The iPhone 16 Series – What’s New?

Today, we’ll discuss the confirmed upgrades to the iPhone 16 series — no leaks, no rumors, just plain facts. So, let’s get started!

The iPhone 16 series will include four models: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. Let’s begin with the base models, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Upgrades

The dimensions of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus remain the same as their predecessors, but the camera placement has changed from diagonal to vertical.

This is designed to enable spatial video recording for Apple’s Vision Pro, requiring more depth information — achievable with the new camera layout.

While the primary sensor may stay the same, the ultra-wide lens is set for an upgrade, featuring a larger aperture and autofocus for better macro shots.

Other changes include the replacement of the alert slider with an action button, and the addition of a capacitive capture button for improved camera controls. This button offers multiple functions like tapping to focus, hard pressing to take photos, and sliding to zoom.

In terms of design, Apple will reduce the size of the magnets for MagSafe. This won’t alter the iPhone’s appearance but will result in smaller magnets for MagSafe cases and accessories.

For colors, we can expect new options. The iPhone 16 will introduce a fresh white color, replacing the previous yellow, while the 16 Plus will add both a new white and a purple option.

When it comes to the display, the non-Pro models will continue to feature a 60Hz screen. However, the OLED panels in the iPhone 16 series will use micro-lens technology, which will not only enhance brightness but also reduce power consumption, likely improving battery life. Speaking of batteries, the iPhone 16 will see a 5% increase in battery size, while the iPhone 16 Plus will see a 9% reduction — a decision from Apple that remains unexplained.

Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be powered by Apple’s A18 chipset with 8GB of RAM, allowing for advanced Apple Intelligence features. Additionally, a new thermal design with a larger graphite sheet will help prevent overheating. Connectivity improvements include support for Wi-Fi 6E, an upgrade from the previous Wi-Fi 6.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max Upgrades

Now, let’s move on to the Pro models. This year’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are slightly taller and wider than their predecessors. The iPhone 16 Pro will have a 6.27-inch screen, while the Pro Max will feature a 6.85-inch display. The bezels on these models will be slimmer, thanks to Apple’s use of BRS technology.

The camera setup will see several improvements. While the primary camera remains unchanged, the ultra-wide camera will get a significant upgrade to a 48MP sensor, allowing for 48MP ProRAW ultra-wide shots. Moreover, the standard Pro model will now include the 5x optical zoom sensor, which was exclusive to the Pro Max last year. Additionally, both Pro models will support 3K Dolby Vision video recording at 120 FPS.

Battery-wise, the Pro models will come with slightly larger batteries and faster charging speeds, featuring 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe charging support. Though not as fast as some Android phones, this is a significant improvement for Apple devices. The Pro models may also include a metal battery casing to enhance heat dissipation, and the titanium sides will remain, with a new color option for those who prefer a gold finish.

Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will be equipped with the A18 Pro processor, which boasts a faster GPU and an upgraded Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for improved on-device AI tasks. Connectivity upgrades include the Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem for faster and more efficient 5G, plus support for Wi-Fi 7.

Apple Intelligence: The Real Star of the Show

While this year brings several hardware changes, Apple seems to be focusing more on “Apple Intelligence.” Several AI features have already been tested, but Apple is expected to unveil even more at launch. This shift could finally make Siri more useful, going beyond just setting alarms and reminders.

Pricing and Additional Apple Announcements

The pricing for the iPhone 16 series is still unknown, but with assembly happening in India, Apple could price it competitively. Beyond the iPhone, Apple will also be launching the Apple Watch Series 10, Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3, featuring new health functionalities like blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection. We can also expect two new non-Pro AirPods models, and possibly a new Pro model.

Final Thoughts

That’s all for now! Can you guess the pricing of the upcoming iPhones? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you in the next one!