Every year the launch of the next generation of iPhones is surrounded by much expectation and 2024 is no different. So far, several leaked information from Apple have already given some clues as to what to expect from the operating system, hardware, design and even price of the iPhone 16.
This year, brand enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the new artificial intelligence features that should reach their devices, but, in addition to a “boost” in the software part, they should receive also some other interesting updates.
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Bigger screens
The “Pro” and “Pro Max” models, in addition to the expected hardware and software updates, should reach the market a little taller and wider, compared to their “brothers” launched in previous years. As a result, the displays should also receive a slight increase in dimensions.
Unofficial information indicates that the iPhone 16 Pro will have a 6.27-inch screen, compared to 6.12 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will hit the market with the largest screen in the line’s history, 6.86 inches. For comparison purposes, the variant launched last year has a 6.69-inch panel.
Cameras aligned vertically
Another change that was confirmed in image leaks was the new alignment of the cameras on the “standard” and “Plus” models, which instead of being aligned diagonally, as had been happening since the iPhone 12, will now be organized vertically.
The change, however, is not just for aesthetic purposes. It is, in fact, necessary to enable the arrival of the spatial video recording feature for the Vision Pro. In this capture mode, the main and wide cameras of the devices are used simultaneously.
Previously, the feature had only been available for the most powerful “Pro” and “Pro Max” variants of the iPhone 15, but in the next generation the most basic models will also receive support.
48MP Ultrawide Camera
Another new feature related to cameras is the arrival of a new 48 MP ultrawide sensor in the most expensive models. This means that the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will have better light absorption capacity, which results in improved quality of captured images.
The telephoto camera should remain at 12 MP, but now with up to 5x zoom thanks to the prismatic lens introduced last year on the iPhone 15.
“Capture” button
Another highly speculated feature that has already appeared in leaked images was the new “capture” button, dedicated exclusively to controlling smartphone camera actions. The capacitive structure should assist users in adjusting the focus or adjusting the zoom.
Even though it is capacitive, the button, according to some rumors, would also be sensitive to pressure, which would guarantee even more possibilities. Another interesting detail is that this new feature would arrive in all four models, not just the two most expensive.
AI tool support
One of the most anticipated announcements of the year are Apple’s new artificial intelligence features, scheduled to arrive alongside iOS 18, which according to Bloomberg, will be the biggest update in the history of the operating system since it was introduced in the distant year of 2007.
The four iPhone 16 models will be the brand’s first to feature hardware built specifically to run AI features. Therefore, even if some older models receive the tools, they must run them with some limitations.
Most tools must be integrated into native applications, such as Pages and Keynote, for example. Siri should also receive an upgrade and appear in a more powerful version, enabling interactions similar to those of popular chatbots such as ChatGPT.
To ensure AI tools in the next generation of iPhones, Apple is in talks with Google to eventually bring Gemini’s capabilities to its cell phones. So far, no agreement has been announced, but an understanding between the parties has not yet been ruled out.
Most efficient 5G modem
The “apple” must retire the Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 5G modem once and for all to bring its more modern version, the Snapdragon X75, onto the scene. The component is already present in high-end Android smartphones and, in practice, should improve download and upload speeds, which will make a difference to users’ online experience.
Customizable action button
One of last year’s new features was the customizable action button that replaces the silent mode activation and deactivation control. However, it was only available on the most expensive models, which should also change on the iPhone 16.
The button can be configured for a series of actions such as silencing the cell phone, switching between focus modes or as a shortcut to quickly open the camera. Some rumors indicate that in this new version the button will be a little smaller than in the previous version.
Battery
Apple’s next cell phones will receive a reorganization of internal components that will eliminate the need for batteries to be “L” shaped. As a result, all models, with the exception of the Plus version, will receive a slight upgrade in energy storage capacity.
The most basic model should go from 3,349 mAh to 3,561 mAh, while the “Pro” will go from 3,290 mAh to 3,355 mAh, a slightly less significant increase. The “Pro Max”, which is the most expensive variant, should receive the biggest increase, going from 4,422 mAh to 4,676 mAh.
The negative point is for the iPhone 16 Plus which, according to leaked internal data, should have a 4,006 mAh battery, which is well below the 4,383 mAh of the iPhone 15 Plus.
Price
Since last year, unofficial information has shown that the price of the iPhone 16 could be a little higher. This must happen due to the increase in the average production value of devices that has been occurring in recent years. Experts believe that this increase should be passed on to the end consumer, precisely, on the iPhone 16.
Installing specific hardware components to run AI models natively, without the need for an internet connection to run in the cloud, can end up making the devices more expensive. Recent rumors indicate that the new models must receive a RAM memory upgrade to enable the fluid use of artificial intelligence tools.
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