iPhone 16 Launch Is Just One Month Out – Here's Everything We Know

Apple typically releases its new iPhone series in the fall, and a possible September 10 announcement date has been floated this year, which means we are just one month away from the launch of the iPhone 16. Like the iPhone 15 series, this year's lineup is expected to stick with four models – iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max – although there are plenty of design differences and new features to take into account.

To bring you up to speed, we've summarized below the biggest iPhone 16 rumors we've covered so far here on MacRumors. For more details, follow the links, or dive into our dedicated roundups for both iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models.

1. Larger Displays

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumored to feature larger displays, increasing to 6.27- and 6.86-inches, respectively. This would make them the largest iPhones ever. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays.

2. Vertical Camera Layout

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will feature a vertical camera arrangement with a pill-shaped raised surface, rather than the diagonal layout of the iPhone 15. This change includes two separate camera rings for the Wide and Ultra Wide cameras and is expected to enable Spatial Video recording.

3. Battery Changes

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature larger batteries compared to their predecessors. The iPhone 16 is said to have a 6% increase in capacity, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will see a 5% increase. The iPhone 16 Plus might experience a 9% reduction in capacity. Apple might also use stacked battery technology to enhance energy density across the lineup.

4. Capture Button

All iPhone 16 models will introduce a new "Capture Button" for triggering image or video capture. This button will allow zooming by swiping, focusing with a light press, and recording with a more forceful press. It will replace the mmWave antenna on U.S. models.

5. Ultra Wide Lens Upgrade

The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera lens, which should improve low-light performance and enable 48-megapixel ProRAW photos in Ultra Wide mode. The iPhone 16 Pro Max might also have a larger main camera with a custom 48-megapixel Sony IMX903 sensor.

6. Super Telephoto Camera

The iPhone 16 Pro Max could be the first to feature a super telephoto periscope camera for increased optical zoom. This would allow a notable increase in zoom capabilities, useful for sports, wildlife photography, and portraits.

7. Faster Wi-Fi Support

The 2024 iPhone Pro models are expected to support Wi-Fi 7, offering faster speeds and lower latency compared to Wi-Fi 6E. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will likely support Wi-Fi 6E, enabling faster wireless speeds and reduced interference.

8. New A18 Series Chips

All iPhone 16 models will be equipped with the next-generation A18 chips, manufactured using TSMC's second-generation 3nm process. This will support the new Apple Intelligence features expected in iOS 18.

9. 5G Qualcomm Modem

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to use Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X75 modem for improved 5G speeds and efficiency. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will likely retain the Snapdragon X70 modem.

10. Tetraprism Lens

Both iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature a tetraprism lens system for 5x optical zoom, which is currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

11. Micro-Lens Technology

Apple may use micro-lens technology to improve the brightness and power efficiency of OLED displays on the iPhone 16 models.

12. Action Button

The Action Button, currently on iPhone 15 Pro models, is expected to expand to all iPhone 16 models. This button will replace the traditional mute switch and offer multiple functions such as activating the Flashlight, Camera, and more.

13. 40W Fast Charging and 20W MagSafe

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will support 40W wired fast charging and 20W MagSafe charging, providing faster charging compared to the iPhone 15 models.

14. Upgraded Microphone

A significant upgrade to the iPhone 16's microphone is expected, improving Siri’s performance with better voice input processing.

15. New Thermal Design

Apple is rumored to be working on a graphene thermal system for the iPhone 16 lineup to address overheating issues. The iPhone 16 Pro models might also include metal battery casings for improved heat dissipation.

16. Expanded Storage

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will offer up to 2TB of storage, double the maximum capacity of the iPhone 15 Pro models. This is due to a switch to higher-density Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND flash.

17. Increased Memory

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to come with 8GB of RAM, a significant upgrade from their predecessors.