Apple fans, mark your calendars! September is shaping up to be an interesting month, with Apple anticipated to debut its next line-up, the iPhone 16 series.
The event is expected to take place on September 10th, as Apple has a habit of holding important events on Tuesdays in the first part of the month. The iPhone 16 series is expected to be the highlight of the presentation, attracting a lot of attention.
iPhone 16 and the 16th Generation iPhones
During the Apple iPhone 16 announcement, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the new phones. This is great news for those eagerly awaiting an upgrade. However, most leaks and rumors suggest that this year will see incremental upgrades rather than revolutionary new hardware features.
Air Pods and Other Potential Updates
In addition to the iPhone 16, rumors are swirling about an update to Apple’s basic Air Pods. However, until Tim Cook or another Apple executive takes the stage, these updates remain speculative. Let’s explore some of the most likely rumors and leaks that may surface before the big event.
Model Line-up and Naming Scheme
Just like last year, four new models are expected to be unveiled at the event. Industry expert Mark Gurman suggests that the new phones will be named iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. This naming scheme aligns with last year’s iPhone 15 line-up, quashing rumors that Apple would introduce a model called the “iPhone Ultra.”
Screen Size and New Colours
While Apple has seemingly decided against using the “Ultra” name, the Pro models are expected to feature slightly larger screens, which will be a welcome change for fans of big phones. The Pro Max may grow from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches, while the standard Pro might increase from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. As usual, expect one or two new colours to be introduced. According to Gurman, Apple might discontinue the blue model and bring back the popular rose gold.
Hardware Expectations: The A18 Chip and More
On the hardware front, watch out for a new chipset based on Apple Intelligence, reflecting the company’s ongoing push into artificial intelligence. The enhanced A18 chip will technically be an iterative improvement. As is customary, the Pro and Pro Max models are likely to receive more powerful chips than the regular models. It seems that 8GB of RAM will be the minimum requirement to handle the aforementioned AI tasks.
New Features: Action Button and Camera Enhancements
Rumors also suggest that the Action Button, first introduced in last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, will now be included in the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This multifunctional button, which replaces the mute switch by default, can be configured to perform a variety of tasks, such as activating the camera or adjusting ringer settings.
Another new button, reportedly located on the right side of the phone, is said to function like a DSLR camera button. A light press will initiate autofocus, while a firmer press will capture the photo. Users might also be able to swipe the button to zoom in and out while taking photos or videos. This camera button is rumoured to be exclusive to the Pro and Pro Max models, which makes sense given that higher-end models usually offer a superior camera experience.
Camera Module Redesign
As for the camera specifications, we can’t say for sure what the upgrade will entail this time. However, there are rumors that the iPhone 16’s camera module might undergo a redesign, potentially shifting from a square layout to a vertical arrangement. This change could be limited to the base iPhone 16 and possibly the Plus model, given that the Pro and Pro Max typically emphasize photo and video capabilities more heavily.
Software Updates: iOS 18 and Beyond
The recent WWDC event has given us some insight into what’s coming in terms of software. Based on previous years, iOS 18 should be available about a week after the event. The software update will make the Control Center and Home Screen more customizable and will finally enable RCS on iPhones.
Regarding Apple Intelligence, you might have to wait a little longer. Although it was initially expected to be included in iOS 18, its release has been pushed to iOS 18.1. While this doesn’t make a significant difference since the OS update is expected in October, it does mean that early adopters of the iPhone 16 won’t have the chance to experiment with AI features right away.
Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro: Latest Unexpected Leaks That Will Surprise You