From Action button to Apple Intelligence, 5 things we know about iPhone 16 series

One series, four different models

iPhone 16 will run on iOS 18 out of the box. (Image Source: MacRumors)

The first and foremost important piece of information about the iPhone 16 series is the models. Like last year, the iPhone 16 series will consist of four devices––two base models and two pro models – iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be similar in size to their predecessors. However, they will look different, featuring a vertical dual-camera setup instead of the diagonal camera setup found on the iPhone 15. This is said to enable spatial or 3D video recording even on base iPhone models, which is currently limited to the Pro series.

All the phones will get the action button and a new capture button.

According to leakster Sonny Dickson, the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus will come in new shades. Instead of a semi-translucent finish on the iPhone 15 series, the iPhone 16 will have a more solid finish. However, those who are looking forward to the iPhone 16 Pro series might get a bit disappointed, as they are expected to be available in colours similar to their predecessors, with an identical-looking triple camera island at the back.

All four iPhone 16 models will come with a USB-C port, and like last year, the iPhone 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max will support much faster data transfer speeds, while the same will be limited to just USB 2.0 standard on the base models.

Apple Intelligence across the board

Apple Intelligence, which is rolled out as part of the iOS 18.1 developer beta update, isn’t for everyone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)

Apple is introducing its own suite of AI features on iPhones with iOS 18 called Apple Intelligence, currently limited to iPhone 15 Pro series. With the upcoming iPhone 16 series, even the base variants are expected to get Apple Intelligence, and a report from MacRumors suggests that all four models will be powered by an A18 chip.

The A18 chip is likely to come in multiple variants. The iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus are expected to use an entry-level SKU of the A18 chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature the most powerful variant of the A18 chip, possibly with more CPU and GPU cores and a boosted clock speed for enhanced performance. All four iPhone models are also expected to pack at least 8 GB of RAM to support AI features.

iPhone 16 Pro series to feature bigger display

iPhone 16 Pro series with large 6.3-inch, and 6.9-inch screen. (Image credit: MacRumors)

Apple seems to be going all in on the iPhone 16 Pro series. According to a leak from Sonny Dickson, the iPhone 16 Pro will feature a 6.3-inch screen, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will boast a massive 6.9-inch screen, the largest ever seen on an iPhone. In contrast, the baseline iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will continue to offer 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screens, respectively, with a 60 Hz refresh rate, just like their predecessors.

The iPhone 16 Pro series screens are expected to have very narrow bezels, and higher brightness levels and improved colour accuracy. These larger displays are likely to be paired with a bigger battery, potentially resulting in enhanced battery life for these devices.

iPhone 16 Pro to get 5x optical zoom camera

Apple introduced a 5x optical zoom camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and it is expected to be available on both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, both devices are likely to feature a 48 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, matching the primary camera. The selfie camera is expected to remain at 12 MP.

This means the iPhone 16 series will have a 48 MP main camera across the board, with the Pro models also including a 48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are likely to continue with a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.

Made in India iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple currently manufactures the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in India, while importing the iPhone 15 Pro models. According to a Moneycontrol report, Apple is set to assemble the entire iPhone 16 series in India, which could lead to some price reductions for the upcoming Pro models. Although the price difference might not be significant, there is a strong possibility that Apple will offer the iPhone 16 Pro series at the same or lower price than their predecessors in India.