While we don’t even have iPhone 15 models yet, rumors are already circulating about the iPhone 16, and what we’re hearing is starting to get exciting. 2024 could be the year that Apple tweaks the design of some iPhone models, and Apple could adopt features like the solid-state buttons originally rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro as well as its own modem chip.
Below we’ve created a brief rundown of the rumors that highlights what we know so far, so if you weren’t looking forward to the iPhone 15 Pro now that the rumors are a less impressive update, you can at least look forward to the iPhone 16.
Size and design
A rumor this week suggests that Apple will adopt new screen sizes for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16, and Pro Max models. The smaller iPhone 16 Pro is expected to have a screen size of 6.3 inches, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a screen size of 6.9 inches.
The information comes from supply analyst Ross Young, who often shares specific details about Apple’s plans. The new size options are exclusive to the Pro models, he says, so this will be the first time Apple has used different sizes for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models.
Note that these display sizes are rounded and not decimal point-accurate at this time. The current iPhone 14 Pro measures 6.1 inches, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a screen size of 6.7 inches, so we’re looking at an approximate increase of 0.2 inches for both devices.
Superior quality
according to bloombergAccording to Mark Gurman, Apple may put a premium iPhone 16 “Ultra” phone on sale along with the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. It will be positioned as a high-end iPhone, but it’s unclear what exactly differentiates it from the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, nor is it clear what the screen size will be.
It is possible that the iPhone 16 Ultra will replace the iPhone 16 Pro Max instead of being sold alongside it.
Solid state buttons
For the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple originally planned to add solid-state, power, and mute buttons that would replace the physical buttons, but due to technical issues, Apple had to drop the feature.
Solid-state buttons are set to be introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models instead, as Apple uses haptic feedback to mimic the feel of a traditional button press. With the addition of solid state technology, Apple will also change the volume button design. Instead of two volume buttons, the solid-state button will be one unified button.
5G modem chip
Apple has been working on its 5G modem chip for several years now, and may be ready to include it in at least some iPhone 16 models. Apple wants to reduce its dependence on Qualcomm by using in-house technology.
Rumors suggest that Apple will use the modem chip in one device before rolling it out to others, with a full transition away from Qualcomm’s modem chips taking up to three years.
Apple also eventually wants to use its own WiFi and Bluetooth chips, and these components will likely replace Broadcom chips as soon as 2024.
Other features
There are some other rumored features of the iPhone 16 models, which we may or may not see.
- under Show Face ID There have been rumors that Apple may adopt under-display Face ID as early as 2024, which would reduce the size of the dynamic island and possibly allow for a smaller front-facing camera, but that appears to be delayed until 2025.
- Periscope lens With the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple plans to introduce a Periscope telephoto lens that supports 5x or 6x optical zoom. Apple occasionally expands the technology used in the flagship iPhone to additional models next year, but Apple analyst Ming-Cho Kuo notes that periscope technology will still be limited to the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 2023.
- USB-C port Apple is moving to USB-C in 2023 with the iPhone 15 models, and the iPhone 16 models will use the same technology.
More information
Since we are still over a year away from the launch of the iPhone 16 models, these rumors are subject to change and may change in the future. To stay up to date on what to expect, you can follow our roundup of the iPhone 16, which is updated whenever a new rumor emerges.
