Leaked CAD Files Reveal Final Design of iPhone 16 with Vertical Camera Arrangement and Big Win for Apple’s Mixed Reality Headset
Apple enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the release of the next iPhone, and now, leaked CAD files claim to show the final design decision for the highly anticipated iPhone 16. Published by renowned online tipster Majin Bu, these CAD plans provide a glimpse into the rear of the iPhone 16, showcasing a new arrangement for the camera island. In a departure from the previous diagonal arrangement, the iPhone 16 will feature vertically stacked cameras, with the flash positioned at the side of the main and telephoto lenses.
While this design change is exciting in itself, it also brings a significant advantage for another Apple product – the mixed reality headset. Apple’s Vision Pro, capable of playing stereoscopic videos, has been branded as Spatial Video. The vertical arrangement of the iPhone 16’s cameras, when held in landscape mode for video recording, aligns the lenses side by side, resembling digital eyes. This configuration is already present in the iPhone 15 Pro, making videos captured on this device compatible with the Apple Vision Pro headset. However, this option is not available on the vanilla iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus.
The Apple Vision Pro is currently considered a luxury item with a somewhat undefined purpose beyond being a flagship product for Apple’s future endeavors. However, industry insiders predict that the price of the headset will decrease over the next few years, making it more accessible to a wider audience. As more users adopt the Apple Vision Pro, they will have the opportunity to relive cherished memories and personal moments stored in iCloud through virtual playback. This powerful network effect has the potential to drive future sales of the headset.
While Majin Bu’s leaked CAD files only provide a view of the iPhone 16’s rear plate, they offer valuable insights into the device’s design cues. Along the edges of the design, various buttons can be seen, allowing users to control different aspects of the device. The action button, introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro, is positioned above the volume buttons. On the opposite side of the iPhone 16, a fourth button is visible. Although not officially confirmed, industry experts widely expect Apple to include a second programmable button on this year’s iPhone, known as the capture button. The CAD designs suggest that Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, and his team have opted for a physical capture button rather than a capacitive one.
As Apple enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the iPhone 16, rumors and leaks continue to fuel excitement. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest iPhone, MacBook, and App Store headlines in Forbes’ weekly Apple Loop news digest.
