iPhone 16: The Future of Smartphones

Apple is currently in the process of developing the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models for 2023. However, as is customary with rumors, analysts, leakers, and individuals privy to insider information are already turning their attention towards the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup for 2024. Set to be released in the fall of 2024, the iPhone 16 models are rumored to have several new features. These include the first Apple-designed modem chip, updated Face ID technology, a possible portless design, and a high-end "Ultra" model.

Rumored Features

•     Apple-designed modem chip
•     Under-display Face ID
•     High-end iPhone 16 "Ultra" model
•     Solid-state volume button
•     Periscope zoom lens
•     Portless design

Size Changes

According to multiple sources, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max may have larger display sizes. The iPhone 16 Pro could feature a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max may have a 6.9-inch display. These models are expected to have a taller aspect ratio of 19.6:9.

iPhone 16 Ultra

Apple might introduce a high-end iPhone 16 "Ultra" alongside other iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 16 Ultra would offer additional camera improvements, a larger display, and possibly a portless design.

Solid-State Buttons

Rumors suggest that solid-state volume, power, and mute buttons were initially planned for the iPhone 15 Pro models but faced technical issues. It is now expected that these solid-state buttons will be introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro models. Solid-state buttons use haptic feedback to mimic a button press without physical movement.

Apple-Designed Modem Chip

Apple has been developing its own modem chip since 2019 to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers. The first Apple-designed 5G modem chips could debut in the 2024 iPhone 16 models. Initially, separate wireless components will be included, but eventually, Apple aims to create an all-in-one chip combining cellular modem, WiFi, and Bluetooth functions.

WiFi 7

The iPhone 16 models could adopt the next-generation WiFi 7 technology, which is expected to provide faster speeds of up to 40Gb/s.

USB-C Port

Apple plans to transition to USB-C with the iPhone 15 lineup, and it is likely that the iPhone 16 models will continue to use this port. There may even be a portless design option in at least one iPhone model in 2024, relying on MagSafe or similar charging technology.

Under-Display Face ID

Under-display Face ID rumored to be introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro models, may not arrive until 2025. This feature would eliminate the need for the Dynamic Island, resulting in increased usable display space.

The Elec suggests it could come as early as 2024, but display analyst Ross Young believes it will take at least two more years. When under-display Face ID does launch, there will be a circular cutout for the camera, similar to how other manufacturers handle front-facing cameras.

iPhone 16 Camera Technology

• 12MP telephoto sensor is a possibility for standard model
• Periscope lens for both Pro models
• ‘Super-telephoto’ periscope lens rumored for Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumored to feature a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera with an eight-part hybrid lens, two glass elements and six plastic elements, along with improvements for the telephoto and ultra wide camera lenses.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the only device expected to feature the new camera technology in 2023 due to size constraints.

iPhone 16 Pro Camera Mock Feature

With a periscope lens and stacked rear camera sensor design, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could have 6x optical zoom without digital zoom blur. The standard iPhone 16 models could have a vertical camera layout similar to the iPhone 12 camera. The iPhone 16 Pro Max could feature a super telephoto periscope camera for dramatically increased optical zoom. "Super" or "ultra" telephoto usually describes cameras with a focal length of over 300mm.

Stacked Battery

Rumors suggest the iPhone 16 Pro models will use stacked battery technology, which can result in higher capacity and a longer lifespan. Stacked batteries are common in electric vehicles and medical devices, but are an emerging technology for smartphones.

In terms of actual battery capacities, the iPhone 15 line is rumored to feature the below power pack sizes:

• iPhone 15: 3,877mAh (vs 3,279mAh on iPhone 14)
• iPhone 15 Plus: 4,912mAh (vs 4,325mAh on iPhone 14 Plus)
• iPhone 15 Pro: 3,650mAh (vs 3,200mAh on iPhone 14 Pro)
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,852mAh (vs 4,323mAh on iPhone 14 Pro Max)

The stacked battery could come alongside faster 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe charging.

iPhone 16 Solid-state volume button

There is now a "low" chance that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with solid-state volume and mute buttons, according to Jeff Pu, a tech analyst at Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities.

iPhone 16 Launch Date

The iPhone 16 models are expected to come out in September 2024, and they will follow the 2023 iPhone 15 models.

Future iPhone Features

ProMotion technology that adds up to 120Hz refresh rates to the iPhone Display Screen is expected to come to standard iPhone models starting in 2025. Up until 2025, ProMotion will be limited to the higher-end "Pro" iPhones.

With the 2026 iPhone 18, Apple will have both under-display Face ID and under-display front-facing camera, potentially allowing for a design that has no cutouts for the camera hardware. This would mark the first all-display design.