In just a week, Apple will unveil the highly anticipated iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max at their annual iPhone event on September 9 in Cupertino.
With AI set to be a major selling point, netizens are buzzing over the latest rumours that hint at major changes from the iPhone 15. While whispers about a camera redesign for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are brewing, the Pro models are reportedly getting significant camera upgrades and a striking new colour option, rumoured to be “Desert Titanium.”
Stay tuned as we break down five of the most credible rumours about the next-generation iPhone 16 series. Along with the iPhone 16 line-up, Apple is expected to launch two new AirPods and a new Apple Watch Series 10.
5 new features to expect on Apple’s iPhone 16 phones
All will be revealed on 9 September, but until then, we’ve detailed 5 of the biggest iPhone 16 rumours, potential specs, price, software and design in no particular order.
A new DSLR-Like Camera Button
This anticipated feature, expected on the Pro models, is designed to mimic the feel of a DSLR camera. Positioned on the right side of the phone, it’s said to allow a half-press for focus and a full press for capturing images or videos. The button is also reported to be capacitive, which means it might prevent accidental activation when the phone is in your pocket, and feature a sliding zoom function for precise adjustments.
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, this could be one of the biggest design changes in the new iPhone lineup. The button’s placement is rumoured to align with traditional camera orientation, making it intuitive to use in landscape mode. However, it remains to be seen how effectively this touch-sensitive zoom will work in practice, and whether it might be too sensitive for accurate control.
Moreso, the potential for app developers to customise this button adds another layer of intrigue. We could see innovative uses, like swiping through filters on social media apps. While these details are based on credible reports and leaks, it’s clear that Apple’s new camera button could redefine mobile photography, though we’ll need to wait for the official release to see how it all comes together.
Apple could release larger displays and thinner bezels for the 16 Pro Models
iPhone 16 screen sizes (rumoured)
- iPhone 16 – 6.1 inches
- iPhone 16 Plus – 6.7 inches
- iPhone 16 Pro – 6.3 inches
- iPhone 16 Pro Max – 6.9 inches
The iPhone 16 Pro models are rumoured to offer larger, more immersive displays. The Pro is expected to have a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max could expand to a striking 6.9 inches. According to CAD images leaked by 9to5Mac in May 2023, the Pro Max might even be rebranded as the iPhone 16 Pro Ultra.
The non-Pro models, including the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, are likely to stay the same size at 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively. However, thinner bezels are anticipated across the lineup. The Elec and MacRumors report that this update is due to new display technology, including a smaller border structure and micro-lens technology for improved brightness and efficiency.
Reliable leaker UniverseIce revealed the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s dimensions in June 2024, showing it to be bigger yet slimmer than its predecessor. These changes are set to enhance the viewing experience without enlarging the device itself.
Apple might include a fresh “Desert Titanium” Colour
“Desert Titanium.” This fresh hue is said to bring a unique bronze tint to the iPhone lineup, potentially adding a sophisticated touch to the existing colour palette.
Reliable Apple leaker Ming-Chi Kuo suggested earlier this year that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max would come in familiar shades like black, white, and silver, with the possibility of replacing the blue titanium from the iPhone 15 series with a new rose colour. However, recent leaks paint a different picture.
On July 31, a Weibo leaker hinted at a “bronze hue” for the new iPhone 16 Pro Max, sparking speculation that this new colour might actually be a rich bronze rather than gold or rose. By August 23, another leaker, Majin Bu, referred to this shade as “Desert Titanium,” describing it as a “dark gold” and sharing images that leaned towards a brownish appearance.
Adding fuel to the fire, a hands-on video of this new colour surfaced on August 29, showcasing what seems to be a darker, more earthy tone than gold. A mock-up by 9to5Mac on August 31 confirmed this, presenting the Desert Titanium shade as more of a brownish bronze.
As we await official details, the “Desert Titanium” colour appears to be a distinctive addition to Apple’s colour offerings, adding a new dimension to the iPhone 16’s aesthetic.
Apple could fix any iPhone overheating problems in the new 16 series lineup
Apple’s iPhone 15 faced its share of complaints last year, with many users reporting overheating issues right out of the box. Now, as Apple prepares the iPhone 16 lineup, the company seems to be taking these concerns seriously. According to insider reports, Apple might introduce a graphene thermal system to tackle the heat problem, especially in the Pro models. This new approach could be paired with the advanced A18 Pro chip, potentially offering better heat dissipation.
Disabling 5G on the current models has been a workaround for some users, helping to keep the device cool and even improving battery life. But these issues with the 15 series raise some interesting questions about Apple’s ongoing challenges with managing heat, especially as they push the limits of performance and design. Apple’s attempts to solve this with a software patch for the iPhone 15 suggest that while quick fixes might work for now, future models like the iPhone 16 may require more substantial hardware changes.
Switching to premium materials like graphene could be a game changer for the industry, but it also comes with higher production costs, which might push iPhone prices even higher. While Apple is clearly exploring different ways to manage heat, the true test will be whether these changes can offer a long-term solution or if overheating will continue to be a recurring issue for users.
Apple is definitely gearing up for Apple Intelligence
Unveiled during WWDC 2024, this could be the next major evolution in how we use iPhones, particularly with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models.
Apple Intelligence will bring a host of AI-driven enhancements to everyday iPhone tasks. We’re hearing whispers about a supercharged Siri that might finally step up as a truly intelligent assistant, and a feature called Genmoji that could offer users animated avatars with uncanny resemblance. There’s also talk of Image Playgrounds, a possible playground for photo editing and creativity, and even some level of integration with ChatGPT, adding more depth to text-based interactions.
However, as exciting as these features sound, it’s worth noting that they might not all arrive at once. Some of these AI perks, particularly Genmoji and Image Playground, might see delays. The full rollout of Apple Intelligence could be gradual, with only the most advanced iPhones reaping the benefits from day one.
When will iPhone 16 launch?
Apple has a well-established rhythm for its iPhone launches, and if history is any guide, we can expect the iPhone 16 to follow a familiar pattern. Recent events suggest that Apple is likely to announce the iPhone 16 on Tuesday, September 10, continuing its trend of early September reveals.
If you’re eager to get your hands on one, mark your calendar for Friday, September 13, when pre-orders are likely to open. The iPhone 16 could then hit store shelves by Friday, September 20.
It’s worth noting that while Apple usually unveils new iPhones with much fanfare, this time around, we might not see any groundbreaking AI features right away. Analysts believe that we may need to wait until October for the anticipated Apple Intelligence software update to roll out.
How much will the iPhone 16 phones cost?
Each year, rumours of an iPhone price hike make the rounds. In 2022, predictions of a significant increase for the iPhone 14 only came true in the UK. The same was expected for the iPhone 15, but instead, the UK saw a price cut, and the Pro Max stayed the same.
While there aren’t any leaks about the iPhone 16’s price, speculation is inevitable. Reports suggest production costs for the iPhone 15 were higher, but Apple absorbed these costs instead of raising prices. If they keep this up, profits could take a hit, possibly leading to a price increase next year.
For now, we expect Apple to keep prices steady. If so, the iPhone 16 could start at £799, with the Pro Max at £1,199.
To wrap up
While everything (barring the iOS 18 features announced at WWDC) should be taken with a pinch of salt, the upcoming iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
To sum up, while the iOS 18 features announced at WWDC are confirmed, the rest should be taken with a pinch of salt. The iPhone 16 series is shaping up to be a promising upgrade with expected camera enhancements and faster performance.
We’ll know for sure on September 9 if these rumours hold true, potentially setting a new standard for smartphones.
