The iPhone 15 series was unveiled just a few months ago, but it didn't take long for the iPhone 16 series to appear in many news and leaks already. Well, this is actually quite normal as we witness an incredible level of craziness surrounding iPhones every year.
We know it's very early, but there's a lot of inside information about the iPhone 16 series that will be unveiled in 2024. There are some big upgrades and improvements that justify all the hype. We've summarized all the leaks, tips, and rumors about the iPhone 16 series, including the phones' expected specifications, camera upgrades, price, release date, and more. So, here's what to expect and what you shouldn't count on seeing in the 2024 iPhone lineup.
Note that these are all speculations and expectations based on news, leaks, and what we have seen from Apple in general over the past years. There is no official information here as the California-based company does not disclose many details.
iPhone 16 price
There are no specific numbers about the expected iPhone 16 price. All we can assume at the moment is that the mid-range iPhone 16 model may come at a price of $800 for the standard version.
It is noteworthy that in 2023, Apple increased the starting price of the highest and best Pro Max model in the series from $1,100, which is the price of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, to $1,200 for the 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max may also get a new price increase. And let's not forget that if there is an Ultra model, which is supposed to be the new high-end model that has been rumored to be on the company's agenda for a while, it will cost more.
Expected iPhone 16 release date
If we look at the company's previous records over the past years, we will find that Apple has reasonably adhered to the usual annual times for launching its phones. The iPhone 15 series was officially unveiled on September 7, 2022, and the latest iPhone 15 series was unveiled on September 12, 2023. Therefore, it is highly expected that the iPhone 16 series will follow the company's usual schedule and will arrive sometime in mid-September 2024.
Nothing is guaranteed at the present time, of course, and the launch date may be delayed due to circumstances beyond the company’s control due to a shortage in supply chains, a workers’ sit-in in a factory, or the world being struck by a sweeping epidemic, as we saw in 2020. So if things go normally without any obstacles, we will see a lineup of phones. iPhone 2024 at the same usual annual time.
Design and display
There are some upgrades that are rumored to radically change the iPhone 2024, and we will share them with you in the lines below:
First, multiple sources indicate that the company will slightly enlarge the size of its high-end iPhone Pro models in 2024. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to come with a 6.27-inch display. Also, the iPhone 16 Pro Max may be the largest iPhone ever if rumors that it will arrive with a huge 6.86-inch screen are true.
Also, CAD designs leaked by 9to5Mac, that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a longer screen than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Also, since the iPhone 15 Pro models get the long-awaited titanium frame, we'll see that on the iPhone 16 Pro models as well, meaning these larger displays will be an exclusive upgrade for the high-end variants.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will retain the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays. Fortunately, Apple has tweaked the standard versions for 2023 with defined edges, a curved design, and a dynamic island. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will inherit these features. We'll also see the stunning color-tinted glass back with a matte finish, which debuted with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
There have been a lot of opinions about adding microLED displays to the iPhone 16 Pro models. This is something that is in the works for Apple, but seems a long way off at the moment. We'll see the microLED Apple Watch first, perhaps in 2024 or 2025. iPhones and iPads are expected to join later.
Will we finally see an under-display fingerprint sensor?
Earlier, a specialized Korean website, The Elec, reported that Apple is on the right track to adopt Face ID technology under the screen, which will replace the notch in addition to Dynamic Island technology. This technology is initially expected to arrive with the iPhone 16 Pro models in 2024. However, display analyst and specialist Ross Young shared a roadmap that takes us to a different side of the story as we will not be able to see Face ID under the screen until 2025.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also believes that Apple's decision to include the Face ID sensor and the entire front camera in the same display may still be at least 3-4 years away. With all this in mind, one thing seems clear: the iPhone 16 Pro models will also feature the Dynamic Island feature that was unveiled for the first time with the iPhone 14 Pro lineup.
When under-screen Face ID finally launches on iPhones, we'll get a larger screen real estate with a circular cutout for the selfie camera, just like what we've seen on recent Samsung flagships.
What can we expect from the iPhone 16 camera?
Like the iPhone 15 series, the standard iPhone 16 models also tend to come supported by a dual rear camera consisting of a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide one. While all versions may have a 48MP main camera, there are big rumors that the more expensive versions could have a larger sensor for brighter, brighter images. Instead of the current 1/1.28 inch (0.78 inch) sensor, we may see a 12% upgraded sensor that is 1/1.14 inch (0.87 inch) in size.
There's also a possibility that the rear camera in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup will have a 48-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, which is a significant upgrade over the current 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens on the iPhone 15 Pro models. This will allow the lens to capture more light for improved photography in low-light conditions.
We are also expected to see a periscope telephoto camera in the iPhone 16 Pro, instead of just the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Currently, due to device size limitations, only the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the telephoto periscope camera. If things go in that direction, it will be interesting to see what the camera will bring in the Pro models, especially for users who prefer a smaller Pro model.
Unfortunately, there is an equal possibility that this feature will remain exclusive to the Pro Max in 2024 as well. Also, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could have a telephoto camera with greatly improved zoom capabilities.
iPhone 16 specs and other features
The iPhone 16 lineup will ship with iOS 18 pre-installed. Considering the amazing features added to iOS 17, it will be very interesting to see what iOS 18 offers to its users. Aside from the extremely rich software, here are some possible and rumored specifications of the iPhone 16.
5G modem chipset: Recently, we have come across several reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 Pro models will be equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 modem for faster and improved 5G connectivity. Qualcomm says the X75 modem offers improved integration with carriers, takes up less space, and consumes up to 20 percent less power. In addition, the X75 processor supports “5G Advanced” standards with AI and machine learning improvements that are described as “the evolution towards 6G.”
Apple has been using Qualcomm chips for years. It's been a few years, and Apple has been developing their own modem chip and antenna setup, so they don't have to source any components. The Cupertino tech giant was unhappy with Qualcomm over its licensing terms, and also sued it in 2017.
An Apple-designed 5G modem chip has been hinted at for a long time, and initially, Apple wanted to introduce its own modem chip in 2023 but the project was postponed. Earlier this year, a statement from Qualcomm CEO circulated that Apple would likely adopt its own 5G modem chips in 2024. However, a leak from Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple's in-house modem chip will First revealed in 2025. Therefore, we may see iPhone 16 models with Qualcomm chipsets only.
A-series chip: Recently, Apple has been launching its new iPhones with two different chipsets. Pro models get the latest and most powerful chip while standard models inherit the chipset from the previous year's Pro models. The tech giant started doing this with the iPhone 14 and has continued to do so with the iPhone 15 series as well. If we look at this, the standard models should get the A17 Pro chipset, right? However, this may not be the case. There are tips and rumors suggesting that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will not get an older chipset. Now, this does not mean that they will get the A18 chip, which will be reserved only for the iPhone 16 Pro variants.
Someone claims on Weibo Apple is developing a brand new A17 chipset for the standard iPhone 16 models. These new chipsets will use a completely different manufacturing architecture. The A17 Pro chip is designed using TMSC's N3B process, and Apple may switch to a lower-cost N3E process for its A17 chip. The standard A17 chipset will still be 3nm, but it won't be the same as the A17 Pro. Since Apple added the “Pro” moniker to its chipset this year, many users already have the idea that Apple will come with a regular version for the standard models. After all, Apple is known for such things.
Wi-Fi 7 support: Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max may adopt the next-generation Wi-Fi 7 standard. In theory, Wi-Fi 7 offers a maximum data transfer speed of 40 Gbps, which is four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E.
For reference, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus use Wi-Fi 6. Apple has upgraded the 2023 Pro models with Wi-Fi 6E support. Now that the giant has upgraded, making a yearly shift in Wi-Fi standards could be a big ask for Apple. Even if the tech giant surprises everyone, you'll need a Wi-Fi 7 compatible router to take advantage of those super-fast speeds, which is very expensive.
More storage capacity: Newer iPhones come with four storage options, starting with a base 128GB of storage and going up to 1TB. Currently, we don't expect a 2TB option to be available, so the maximum storage option will not change. However, Apple may ditch the 128GB option, making 256GB the storage space for the standard version. In 2023, Apple will abandon the 128GB version of the iPhone 15 Pro models. This brought a wave of joy and disappointment. After all, the higher base storage capacity of 256GB means a higher price as well. We may see Apple do something similar with the regular versions as well. Honestly, I think 256GB is an ideal storage option for average users.
iPhone 16 battery
There has been a lot of news about Apple using stacked battery technology for future iPhones. Earlier, a Twitter user named RGcloudS suggested that the iPhone 15 lineup may follow the new protocol and improved wired charging speeds. Later, the same speculator claimed that Apple's stacked battery technology, 40W wired charging, and 20W MagSafe charging will be coming to the iPhone 16 series.
If this turns out to be true, we'll see greater battery capacity, improved charging speeds, and longer life (at least) for the iPhone 16 Pro models. Since the source does not have a reliable track record for iPhone leaks, it is best to take this leak with a pinch of salt.
Will there be an iPhone 16 Ultra?
Apple has been selling iPhone Pro and Pro Max models since the iPhone 11 series. With the iPhone 16, we may be able to see a more advanced and premium version, the iPhone 16 Ultra. It is reported that the Ultra model was expected to debut with the iPhone 15 series, but unfortunately that did not happen. However, there are strong rumors that Apple may introduce the high-end iPhone 16 Ultra in 2024.
Talking about the design and features, nothing is clear yet. It might have a larger screen, a faster chip, more cameras, or perhaps even the much-rumored portless design. Considering the Apple Watch Ultra comes with a modern design, with exclusive features inside and out, we may see Apple do something similar with the iPhone Ultra model. However, there is no concrete basis on which to place our expectations. Plans are still in flux, so this phone project may be delayed until 2025 or later.
These were all the leaks and rumors that are currently circulating about the iPhone 16 series. We are still a long way from September 2024, and until that month comes, we will provide you with everything new and exclusive about the awaited iPhone 2024 series.
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