As we get closer to the iPhone 16 launch, more and more leaks are surfacing online. While we can’t expect Apple to announce the launch date 2-3 months in advance, the company is widely expected to introduce its iPhone 16 series in September 2024, as is the case with every iPhone event every year. If you haven’t had a chance to look at the leaked specs of the upcoming iPhones, we have compiled a list of upcoming features and design changes on the iPhone 16 series. Before we proceed, it’s important to note that these details are entirely based on leaks so far.

iPhone 16 launch event likely in September: Design, battery and everything else we know

Leaked design changes

The upcoming iPhone 16 series is rumoured to feature major design changes, moving away from traditional physical buttons. Leaks suggest that Apple may move towards capacitive, touch-sensitive buttons that simulate the feel of pressing an actual button through haptic feedback. This innovation, powered by Apple’s Taptic Engine, was originally anticipated for the iPhone 15 series but was delayed due to technical constraints.

As for the camera setup, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are expected to feature a vertical camera array in a pill-shaped module, with wide and ultrawide lenses. This design could enable support for spatial video recording, a feature that was previously exclusive to the high-end iPhone 15 Pro models. Additionally, a new dedicated capture button could make video recording easier, and the action button, previously reserved for the Pro models, is rumoured to be standard across all iPhone 16 variants. The punch-hole display design and USB Type-C port are expected to remain consistent with the iPhone 15 series.

Performance upgrades

The iPhone 16 series may feature bigger displays and thinner bezels for a better visual experience. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max may feature bigger screens of 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch respectively, offering a bigger canvas. However, this could be a problem when used with one hand. On the other hand, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to retain the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes of their predecessors but could see a significant upgrade with the introduction of a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smoother animations and interactions, similar to the Pro models. But, nothing has been officially confirmed. Hence, people are advised to take the details with a pinch of salt.

Chipset? Software?

In terms of performance, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are speculated to be powered by the A18 SoC, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max may feature the more advanced A18 Pro chip. The Pro models are also rumoured to include graphene pads to replace the existing graphite pads, reportedly aimed at improving heat dissipation and keeping the device cool during intensive tasks.

Battery and charging improvements?

Battery life is another area where the iPhone 16 series is expected to improve. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 could feature a 3,561mAh battery, and the iPhone 16 Plus could feature a 4,006mAh unit. While details about the battery of the Pro models are still unknown, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumoured to include a larger 4,676mAh battery.

Camera upgrade?

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is likely to have improved camera capabilities, with rumours suggesting it will feature a super telephoto periscope camera that could offer better optical zoom than the existing 5x zoom, ideal for capturing distant subjects. The iPhone 16 Pro could also feature the same 5x optical zoom capability as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, thanks to Apple’s tetraprism lens system, which promises better zoom performance without compromising on image quality. Apple is reportedly working on new anti-reflective optical coating technology for its cameras to reduce artefacts such as lens flare and ghosting, ensuring better image quality in different lighting conditions.

In addition, the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to get an upgraded 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens that will capture more light and deliver sharper, more detailed shots. This improvement will also improve low-light performance and support 48-megapixel ProRAW photos in ultra-wide mode.