With Apple limiting iOS 18’s AI features to the latest and most powerful iPhones, you might be wondering if you should upgrade to the upcoming iPhone 16.
Things like automatic transcription, image generation and a smarter, more conversational Siri will require a lot of processing power that simply isn’t possible on most iPhones, including the latest iPhone 15, Apple has said.
Fortunately, the iPhone 16 lineup sounds like another winner. Rumor has it that upcoming models will feature improved battery life, larger displays, more powerful cameras, and that all-important new chip for AI multitasking.
Still convinced? To help you decide, here are the biggest leaks of Apple’s next smartphone, including its release date.
Date of publication
Rumors from Apple’s supply chain and component manufacturers suggest the tech giant is preparing for the new iPhone.
While nothing is official, Apple’s history of iPhone launches indicates that the iPhone 16 could be unveiled in the first or second week of September.
Apple is known for keeping its cards close to its chest, so don’t expect any confirmation until the launch event date is announced. Last time around, Apple held firm until just two weeks before the big day.
Price
While a September 2024 reveal is all but guaranteed, official costs remain under wraps.
Currently, the iPhone 15 starts at £799 for the standard model and jumps to a hefty £1,199 for the high-end Pro Max. But analysts are divided over whether the iPhone 16 will carry the same price tag, with some suggesting it could be cheaper than its predecessor due to a rumoured shift by Apple later in 2024, which could potentially benefit customers.
However, rumors of rising production costs threaten to spoil the fun. A recent report from Nikkei Asia suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro Max already costs Apple 12 percent more to produce than its predecessor. If rumors of more expensive camera tech in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max turn out to be true, prices could indeed rise as Apple passes the extra costs on to consumers.
An added layer of intrigue is the possible arrival of the first “Ultra” iPhone. While rumors initially pointed to an Ultra model launch in 2023, it appears Apple is saving the big reveal for this year. Whether it will sit alongside the Pro Max or replace it entirely remains unclear, but one thing is certain: Apple’s first Ultra will likely be the most expensive iPhone yet.
Rumors about iPhone 16 specifications
We’ve collected the biggest iPhone 16 leaks from a network of trusted sources. The latest information matches Apple’s usual upgrade patterns, giving us a good idea of what the new phone has to offer.
iPhone 16:
iPhone 16 Plus:
iPhone 16 Pro:
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6.3-inch ProMotion OLED screen
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A18 Pro chip
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8 GB RAM
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Triple camera system with 48 MP main camera, 48 MP ultra-wide camera and 12 MP telephoto camera (5x optical zoom)
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Action button, Capture button
iPhone 16 Pro Max:
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6.9-inch ProMotion OLED display
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A18 Pro chip
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8 GB RAM
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Triple camera system with 48 MP main camera, 48 MP ultra-wide angle and 12 MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)
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Action button, record button
Functions
Between the new camera and larger sizes, Apple is once again saving the best upgrades for the premium Pro models. Here’s a closer look at the key improvements to help you decide which iPhone is best for you.
Models
Generally speaking, Apple will reportedly stick with its four-tiered iPhone lineup for the iPhone 16: a standard model, the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max or Ultra. This is evident from references found in early development versions of the iOS 18 software update, according to Apple news site MacRumors.
Display
Pro users, rejoice! The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could feature larger displays, rumored to measure 6.3 inches (up from 6.1 inches) and 6.9 inches (up from 6.7 inches), respectively. ProMotion technology that supports refresh rates up to 120Hz will also remain exclusive to iPhone Pros until at least 2025.
Design
All iPhone 16 models are expected to get a new action button, carried over from the iPhone 15 Pros (replacing the mute button), along with a dedicated capture button for photography enthusiasts.
Camera
Sticking with the camera, the iPhone 16 Pro models may get a significant upgrade, with a 48MP ultra-wide camera replacing the current 12MP sensor. Expect more detailed photos, even in low light, and improved detail and clarity in wide-angle shots.
Both pros could also inherit the previously exclusive Pro Max lens technology, which results in improved optical zoom capabilities. Ultimately, you’ll be able to shoot at up to 5x zoom, making long-range photography even more detailed.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max could also get a major upgrade to its main camera. Rumors suggest that Sony could pack a new 48MP sensor for the top-of-the-line model, promising better overall image quality, improved light capture, and wider dynamic range.
Battery
For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects a redesigned battery that will last longer and be easier to replace thanks to increased energy density in the battery cells.
Chip
With the release of iOS 18, processing power is at the forefront, and all four iPhone 16 models are expected to run on the next-generation A18 chip, potentially with Pro and non-Pro variants offering different levels of performance in terms of AI and regular tasks.
The A18’s expected AI capabilities should also carry over into the iPhone 16’s camera, with improved image processing and better low-light performance (thanks to AI algorithms).
Apple Intelligence
Apple plans to release a number of new generative AI features with iOS 18. The new tools use the company’s specially designed chips and internal and external machine learning models trained on massive data sets to generate text, images, and photo and video slideshows.
You can ask the bots to change the tone of an email; create custom emojis from text descriptions or photos in your gallery; generate cartoonish images with just a few words; and convert sketches and notes into images.
The technology could also be a boon for Siri. Apple is promising a new and improved version of its digital helper that can better understand what you say, complete follow-up tasks, and make better use of the stacks of data on your phone.
To colour
Rumors suggest a pink color option for the Pro models, while the standard models may ditch the yellow in favor of classic white.