iPhone 16 series to launch on September 9 at Apple “It’s Glowtime” event: 4 new models, biggest features

Apple is set to unveil its next-generation iPhone 16 series at the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9, 2024, expected to bring a host of new features and improvements across both standard and Pro models. While the launch is still a few days away, rumours and leaks have already begun painting a picture of what to expect from the upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: What to expect

This year Apple is expected to continue to have two sizes of the vanilla iPhone – the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The two will have the same size as its predecessors – 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches. The new iPhone models are expected to be similar to its counterparts from a year before, the iPhone 15. But, here are some of the rumoured changes we could see.

Action button for standard iPhone 16 models

The Action Button, introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro, is expected to replace the mute switch on all iPhone 16 models. This customizable button will allow users to quickly access various functions like activating the flashlight, launching the camera, or triggering shortcuts.

Vertical camera layout

The standard iPhone 16 models are expected to feature a new vertical camera arrangement, replacing the diagonal setup seen in recent years. This change could potentially enable Spatial Video recording for Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

A18 chip

All iPhone 16 models are rumoured to use the next-generation A18 chip. However, Apple may differentiate between standard and Pro models by using chips with fewer GPU cores or disabled features in the non-Pro versions.

Increased RAM

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus may see a bump in RAM from 6GB to 8GB, matching the Pro models and potentially improving multitasking performance.

Wi-Fi 6E

While the Pro models might get Wi-Fi 7, the standard iPhone 16 variants are expected to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E, supporting the 6GHz band for faster and more reliable connections.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: What to expect

The Pro models will also come in two sizes but unlike the previous iterations, this year’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models could be slightly bigger, among other changes. Here’s what to expect.

Larger screens

The most significant change for the Pro models is an increase in display size. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display (up from 6.1 inches), while the Pro Max could boast a 6.9-inch screen (up from 6.7 inches).

New Capture button

In addition to the Action button, the iPhone 16 Pro models could also have a new Capture Button. This dedicated camera button will be pressure-sensitive, allowing users to focus by lightly pressing and capture photos with a firmer press. It may also support gestures for zooming and switching between photo and video modes. Rumours have it that the vanilla iPhone 16 models could also have the said Capture button.

A new A18 Pro chip

The Pro models may receive an enhanced version of the A18 chip, possibly branded as A18 Pro, with a larger die size and an upgraded Neural Engine featuring significantly more cores for improved AI and machine learning capabilities.

Improved thermal design

The iPhone 16 Pro models are rumoured to incorporate a new thermal design, possibly including a graphene thermal system and a metal battery casing for better heat dissipation.

Camera improvements

The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature a new 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, promising significant improvements in low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Pro Max may also receive the 5x optical zoom Tetraprism lens introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Wi-Fi 7 support

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the iPhone 16 Pro models will adopt Wi-Fi 7 technology, potentially offering speeds of up to 40Gb/s and improved connectivity.

Upgraded 5G modem

The Pro models may feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem, enabling faster and more efficient 5G connectivity with support for the “5G Advanced” standard.

Battery improvements

Rumours suggest the iPhone 16 Pro models will use stacked battery technology, potentially increasing capacity and extending battery life. There are also reports of improved wired and wireless charging speeds.