Rumours suggest the iPhone 16 series will introduce advanced AI capabilities, larger displays, and significant camera improvements

As the tech world eagerly anticipates the arrival of Apple’s iPhone 16, a flurry of rumours and leaks has painted a picture of what may be the most advanced iteration of the smartphone to date. Slated for release in September, the iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, promises an array of enhancements that could redefine user experience.

Apple’s pattern of unveiling new iPhone models in early September remains consistent, with potential launch dates pinpointed around September 3 or September 14, following historical precedents. The phones would then hit the market just a week after pre-orders begin, continuing Apple’s tight release schedule.

Despite ongoing speculation about price increases due to rising production costs, the iPhone 16’s price might remain stable in light of the current economic climate. Apple appears keen on absorbing these costs to maintain customer loyalty and market competitiveness. Expected starting prices for the new models range from £799 for the iPhone 16 to £1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, although these figures are subject to confirmation upon official release.

Design-wise, the iPhone 16 series is rumoured to boast larger displays for the Pro models, potentially stretching to 6.9 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which might also undergo a rebranding to ‘iPhone 16 Pro Ultra.’ This change would align with Apple’s marketing for other high-end products like the Apple Watch Ultra. Thinner bezels and advanced display technologies could enhance visual appeal and functionality, reflecting Apple’s commitment to pushing the envelope in smartphone design.

Furthermore, the new iPhones are expected to feature a revamped action button, transitioning from a mechanical to a capacitive touch interface, which would allow for a broader range of user-defined actions. This enhancement indicates Apple’s focus on refining the user interface for greater customization and efficiency.

The introduction of a dedicated capture button for recording videos directly from the phone is another anticipated feature, possibly aimed at supporting advanced applications like the Apple Vision Pro. This would cater to the growing demand for more dynamic and accessible video recording capabilities.

Camera upgrades are also on the horizon, with the base models rumoured to adopt a new vertical camera setup. For the Pro models, significant improvements include a 48MP ultra-wide camera and the expansion of the 12x telephoto lens across the Pro range, signalling Apple’s commitment to maintaining its edge in smartphone photography.

Under the hood, all iPhone 16 models are expected to be equipped with the new A18 chip, with the Pro versions receiving an enhanced A18 Pro chip for even more robust performance, especially in AI-driven tasks. This aligns with the rumoured focus on AI enhancements across the system, from a smarter Siri to more intuitive AI integration in core apps like Apple Music and Messages.

As Apple prepares for its WWDC event in June, where iOS 18 will be showcased, more detailed features and improvements will likely be revealed, providing a clearer picture of the iPhone 16’s capabilities. The integration of cutting-edge AI technology and user-focused enhancements suggests that the iPhone 16 series could set new standards in what users expect from their smartphones.