In Short
- iPhone 16 series expected to launch on September 9
- The series might feature a new vertical camera setup in iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
- Apple likely to offer larger displays for Pro models
It’s almost time for Apple’s annual iPhone launch event. Scheduled for September 9, this year Apple will be launching its new flagship phones at 10:30 pm IST at its headquarters in Cupertino, California. Alongside the new iPhones, Apple is expected to introduce the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and an updated Apple Watch SE model.
While all the new-gen Apple products will be in the spotlight, the focus of the event will definitely be the anticipated iPhone 16 series. As with any new iPhone release, the question on many people’s minds right now is: What is Apple bringing with the iPhone 16, and will it be a significant upgrade from the iPhone 15 to the iPhone 16? While Apple has kept all the details under wraps, the rumours and leaks are all over the internet, giving us a fair share of hints on what to expect. So, let’s take a detailed look at the expected changes and whether these upgrades are substantial enough to make the switch worthwhile.
Design and display changes
One of the most noticeable changes expected with the iPhone 16 series is the design. Many reports suggest that this year, Apple will introduce a new vertical camera setup on the back of the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models, a shift from the diagonal arrangement seen on the iPhone 15. This new design change will align with Apple’s plan to allow standard iPhone 16 models to support spatial video recording, a feature currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models. Additionally, the standard iPhone 16 models are also expected to get the new Action button, which was introduced last year for just the Pro variants.
For the Pro models, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retain a similar design to the iPhone 15 Pro line but will feature larger displays. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to have a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max will feature a 6.9-inch display, both with slimmer bezels that provide a sleeker look.
Power of the new A18 chip
Just like every new iPhone, this year too, we are expecting a major difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 to lie under the hood. The iPhone 16 series is expected to be powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, a significant leap from the A16 chip found in the iPhone 15. Apple is said to have created the A18 using TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process, which promises improvements in both performance and energy efficiency. This chipset will enhance on-device AI processing, enabling features like Apple Intelligence, an advanced AI suite that includes an updated Siri and other smart tools.
The iPhone 16 models are also likely to see an increase in RAM from 6 GB to 8 GB to boost overall performance. This additional memory will also support new AI-driven features, making the iPhone 16 series feel faster and more responsive in daily use.
Camera upgrades
Another selling feature for the new-gen iPhones is said to be the camera upgrades. The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature a new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, up from the 12-megapixel sensor found in the iPhone 15 Pro, promising better low-light performance and sharper images. Additionally, the Pro models are expected to include a dedicated Capture button on the side, functioning like a DSLR shutter button with multiple pressure levels for focusing and capturing photos or videos.
Both Pro models are also expected to include a Tetra Prism 5x optical zoom lens, enhancing zoom capabilities across the line rather than just on the Pro Max variant. For the standard iPhone 16 models, while the camera hardware is expected to be similar to the iPhone 15, the improved image signal processing of the A18 chip should result in noticeably better photo and video quality.
Battery and charging improvements
Battery will be another upgrade for the iPhone 16 over its predecessor. The Pro models are said to adopt stacked battery technology, allowing for higher capacity and longer lifespan without significantly increasing the device’s size. Charging speeds are expected to improve as well, with rumours suggesting 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe charging capabilities, which would be a significant step up from the current 27W charging of the iPhone 15 series.
Connectivity and other features
The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature enhanced connectivity options, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem for faster and more efficient 5G connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 integration is also expected in the Pro models, while the standard iPhone 16 models will upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E.
Will the iPhone 16 be worth upgrading?
It should be noted that the specifications we just talked about are rumoured, and Apple might bring some more changes to the table. Whether the iPhone 16 is worth upgrading to will largely depend on your current device and usage needs. For those coming from an iPhone 15, the changes, while meaningful, may not be substantial enough to justify the cost of a new device unless Apple brings some significant surprises. However, if you’re using an older-generation iPhone, especially one that’s more than two or three years old, the iPhone 16 series will definitely offer significant improvements in performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and AI features, much like how Apple has consistently provided notable upgrades in previous models.
