement of this new capacitive button suggests a dual function, possibly serving as a camera trigger. Much like using a volume button for capturing photos, this button might replicate the sensation of pressing a physical button through a haptic engine. Additionally, it’s rumored to be pressure-sensitive, enabling users to use the same button for both focusing and capturing photos or recording videos.
Reports indicate that all four versions of the iPhone 16 could feature this new button. Additionally, Apple is anticipated to extend the functionality of the action button, present in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup, to the entire iPhone 16 series. Users may enjoy customization options through the Shortcuts app.
Expansive Screens: Anticipating Larger Sizes
The iPhone 16 series is rumored to introduce larger displays across its range. Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 are said to sport a 6.3-inch screen, while the larger iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max are anticipated to feature a significantly larger 6.9-inch display. Notably, Apple may reserve the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for the Pro models exclusively.
Larger displays come hand in hand with more substantial batteries, hinting at potential enhancements in battery size for the iPhone 16 series. This upgrade is likely to translate into improved battery life across all models. Moreover, there’s speculation that Apple might incorporate superior cooling solutions to enhance and maintain peak performance for these iPhones.
The iPhone 16 models, with their larger screens, are likely to resemble the iPhone 15 series. They will continue to have a pill-shaped cutout for the Dynamic Island at the top. Apple might also reduce bezel size slightly, enhancing the screen-to-body ratio.
Immersive Gaming Experience: AAA Games Across the Entire Lineup
Apple has been using older chips in their base iPhone models, and this trend is expected to continue with the iPhone 16 lineup. A report from MacRumors suggests that all models will run on the A18 chip, while the Pro versions may have enhanced performance with speed-binned chips featuring higher CPU clock speeds and more CPU cores.
This shift is expected to bring console-level AAA-grade gaming to all iPhone 16 models. The A18 chip, a 3nm processor similar to the A17 Pro and the M3 chip, is believed to be the driving force behind this enhancement. Additionally, there are hints that the iPhone 16 Pro family may feature more memory (RAM), unlocking additional camera features and improved computing capabilities.
Reflecting recent industry trends of providing extended software support for up to 7 years, Apple might follow suit with a similar announcement. Furthermore, these new chips could introduce fresh AI features, leveraging on-device generative AI capability.
Periscope Zoom Lens
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to include a 5x telephoto zoom lens on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The larger display of the iPhone 16 Pro will accommodate this new zoom lens, which takes up a bit more space inside the phone compared to a regular camera module.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to feature a high-resolution ultra-wide-angle lens. Similar to the 48 MP primary camera, this new ultra-wide-angle lens is expected to boast a 48 MP resolution. This enables users to naturally capture 24 MP images by default, providing greater detail and clarity compared to images taken with a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
Despite maintaining a 12 MP resolution, the selfie camera is reportedly receiving an upgrade with a slightly wider aperture to enhance low-light performance. However, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may continue to offer a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.