What changes is Apple bringing to iPhone 16 series and how will it be different from iPhone 15 series?

Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone 16 series in early September, featuring four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Based on various leaks, the iPhone 16 Pro series has undergone significant internal and external upgrades, making it an enticing option even for current iPhone 15 Pro users.

A18 Pro Chip & GenAI
The iPhone 16 Pro series is set to be powered by the new A18 Pro chip, which is expected to deliver substantial performance improvements.

While the standard iPhone 16 models will feature the A18 chip, the Pro models will benefit from the A18 Pro, which boasts a more advanced CPU, GPU, and NPU. Reports suggest that these models will also include more RAM, at least 8 GB, to support Apple’s enhanced intelligence features.

The A18 Pro chip, fabricated by TSMC using the advanced N3E process, is similar to the M4 chip found in the latest iPad Pro.

Apple has positioned the iPhone 15 Pro series as a device suitable for AAA gaming, and with the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro series is expected to elevate this performance further. The new chip is likely to introduce generative AI features exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro series, which will mainly focus on introducing quality-of-life features.

Advanced camera capabilities
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may not feature substantial camera improvements, but the Pro models are expected to see notable upgrades.

The iPhone 16 Pro is anticipated to include the same 12MP 5x optical zoom camera found in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This upgrade would mark a significant improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro’s 12MP 3x optical zoom.

Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro is rumoured to feature a new 48MP ultra-wide camera, replacing the current 12MP sensor. The iPhone 16 Pro Max could see even more significant camera improvements. Alongside the new 48MP ultra-wide camera, there is speculation that this model may also receive a new main sensor.

While this main sensor is expected to remain at 48MP like its predecessor, it should still bring enhancements to photo quality. There are also rumours about the potential inclusion of a new telephoto sensor. Some leaks suggest the possibility of a ‘super-telephoto’ lens offering 10x zoom or more, although this upgrade remains uncertain based on recent information.

Largest Display Ever on an iPhone
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumoured to feature the largest display ever seen on an iPhone, with a 6.9-inch screen, while the iPhone 16 Pro will have a 6.7-inch screen. These sizes are designed to compete with the large screens of Android smartphones.

Both models are expected to have thinner bezels, a higher screen-to-body ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the displays are anticipated to offer improved brightness and contrast, making them more vibrant and user-friendly.

Improved Battery Life and Charging
With the increase in screen size, the iPhone 16 Pro series will also see larger batteries. Leaks suggest the iPhone 16 Pro will have a 3,577 mAh battery, while the Pro Max will boast a 4,676 mAh battery. Apple is expected to support up to 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe wireless charging. The combination of bigger batteries and faster charging capabilities will result in significantly better battery life for both models. They will also continue to offer USB-C ports with faster data transfer speeds, enhancing overall efficiency and user convenience.

An Action Button
One of the most exciting new features expected in the upcoming iPhone 16 series is the introduction of a new ‘Capture’ button. Unlike other upgrades, this innovative button is rumoured to be present across all four iPhone 16 models: the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The ‘Capture’ button is set to significantly enhance the camera functionality of the iPhone 16 series. It is designed to go beyond being just a camera shortcut. Reports suggest that this button will offer multiple functions: swiping across it will allow users to zoom in or out, pressing it lightly will focus the camera, and pressing it harder will take a photo or start recording a video.

The ‘Capture’ button is expected to be located under the power key on the right edge of the iPhone 16 models. This strategic placement aims to make it easily accessible for quick photo and video capture. Additionally, the iPhone 16 series will continue to feature the Action button, traditionally found on the left side of the Pro models. However, this time, the Action button is rumoured to be included across the entire iPhone 16 lineup, providing more customization options for all users.

Bump in price
With all these upgrades, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are likely to come with a price increase. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, in particular, could become the most expensive iPhone model yet. Apple enthusiasts and prospective buyers should prepare for a higher price point in exchange for these advanced features and improvements.

A few more things…
The iPhone 16 Pro series will include several new features, such as Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, a new and larger action button, all designed to enhance the user experience. These features aim to provide better wireless networking and more intuitive device interactions.