Although the iPhone 15 was released recently, rumors about Apple’s next-generation device, likely named the iPhone 16, have already started circulating. Despite other major smartphone manufacturers like Google, Oppo, OnePlus, and Samsung launching their own foldable phones, Apple has remained silent about the possibility of an iPhone Flip or iPhone Fold.
Instead, speculation focuses on the rumored features of the iPhone 16. These rumors suggest that the device may come with a new power-efficient display, larger screens, improved zoom lenses, and a suite of new generative AI-powered capabilities, aligning with Apple’s tradition of introducing innovative features.
It’s important to note that the iPhone 16 is expected to be released approximately eight months from now, and concrete details will likely be revealed during Apple’s fall iPhone event. While these rumors provide insight into potential features, the possibility of a foldable iPhone remains uncertain for now.
Here are some of the most reliable rumors surrounding the iPhone 16.
iPhone 16 Pro models to get bigger screens?
Since 2020, Apple has maintained consistent screen sizes for its iPhone Pro models, with the iPhone 12 Pro at 6.1 inches and the iPhone 12 Pro Max at 6.7 inches. However, rumors suggest that this pattern might change with the release of the iPhone 16 Pro models, which could feature larger screens.
According to display analyst Ross Young, earlier reports this year indicated that the iPhone 16 Pro models would have bigger screens, with sizes estimated at 6.3 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This rumor was later supported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who mentioned that the iPhone 16 Pro models could see a “a couple tenths of an inch” increase in screen size.
On the other hand, it is believed that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models will stick with the current 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes, respectively. If the rumored size increase for the Pro models turns out to be true, it would be another way for Apple to distinguish its Pro iPhone lineup from its regular models.
iPhone 15 screen sizes
- iPhone 15: 6.1 inches.
- iPhone 15 Plus: 6.7 inches.
- iPhone 15 Pro: 6.1 inches.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 6.7 inches.
Rumored iPhone 16 screen sizes
- iPhone 16: 6.1 inches.
- iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7 inches.
- iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3 inches.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches.
iPhone 16 gets more AI tricks
The enhanced AI capabilities showcased in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series and Google’s Pixel 8 lineup have been notable selling points for both brands. It wouldn’t be surprising if Apple followed suit by incorporating similar advancements. According to information shared in Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, iOS 18 is anticipated to introduce generative AI technology, enhancing Siri’s and the Messages app’s ability to handle inquiries and automatically complete sentences.
A report from September, published by The Information, indicated that Apple intends to leverage large language models as a crucial component of generative AI to enhance Siri’s intelligence. This feature is expected to be rolled out through an iPhone software update in the coming year.
iPhone gets more power-efficient display?
There are potential changes in store for the displays of the iPhone 16, including improved power efficiency. According to a report from TheElec, Samsung Display is said to be working on a new material set called M14, developed specifically for Apple. This new technology is expected to be implemented in iPhones launching next year.
The report indicates that M14 will replace the current blue fluorescent technology used in iPhone displays with blue phosphorescence technology. This transition is expected to result in even greater power efficiency compared to the current LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) displays utilized in the Pro models of iPhones.
If these reports hold true, the adoption of M14 material sets and blue phosphorescence technology could lead to more energy-efficient screens for the iPhone 16, enhancing battery life and overall device efficiency.
iPhone 16 gets better zoom?
According to Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo, there are rumors that both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models may feature 5x telephoto lenses. This would be a departure from the previous generation, where only the iPhone 15 Pro Max had the 5x optical zoom capability.
In the iPhone 15 lineup, the iPhone 15 Pro had a 12-megapixel 3x optical zoom camera, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max featured a 12-megapixel 5x optical zoom camera. If the rumor is accurate, having a tetraprism lens with 5x telephoto capability in both Pro models would mark a design breakthrough.
Previously, Apple cited the larger body size of the iPhone Pro Max as the reason for including the 5x telephoto lens exclusively in that model. If the rumor proves true, it suggests that Apple may have found a way to incorporate the enhanced zoom capabilities in a more compact form factor, potentially offering users a more consistent experience across the Pro lineup. However, it’s important to note that until Apple confirms the details, we should treat this information as speculation.
iPhone 16 processors: A18 chip for all models?
According to a report from MacRumors, all four models of the iPhone 16 are expected to feature a next-generation Apple chipset with A18 branding. Jeff Pu, an executive analyst for Haitong International Securities, has provided this information. The Pro models of the iPhone 16 would be equipped with the A18 Bionic Pro chip, while the base models would have the regular A18 chip.
Currently, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which made its debut on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max in 2022. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max utilize the A17 Pro processor. If Pu’s information is accurate, the A18 chip will be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer process, indicating a significant leap in performance and efficiency compared to its predecessors.
However, it’s important to note that until Apple officially announces the specifics of the iPhone 16 chipset, these details should be considered as rumors and subject to change. Apple typically unveils its new iPhone models in the fall, so we can expect official confirmation during an Apple event later in the year.
iPhone 16: Launch and release timeline
Apple usually hosts its annual iPhone event in September, and it is expected that the timeline will remain the same for the iPhone 16. Following the event, new iPhones are typically released shortly thereafter, usually on the Friday of the following week. However, Apple may stagger the release dates for specific models, especially when introducing a new design or size, which could result in multiple release dates for the iPhone 16 lineup.
Historically, Apple has held its events on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays. The iPhone 15 event took place on Tuesday, September 7, the iPhone 14 event on Wednesday, September 7, and the iPhone 13 event on Tuesday, September 14.
The release of new iPhones typically occurs about a week and a half after Apple’s announcements. Generally, the iPhones are launched on a Friday, usually around the third week of September. For instance, the iPhone 13 preorders started on September 17, and the phones became available for purchase on September 24.
