September is almost here, meaning the new iPhone 16 is almost here. As usual, the internet is buzzing with speculation, and pictures have been leaked months in advance. And to no one’s surprise, the new iPhone supposedly looks virtually identical to its predecessor. Still, users rightfully should expect minor changes and improvements.
The note-worthy updates the new iPhone 16 is rumored to come with are the following:
- Vertical camera positioning (as opposed to diagonal on current models).
- Slightly taller Pro and Pro Max versions (which means a marginally larger screen).
- A18 chip.
- Action button for all models.
Let’s discuss those in more detail.
iPhone 16 Design Tweaks: Vertical Camera System Positioning
In a move that harks back to the beloved iPhone X design, Apple is reportedly shifting from the diagonal main camera alignment to a more traditional vertical layout for the iPhone 16, a change that is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia among Apple enthusiasts.
The camera bump will have two rings: one for the Wide and the other for the Ultra-wide lenses. This type of layout should enable Spatial Video recording for all 16 models (currently available for iPhone 15 Pro only).
Earlier in July, the Unbox Therapy YouTube channel posted a video showing iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and Pro Max prototype dummies to give us an idea of what to expect this September:
Larger Display (iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Models)
Pro and Pro Max variations will supposedly have slightly larger screens than previous versions. The Pro dummy model measures 6.3in diagonal, as opposed to 6.2in the iPhone 15 Pro, and the Pro Max is 6.9in (vs. 6.7in in the current model). The width and depth visually look the same, making the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max a little taller (longer) than their iPhone 15 predecessor.
As for the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus phones, no visible changes were noted there.
Apple A18 Processor
The iOS 18 code revealed that the 2024 iPhone lineup will have a new A18 chipset (potentially an A18 “Pro” variation for Pro versions). The processor is expected to have more cores for better AI machine-learning performance, which will also make the iPhone faster. Add 8GB RAM to the mix, and you will have a very powerful smartphone supercharged by Apple Intelligence.
An Action Button
Leaked photos show that all 2024 iPhones will get an Action button (instead of the Silent switch). This button is customizable, meaning it can perform various functions that will vary from user to user. Once a specific action is assigned in the Settings app, the user can press and hold the button to perform a designated task.
However, the feature is not new per se, as it is already available in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
Other iPhone 16 Updates and Features
Color
The 2024 flagship lineup might also receive a color refresh, and it is rumored that Apple intends to bring the Rose Gold back again this September.
The base 16 and 16 Plus models might have white, black, green, blue, pink, purple, and yellow color options.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will likely be offered in white, gray, black, and rose gold.
More Storage
The Pro configurations are rumored to go as high as 2TB of storage (hiking up the price even further), but that possibility is still somewhat unclear.
Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Qualcomm Modem
The new Pro/Pro Max iPhones might get the Wi-Fi 7, which means users can transfer data at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz speeds. Wi-Fi 7 would mean better connectivity and faster internet. These models can also have the Snapdragon X75 modem for a more reliable 5G.
Bottom Line
We will find out soon enough whether these iPhone 16 rumors are true or not. But iPhone users should definitely start preparing if they plan to upgrade. We suggest shopping around for resale prices on your current iPhone model, as they will decrease as soon as the new iPhone hits the market. And if you don’t believe the abovementioned updates are justifiable, consider selling your iPhone now to maximize your return and maybe try out a Galaxy smartphone for a change.