While not as flashy as the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple’s fall launch of the iPhone 16 is significant because of the addition of Apple Intelligence. Here are the key features that will make a difference for those looking for an upgrade.
Renderings of what the iPhone 16 could look like
The rumor mill never stops for the iPhone, but lately it has been more focused on changes to the iPhone 16 Pro models. Even so, changes will still be coming for the non-Pro models arriving at the same time.
With less than three months until Apple launches its new models, here are the features you should pay attention to on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
iPhone 16 Upgrades: A17
One thing that will almost certainly happen is a chip upgrade. Since the iPhone 14, Apple has moved to a system in which the latest chip versions would apply to Pro models, while non-Pro models used the previous one.
The Pro models for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 used the A16 Bionic and A17 Pro respectively, while the non-Pro models used the A15 Bionic and A16 Bionic.
The change allowed Pro models to have a significantly more powerful chip than non-Pro models, without Apple needing to design two different levels of chips each year.
If this continues for the iPhone 16, it’s likely that the A17 Pro chip will be reused for the iPhone 16 while the iPhone 16 Pro lineup will move to the A18 chip. There have also been rumors that the A18 will be used across the board.
Apple Intelligence Can Help Promote iPhone Upgrades
Either way, the chip change will be important for the iPhone 16. The A17 accompanied by 8 GB of RAM is the first iPhone chip designed to be compatible with Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence is the company’s big step forward in machine learning, with generative AI and more contextual responses making up a large part of the initiative. Since the A17 is capable of doing the job and the A16 cannot, a move to the A17 is at least imperative for future iPhone releases.
For reference, the A16 Bionic’s 16-core Neural Engine can handle up to 17 trillion operations per second. The A17 Pro version can go up to 35 trillion operations per second.
iPhone 16 upgrades: display
A key part of any smartphone experience, the display is how people primarily interact with the device: the screen. Although the main rumors are about the Pro models, the iPhone 16 is also expected to see some changes.
Since the launch of the iPhone 15, rumors have been circulating that screens are getting bigger in general. However, while the Pro models are expected to grow by around 0.2 inches each, the non-Pro models would be around the same size and weight as the iPhone 15 generation.
In theory, this means that the iPhone 16 should have a 6.1-inch screen and 6.7-inch for the Plus version.
Despite the same physical dimensions, there is another screen change that could improve the device.
iPhone 16 could have very thin screen edges
In March
, it was claimed that members of the iPhone supply chain were working on displays with Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology. In April, problems were reported in the supply chain related to the introduction of these reduced glasses.
In June, rumors evolved into claims that the Pro models would include “the world’s thinnest bezels.” If true, this will ultimately create a better edge-to-edge display for users.
Although, again, this is primarily the Pro models, there is at least a chance that the non-Pro models will get it as well.
iPhone 16 upgrades: camera
Once again, the lion’s share of camera rumors concern the Pro models. There is intense discussion about moving the Tetraprism lens to the two Pro models, but it is unlikely to move to the non-Pro model yet.
What is expected in the non-Pro iPhone 16 is a change in the camera bump. Leaked molds and dummy handsets have favored the idea of a vertical camera layout for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, rather than diagonal positioning in a square.
iPhone 16 camera positioning can help produce spatial video.
Such a change would align the cameras vertically, which would theoretically allow the iPhone 16 to capture spatial video for the Apple Vision Pro.
On the less likely side, rumors have raised the possibility of new lens coatings to reduce flare and other artifacts. Thinner lenses could also be used, helping to reduce weight.
Instead of concrete rumors pointing to sensor changes for the non-Pro models, it’s safe to assume that Apple won’t be making many changes to these spec points.
iPhone 16 Upgrades: Action Button
The addition of the action button to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max means that the mute switch has been replaced with a multi-function button. However, the iPhone 15 retained the switch for at least one more generation.
The interface to manage the action button of the iPhone 15 Pro
For the iPhone 16, the action button is currently expected to move from Pro to non-Pro models. A rumor from December made this claim, which could also have been assumed based on Apple’s penchant for passing features from Pro-level devices to non-Pro variants.
There have been rumors that the iPhone 16 Pro might have a Capture button. While the claims haven’t really discussed its inclusion in the iPhone 16, it remains a possibility.
iPhone 16 upgrades: battery
Although not a very important feature to consumers, battery life is still an understated but very important feature. Apple has continually tried to increase battery life over time, whether by increasing capacity or improving power efficiency.
Rumors point to the possibility of improved battery capacities for most models, including the Pro units and the standard edition.
For the iPhone 16, the battery capacity is estimated at 3,561 mAh, compared to 3,367 for the iPhone 15.
However, the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to go in the opposite direction. It is expected to have a 4,006 mAh battery, lower than the iPhone 15 Plus version of 4,407 mAh. At this point, however, it’s unclear how accurate this rumor is.
The longer the iPhone 16 battery life, the better.
The changes aren’t exactly seismic. When combined with other energy-saving initiatives, they can lead to improved battery life on the iPhone 16. Time will tell for the iPhone 16 Plus.
Other changes could involve the technologies used to create the batteries in the first place. Apple is reportedly considering using a graphene heatsink and the use of high-performance cathode technology in the units.
They could also be more environmentally friendly, as Apple has previously said that all batteries it designs will use fully recycled cobalt by 2025.