Apple is expected to launch the next-generation iPhone 16 series in 2024 with four models like the current iPhone 14 series. Even months before its debut, industry sources and leaks report alleged design changes and features of the upcoming models.
In this thread, we have compiled all the rumors related to standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 plus models.
[Update: Apple is reported to feature an improved Action Button across the iPhone 16 series including the base models.]
New Action Button in all four iPhone 16 models to feature Touch ID authentication
December 2, 2023: MacRumors claims that it has sufficient evidence that Apple would equip all four iPhone 16 models with an improved Action Button, code name “Atlas”, which would function like a capacitive-type button instead of the mechanical button in iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models.
Most interestingly, the report states that the new Action Button will feature Touch ID tech to unlock the iPhone. Furthermore, the “Capture Button” will also feature a force sensor to detect changes in pressure to work like the Force Touch trackpad in the latest MacBook models and support “tact-switching functionality” but its function is not known at the moment.
It is also stated that Action Button might expand to budget iPhone SE 4 coming out in 2025. A previous report refuted the claim the iPhone SE 4 would feature under the display Touch ID tech.
Like the iPhone 16, the new iPhone SE 4 will also not use Touch ID fingerprint authentication
November 26, 2023: A Chinese Apple leaker posted on Weibo that the tech giant will not bring back the Touch ID fingerprint authentication technology in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus base models.
The claim is based on the permanent closure of manufacturing units that produced equipment for iPhone’s Touch ID tech. It also added that only units producing Touch ID components for iPhone SE 3 were functional.
Previously, it was reported that Apple was developing under-the-display Touch ID or fingerprint authentication tech for future iPhones.
Although it is not a surprise that Touch ID will be re-debut in the upcoming iPhone 16 series, it is interesting to note that the new iPhone SE 4 will also not feature the old authentication tech.
Other reports have speculated that the fourth-generation iPhone SE will feature Face ID to replace Touch ID.
iPhone 16 to reintroduce vertical rear camera layout like iPhone 12
May 23, 2023: The 2020 iPhone 12 series introduced four iPhone models for the first time, two standard and two Pro models. The base models with dual camera system had a vertical layout.
But Apple changed the vertical camera layout to a diagonal camera layout in the iPhone 13 (2021) and iPhone 14 (2022) base models.
Now, the news is that the company will be switching back to a vertical camera array for iPhone 16 rear camera in 2024 with respect to the camera bump, camera rings, and the arrangement of the camera lens.
Recently, an anonymous leaker @URedditor shared that Apple will change the rear camera layout of the iPhone 16 base model and bring back the vertical camera array of the iPhone 12.
The leaker also added that iPhone 15 base model will feature the same diagonal camera layout as the current standard iPhone 14 models.
The base model iPhone 16 will have a vertical camera layout, as opposed to diagonal on iPhone 15. This will make the device instantly recognizable as the latest model.
Currently, an iPhone 12-style design is in testing, though there is another design as well, same layout.
— Unknownz21 🌈 (@URedditor) May 22, 2023
Having said that, the leaker also cautions of possible changes in the plan. As the 2024 iPhone series is more than a year away, Apple might abandon design changes like it allegedly ditched the haptic solid-state volume buttons for iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to feature the same display size as iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
May 9, 2023: While commenting on the larger display size of the iPhone 16 Pro model, display analyst Ross Young said that base models of the 2024 iPhone series’ display will be the same size as the current iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models: 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch.
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