Apple is gearing up to release the iPhone 16 lineup, and rumors are already giving us a glimpse of what’s in store. The new smartphones are expected to feature major design updates, enhanced processing power, and new AI-driven capabilities.
New look
After a few years without major design changes, the iPhone may be getting a fresh look. According to previous renders shared on Canaltech, the rear cameras on the iPhone 16 are expected to be arranged vertically instead of diagonally, which has been the norm since the iPhone 13.
Additionally, we might see some structural tweaks, such as a wider action button and a new location for the 5G mmWave antenna.
For the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models, they’re likely to retain their familiar design with three lenses arranged in a triangle. New color options are also anticipated, with a potential pink variant among them.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models are expected to come in a range of vibrant colors, similar to previous “non-Pro” models. These might include shades like red, blue, green, and more.
Apple Intelligence and more performance
As anticipated, the iPhone 16 lineup will fully embrace artificial intelligence (AI) features. Apple has already announced several AI-driven capabilities that will be available on the new phones:
- Smart Text Generation and Editing: Similar to the Galaxy AI suite, Apple’s AI will be able to write and edit texts according to your preferred tone, helping with emails, instant messages, and other common tasks.
- Audio Transcription and Summarization: The AI will be capable of transcribing audio recordings in full or summarizing them to highlight the most important points.
- Custom Images and Emojis: Using text prompts, Apple’s AI will be able to create personalized images and emojis through a feature called Genmoji.
- App-Specific Actions: AI will be integrated across different apps, allowing you to, for example, request your phone to play a song received via iMessage on Apple Music.
- Enhanced Siri with ChatGPT: Siri is set to gain new generative AI capabilities, including functions powered by ChatGPT for more advanced processing.
Although these features are expected to be part of the iPhone 16 lineup, they may not be available immediately at launch. There have been rumors that Apple is still working on perfecting these AI capabilities, so some features might be delayed by a few weeks or months.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 16 will likely benefit from the new A18 Pro chip, Apple’s second generation of 3nm processors, which should improve overall performance and enhance the neural engine for better AI functionality. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are also expected to feature the A18 Bionic chip, providing similar AI support as the Pro models, and might come with 8GB of RAM, matching the Pro devices in this regard.
New cameras and capture button
The camera improvements for the iPhone 16 lineup are set to be significant. The Pro and Pro Max models are expected to feature a new 48 MP ultrawide camera. This upgrade should enhance photo quality in 0.5x mode, as well as improve spatial video and portrait modes.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro might include super-zoom tetra-prism camera technology, similar to what was introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This technology could address the space limitations that previously prevented a 120mm lens from fitting in the more compact Pro model.
Following the addition of the Action Button last year, the new generation of iPhones is likely to introduce a dedicated camera capture button. This button will be positioned on the bottom of the device and support a two-stage capture process, where the first stage adjusts the focus, similar to features found in professional cameras.
Bigger and with more battery
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are expected to feature larger screens, with the iPhone 16 sporting a 6.3-inch OLED display and the iPhone 16 Pro featuring a 6.9-inch OLED panel.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro could see a significant boost in battery capacity, increasing from 3,274 mAh to 3,577 mAh. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is also expected to receive a larger battery, growing from 4,422 mAh to 4,676 mAh.
These upgrades, combined with the energy efficiency improvements of the new A18 Pro chip, are likely to extend battery life by about an hour, pushing it from 29 to 30 hours.
The new models might also support faster charging, with wired charging speeds increasing from 27 to 40 watts, and wireless MagSafe charging speeds rising from 15 to 20 watts. Additionally, a new stacked battery technology is expected to further enhance battery life.
When is the iPhone 16 expected to arrive?
Apple usually unveils new iPhones during the second week of September, and this pattern is expected to continue in 2024.
So, we can anticipate that the iPhone 16 will be announced during the week starting September 8th, with the launch event likely happening between September 10th and 11th.
Sales are expected to begin shortly after the announcement, including in Brazil. However, due to high demand, there might be delivery delays, potentially stretching into a few weeks.
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Other expected products
In addition to the iPhone 16 line, Apple may use the event to introduce other products in its line of accessories. They include:
- Apple Watch X: a special edition to celebrate the 10th generation of the Apple Watch may be presented with a thinner look. The product should also be announced in 45 and 49-mm versions, sizes larger than the Apple Watch Series 9 options;
- Apple Watch SE 3: considering that the Apple Watch SE line usually has a new generation released every two years, the third model could arrive in 2024. Recent rumors have indicated that the device should feature a simplified construction in colored plastic, which could appeal to children;
- AirPods 4: Apple’s new over-ear headphones are expected to be announced three years after the previous generation’s release. The updated model is expected to look similar to the AirPods Pro and could be accompanied by a simplified, lower-priced option;
- AirPods Max 2: Even though it’s a less likely bet, the AirPods Max 2 could also be announced with a USB-C input, among other new features.
