iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: Discover 5 key features
4 min read
The iPhone 16 series might feature a larger display, camera button, and increased storage capacity
Following the recent debut of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, attention shifts to Apple’s potential plans for the next-generation iPhone 16 Pro lineup. While Apple typically unveils new iPhones in September, a barrage of leaks and analyst insights provides a glimpse of potential features. Anticipate faster and more power-efficient processors, but Apple might also introduce hardware enhancements to invigorate its premium iPhone Pro series.
Twice the storage on iPhone 16 Pro
Following the recent debut of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, attention shifts to Apple’s potential plans for the next-generation iPhone 16 Pro lineup. While Apple typically unveils new iPhones in September, a barrage of leaks and analyst insights provides a glimpse of potential features. Anticipate faster and more power-efficient processors, but Apple might also introduce hardware enhancements to invigorate its premium iPhone Pro series.
This would appeal to content creators requiring ample storage and could attract power users fascinated by the ability to shoot 3D Spatial videos and store data locally. Consequently, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, all versions of the iPhone 16 might begin with a base internal storage of 256 GB.
As QLC NAND is more cost-effective than TLC NAND, Apple is reportedly investing in both technologies currently. A single QLC NAND has the capacity to store more data than a TLC NAND. Nonetheless, TLC NAND faces challenges such as reduced read/write speeds and lower reliability, with a slightly elevated risk of failure compared to QLC-type NAND.
A dedicated camera button
A recent leak from The Information suggests a departure from the earlier notion of a buttonless iPhone in the iPhone 16 Pro series. According to the leak, the new button in the iPhone 16 series might be positioned on the lower right-hand side, reminiscent of older Nokia Lumia and Sony Xperia flagships.
The placement of this new capacitive button suggests its potential dual function as a camera trigger, akin to using a volume button for the same purpose. It aims to replicate the tactile sensation of pressing a physical button through a haptic engine. Additionally, it is reported to be a pressure-sensitive button, enabling users to employ the same button for both focusing and capturing pictures or recording videos.
Reports suggest that the new button will be present on all four models of the iPhone 16, and Apple is anticipated to extend the functionality of the action button from the iPhone 15 Pro series to the entire iPhone 16 lineup. Customization support is expected through the Shortcuts app.
Bigger screen sizes
Reports suggest that the iPhone 16 series will feature larger displays across its lineup. The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 are rumored to sport a 6.3-inch screen, while the larger iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max may offer an even more substantial 6.9-inch display. However, Apple is likely to reserve the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for the Pro models.
The increased display sizes also imply larger batteries, potentially leading to significant improvements in battery capacity and, consequently, enhanced battery life across the entire lineup. Additionally, Apple may enhance these iPhones with improved cooling solutions to optimize and sustain peak performance.
AAA gaming across the lineup
Apple has consistently utilized previous-generation chips in its baseline iPhone models, and there are indications that the company may revert to employing the same chip throughout the entire lineup. According to a report from MacRumors, the entire iPhone 16 series is expected to be driven by the A18 chip. However, the Pro models might incorporate speed-binned chips featuring higher CPU clock speeds and additional CPU cores.
This shift could facilitate console-level AAA-grade gaming across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. The A18 chip is reported to be a 3nm chip, aligning with the A17 Pro and the M3 chip. The iPhone 16 Pro models might include more memory (RAM) to support additional camera features and computational capabilities.
Considering the prevailing industry trend of offering extended software support for up to 7 years, a similar announcement from Apple could be anticipated. These new chips may also enable the integration of new AI features, driven by on-device generative AI capabilities.
Periscope zoom lens on more iPhones
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is expected to introduce the 5x telephoto zoom lens on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The larger display on the iPhone 16 Pro is likely to facilitate the incorporation of this new zoom lens, which occupies slightly more space inside the phone compared to a standard camera module.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro may feature a high-resolution ultra-wide-angle lens. Similar to the 48 MP primary shooter, the new ultra-wide-angle lens is reported to provide a 48 MP resolution, enabling users to capture 24 MP images by default. This results in images with enhanced details and clarity compared to those shot with a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
Although the selfie camera maintains a 12 MP resolution, it is expected to receive an upgrade with a slightly wider aperture to improve low-light performance. However, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may continue to offer a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
