The iPhone 16 rumour mill has begun despite the iPhone 15 series’ youth.
The Apple Vision Pro age of spatial computing requires changes to future iPhones to make compatible content.
The iPhone 16 base model has seen several design prototypes. Despite typically buying Pro models, the base iPhone 16 models’ look excites me for what’s to come.
DESIGN
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to retain their predecessors’ design and proportions. The vertical rear camera arrangement to facilitate spatial video capture will be the most noticeable change, but the removal of the mute switch in favour of the Action button on last year’s Pro models and the introduction of a new “Capture” button will also be significant.
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Read also: iPhone 16 Pro Models get larger, faster
iPhone 15
Diagonally arranged rear camera array
Ring/silent switch
iPhone 15:171g weight
iPhone 15 plus:201g weight
iPhone 16
Vertically arranged rear camera array to support spatial video capture
Action button
“Capture Button” to trigger photography and videography features
iPhone 16: 173g weight
(+0.01%)
iPhone 16 Plus: 203g weight
(+0.01%)
Chip, memory, and link
A new A18 chip with a stronger Neural Engine is expected to enhance processing capacity for the iPhone 16 models, enabling exceptional generative AI capabilities. We expect 33% more memory and Wi-Fi 6E.
iPhone 15
A16 Bionic chip (TSMC’s “N4P” enhanced 5nm
process
16-core Neural
Engine
iPhone 16
A18 chip (TSMC’s “NE” enhanced 3nm process)
6GB memory
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
iPhone 16
A18 chip (TSMC’s “NE” enhanced 3nm process)
Neural Engine with
“significantly” more cores to support new AI features
8GB memory (+ 33%)
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
Chargers and Batteries
Denser batteries and faster charging may be added to iPhone 16 variants. The iPhone 16 Plus may have a smaller battery than its predecessor, but its battery life is unknown.
iPhone 15
Single-layer battery technology
3,349 mAh battery
iPhone 15 Plus: 4,383 mAh battery
Up to 27W wired charging to 27W wired charging
15W charging via MagSafe
iPhone 16
Stacked battery technology for increased energy density and prolonged lifespan
3,561 mAh battery (+6%)
iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006 mAh battery (-9%)
Up to 40W wired charging (48% faster)
20W charging via MagSafe (25% faster)
Changes and Features
The iPhone 16 models may get camera improvements, including spatial video recording for Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s iPhone 16 models are expected to come with distinct AI-based features powered by a robust Neural Engine in the A18 chip and an enhanced microphone.
iPhone 15
Upcoming support for new Al features in iOS 18
Microphones
iPhone 16
More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology
Spatial video capture
Upcoming support for new AI features in iOS 18, plus a suite of device-exclusive AI features
Upgraded microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance, designed to support new AI features.
Date Released
In September, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are slated to launch. Every September, Apple has an event to introduce new iPhone models, with a launch a week later.