Apple's 2024 iPhone lineup is expected to include four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While the more premium Pro models tend to get most of the limelight, that doesn't mean the more affordable iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus won't have something new to shout about.
In fact, with at least seven months to go before Apple launches its next flagship smartphone series, there are several rumors about what we can expect for Apple's more affordable twosome. Here's everything we have covered so far.
1. Redesigned Camera Layout
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are rumored to have a vertical camera layout that's similar to the camera layout used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 mini.
Apple used a diagonal layout for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. The new vertical camera arrangement is expected to sit on a pill-shaped raised surface. The new camera bump features two separate camera rings for the Wide and Ultrawide cameras. The rejigged layout is expected to enable Spatial Video recording, which is currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models.
2. Action Button Instead of Mute Switch
Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro models include an Action Button, but in 2024, the Action Button is expected to be extended to the standard iPhone 16 models.
The Action button replaces the mute switch previously found on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. However, unlike the mute switch, the Action button can be configured to perform a range of functions. On iPhone 16 models, Apple also plans to add even more functionality to the Action button by changing the button from mechanical to a capacitive-type button.
3. Extra Capacitive Button
A new physical "Capture Button" is rumored to be included on all iPhone 16 models. The button is located on the same side as the Power button, in the space that is occupied by the 5G mmWave antenna in the United States.
The new "Capture Button" will be dedicated to triggering image or video capture. The button will add features like the ability to zoom in and out by swiping left and right on the button, focus on a subject with a light press, and activate a recording with a more forceful press.
4. New Apple Silicon Chip
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to use an A17 chip, but rumors suggest it won't be the same A17 Pro chip that's in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple will reportedly use TSMC's lower-cost N3E process instead. N3E is a more affordable node that has a lower transistor density, lower efficiency, and a higher yield.
While one rumor has suggested Apple will call the chip used in the standard iPhone 16 models the "A17," analyst Jeff Pu believes Apple will instead use A18 and A18 Pro naming, with all iPhone 16 models featuring some kind of A18-series chip.
5. New Thermal Design
The iPhone 16 models are expected to include a new thermal design based on graphene that will combat overheating, a problem that some iPhone 15 models suffered before Apple addressed the issue with a software update.
Graphene has high thermal conductivity, surpassing that of copper, which is currently used in iPhone heat-sinks. Apple has been interested in graphene for thermal management for some time, filing patents related to its exploration of the material for heat dissipation in portable devices.
6. Battery Changes
One rumor suggests the iPhone 16 will feature a larger battery than its predecessor, while the iPhone 16 Plus may have reduced capacity.
The iPhone 16 is said to have a 6% increase over the iPhone 15. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to have a 9% reduction in capacity. On the other hand, Apple could also potentially use stacked battery technology to increase energy density and prolong lifespan.
7. New OLED Display Tech
The OLED panels used in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus could use micro-lens technology that could bring both improved brightness and reduced power consumption.
Micro-lens arrays (MLA) use a uniform pattern of billions of lenses inside the panel to reduce internal reflection. These lenses turn the path of light reflected backwards from the inside of the panel towards the screen, increasing perceived brightness without increasing power consumption.
8. Increased RAM
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models will both feature 8GB of RAM, an increase over the 6GB of RAM in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, according to one rumor. More working memory should equate to improved performance for multitasking on the iPhone.
9. Faster Wi-Fi
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to support Wi-Fi 6E, which works with the 6 GHz band, enabling faster wireless speeds and reduced signal interference with a compatible router. For the iPhone 15 lineup, Wi-Fi 6E is limited to the Pro models.
10. Improved Microphone
All iPhone 16 models are expected to feature upgraded microphones with a higher signal-to-noise ratio compared to previous models, allowing for the devices to hear your voice more clearly.
This upgrade should improve the accuracy of Siri, which is expected to be revamped with generative AI features on iOS 18 later this year. The upgraded microphones on iPhone 16 models are said to have a higher signal-to-noise ratio and will offer improved water resistance.
The iPhone 16 models are expected to come out in September 2024.
