Apple iPhone 16 Rumour Round-up
September is approaching, and that means it’s almost time for Apple to announce its new iPhones. As in previous years, there have been numerous rumours surrounding this year’s new iPhones, making it challenging to keep up. To help you stay informed, here’s a roundup of all the rumours surrounding Apple’s upcoming iPhones.
Design Continuity with Minor Changes
2024 is shaping up to be the fourth consecutive year where the iPhone design will remain largely similar to previous generations. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 16 lineup will not have “significant design changes” outside of a bigger display and a new “capture button.” These minor tweaks suggest Apple is focusing on refining rather than revolutionizing its design approach.
The New Capture Button: What to Expect
A look at purported dummy units reveals the capture button residing on the same side as the power button. Bloomberg shared earlier this month that this button functions similarly to those found on professional cameras. A slight press will activate autofocus, while a hard press will take the shot. Swiping along the button will adjust the zoom, offering a more intuitive photography experience.
Button Changes: Action Button and Touch ID
The Action Button, introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models last year, is expected to be bigger this year. This change could be a response to user feedback about the current size being slightly too small. The larger size will make it easier to locate and activate. Additionally, Touch ID won’t make a return on the iPhone 16, as most equipment used to manufacture Touch ID parts has been permanently shut down.
Camera Layout: Aesthetic and Functional Tweaks
For the standard iPhone 16 models, Apple is expected to rearrange the rear cameras, switching from a diagonal to a vertical layout. The LED flash module will also be relocated to the outside of the camera bump, making the back of the iPhone look more streamlined and potentially improving photo quality.
Thermal Management: Graphene System
Tipster @KosutamiSan shared that Apple could deploy a new graphene thermal system on the iPhone 16 to address the overheating issues that affected some iPhone 15 users. Graphene is known to have four times better thermal conductivity than copper, which means the iPhone 16 could be much less susceptible to overheating.
Display Size Increase for Pro Models
Apple has been using 6.1 and 6.7-inch panels for the Pro models since 2020, and this year might see a slight bump of 0.2 inches for both models. Display analyst Ross Young shared in May 2023 that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively. This information is corroborated by purported CAD renders of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and dummy units.
New Color Options
Apple is believed to be introducing new color options to spice things up in a year with little design changes. For the standard models, the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to have two new hues: white and purple, joining the current range of black, blue, green, yellow, and pink.
For the Pro models, there could be two new titanium colors – rose and space black. The space black finish appears to be darker, while the rose finish seems similar in tone to rose gold or bronze. The official name of the rose finish might be “Desert Titanium,” described as a “kind of dark gold, similar to the old purple color, relatively discreet and deep.”
Material and Finish Updates
Apple is considering a more polished finish for the titanium frame, which could make the iPhone 16 Pro resemble the iPhone 14 Pro and older models with stainless steel frames. The natural and white titanium finishes are also expected to be different from the current options, with natural being darker and white resembling more of a “silver-white.”
Comparison Table: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size (Pro Models) | 6.1″ / 6.7″ | 6.3″ / 6.9″ |
| Camera Layout | Diagonal | Vertical |
| Action Button | Standard Size | Bigger Size |
| Touch ID | Not Present | Not Present |
| Thermal Management | Copper System | Graphene System |
| Available Colors | Multiple (including Blue Titanium) | Multiple (including Desert Titanium) |
| Build Material | Stainless Steel / Aluminum | Titanium (Polished) |
Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone 16 is expected to bring minor design refinements rather than groundbreaking changes. From the new capture button to enhanced thermal management, these updates are set to improve user experience without straying too far from the familiar iPhone design. With the official announcement just around the corner, these rumours provide a glimpse into what we can expect from Apple’s latest flagship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the expected launch date for the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 is expected to be announced in September 2024, following Apple’s usual launch schedule.
Will Touch ID ever return to iPhones?
Currently, there are no plans to reintroduce Touch ID in future iPhone models, as Apple has moved towards Face ID and other biometric methods.
How significant are the changes from the iPhone 15?
The changes are relatively minor, focusing on refinements like a new capture button, updated camera layout, and a more efficient thermal system.
What is the difference between the new and old titanium finishes?
The new titanium finishes are expected to be darker and more polished, offering a more premium look compared to the previous models.
What are the benefits of the graphene thermal system?
The graphene thermal system is expected to offer better heat dissipation, reducing the chances of overheating and improving overall performance.
