iPhone 16: latest news, rumours and release date for Apple's 2024 phones
The launch of a new iPhone is always a major event in the world of consumer technology. While other product launches draw significant attention throughout the year, none quite compare to the anticipation surrounding a new iPhone. Millions of people eagerly follow every detail, and with the iPhone 16 announcement just around the corner, the excitement is at an all-time high.
This year’s iPhone 16 launch is expected to be particularly momentous, as it marks the beginning of a new era in AI-driven devices. At the WWDC 2024 conference, Apple hinted at the capabilities of Apple Intelligence and previewed the features coming with iOS 18. However, as usual, Apple has kept official details about the iPhone 16 under wraps.
As the iPhone 15 series – including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max – nears the end of its time in the spotlight, we look forward to what’s next. Although these models will remain popular for years to come, the focus is now shifting to the upcoming iPhone 16. We’ve been tracking the latest leaks and rumors for months, and here’s everything you need to know about Apple’s next big release.
Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: At a glance
Here are the key details you need to know, with more in-depth information provided below:
Dates:
- Announcement: 9 September
- Pre-order: 13 September
- General on-sale: 20 September
Prices:
- iPhone 16 Pro may see a £100/$100 price increase
Design:
- All models feature an Action Button; new Capture Button introduced
Display:
- 6.3-inch Pro, 6.9-inch Pro Max; slimmer bezels
Specs:
- A18 chip for iPhone 16; A18 Pro for iPhone 16 Pro and above
Camera:
- iPhone 16 ultrawide upgraded to f/2.2; Pro models gain 5x optical zoom; Pro and Pro Max receive new 48MP ultrawide lens
Apple iPhone 16 Release Date
Apple has announced its next Special Event for 9 September 2024, which will be livestreamed from Apple Park in Cupertino, California, and available to watch online.
This event is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 series. If Apple follows its usual schedule, pre-orders will open on 13 September, with the official release date likely set for 20 September 2024.
How Much Will the iPhone 16 Cost?
Apple products are known for their premium pricing, and the iPhone 16 models will be no exception. Apple has maintained consistent pricing with recent models, and here’s what we anticipate for the iPhone 16 lineup:
- Apple iPhone 16: £799 / $799 / AU$1499
- Apple iPhone 16 Plus: £899 / $899 / AU$1649
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro: £1099 / $1099 / AU$1999
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: £1199 / $1199 / AU$2199
These prices mirror those of the iPhone 15 models, but there are rumors that the iPhone 16 Pro might see a $100 increase. This could be due to the removal of the 128GB option, which is currently the entry-level storage, and the introduction of a new camera.
However, it’s possible that the iPhone 16 Pro could maintain the £999 / $999 / AU$1849 price point of the iPhone 15 Pro, but this remains to be seen.
How many iPhone 16 models will there be?
Apple is expected to follow its usual pattern for the 2024 lineup, offering an iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, just as it did with the iPhone 15 series.
There has also been talk of a new iPhone SE 4th Generation, but this model is anticipated to launch in Spring 2025, taking its place as the more budget-friendly iPhone option.
In addition, there have been persistent rumors about an iPhone Ultra and an iPhone Slim, the latter of which has evolved into the iPhone Air. However, this new model is not expected to debut in 2024. Instead, it’s likely to be introduced as the iPhone 17 Air in 2025, which may also signal the discontinuation of the iPhone Plus.
Will the iPhone 16 Design Change?
The iPhone 16 models will largely resemble their iPhone 15 predecessors, but some notable design changes are expected.
Firstly, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are likely to feature a redesigned camera housing, shifting to a vertical layout. This change will make the camera module more compact on the back of the phone, moving away from the current square design. The LED flash is expected to be relocated onto the phone’s body as part of this update.
Another significant change is the anticipated replacement of the mute switch with the Action Button, which was introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro. This move will standardize functionality across all models.
Additionally, there are rumors that Apple will introduce a new Capture Button, a pressure-sensitive mechanical button designed specifically for operating the camera, similar to the button found on Sony’s Xperia models. However, details remain uncertain—some sources suggest it will be available across all iPhone 16 models, while others note that its placement could interfere with the mmWave antenna for 5G connectivity, requiring some internal rearrangements. Whether this Capture Button will be exclusive to the Pro models or available on all versions remains to be seen.
iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Colors
The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to introduce some fresh color options. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus could come in Pink, Green, Blue, Black, and White, based on leaked dummy units, replacing some of the pastel shades offered with the iPhone 15 series.
As for the Pro models, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be available in Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, White Titanium, and a new Desert Titanium, a gold-like hue that’s generating excitement among tech enthusiasts.
iPhone 16 Display Changes
The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to bring some display updates. The standard iPhone 16 is likely to retain its 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus is expected to keep its 6.7-inch screen. However, the iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to have a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, achieved by shrinking the bezels. The iPhone 16 Pro Max could see an increase to a 6.9-inch display, up from the 6.7 inches of its predecessor, again primarily through slimmer bezels.
The standard iPhone 16 models are expected to continue with a 60Hz display, while the Pro models will likely retain the 120Hz ProMotion technology. There are also rumors that the brightness levels on the Pro models will be increased, potentially bringing them closer to the levels seen in flagship models from competitors like Samsung and Google. This could include an increase in typical brightness to 1200 nits, with some speculation about the introduction of Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, commonly used in the latest OLED televisions.
iPhone 16 Key Specs
The iPhone 16 series might see a shift in its internal hardware. While the iPhone 15 series continued the two-tier approach with the A17 Pro chip for Pro models and the A16 Bionic for standard models, the iPhone 16 lineup could unify this structure with all models powered by an A18 chip. The Pro models would likely feature the A18 Pro, while the standard models would run on the A18. This would provide all models with the necessary power to support Apple Intelligence, which will not be available on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus due to the limitations of the A16 Bionic chip.
There are also rumors of an increase in RAM across the board to better support AI functions, though Apple typically does not disclose RAM specifications. The introduction of Apple Intelligence may bring closer parity in performance across the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
Additionally, the new models could feature larger batteries to accommodate the demands of on-device AI, though this might not significantly impact overall battery life. Charging speeds might also see a boost, with the iPhone 16 Pro potentially supporting 40W wired charging and 20W wireless MagSafe charging. Support for WiFi 7 is also expected across the iPhone 16 series.
iPhone 16 Camera Changes
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to receive a new camera layout, potentially designed to enable stereoscopic capture. This could allow data from both sensors to create Spatial Video, one of the key features of Apple Vision Pro.
While the main 48-megapixel camera is expected to remain unchanged on the iPhone 16, the ultrawide lens might see an upgrade, with an increased aperture from f/2.4 to f/2.2 for better low-light performance, along with support for macro photography.
The iPhone 16 Pro models could receive more significant camera enhancements. The Pro models might inherit the 5x optical telephoto lens currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Additionally, the ultrawide camera on the Pro models is expected to move to a 48-megapixel sensor. Apple is also rumored to introduce a new image format, JPEG-XL, which could serve as a replacement for the existing JPEG format.
