iPhone 16: Release date, recent leaks, estimated pricing

The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. These could be among the best phones of 2024. While we’re months away from their official launch, rumors are already circulating.

So far, we have a solid idea of what to expect. Highlights include camera upgrades, a new ‘Capture’ button, and larger displays for the Pro models. It’s also likely these new iPhones will support the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Many other leaks have surfaced. Below is a summary of what we’ve heard about the iPhone 16 so far. For a detailed look at each model, check out our dedicated pages for the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

If Apple follows tradition, the iPhone 16 release date will be announced at its annual September event in 2024. We’ll probably learn the actual event date in August 2024. Historically, Apple picks the first or second week of September, often on a Tuesday or Wednesday. In 2023, the event was on September 12, with sales starting on September 22. So, September 3 or 10 are likely launch dates for 2024.

Apple plans to start manufacturing screens for the iPhone 16 in June, which aligns with previous years and suggests the phones are on schedule.

Iphone 16 Pro Max Price

We won’t know the official iPhone 16 pricing until September 2024. Tipsters are divided on whether prices will rise or fall. The current cheapest iPhone 15 starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,499, while the most expensive, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, starts at $1,199 / £1,399 / AU$2,099. The iPhone 16 prices could mimic these.

Some analysts predict the iPhone 16 might be cheaper due to a switch in the chipset manufacturing process. Conversely, it could be more expensive due to rising production costs. For instance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max costs Apple $558 to produce, a 12% increase from the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max might have pricier cameras, potentially increasing their prices.

Apple may also debut an Ultra-branded iPhone in 2024. Initially rumored to replace the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it’s now expected that the iPhone 16 Ultra will debut next year. This Ultra model would likely be the most expensive iPhone ever.

Iphone 16 Pro Specifications

Regarding screen sizes, the standard iPhone 16 will likely keep the 6.1-inch display. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could be the biggest iPhones yet. Tipster Ross Young claims the iPhone 16 Pro and Ultra (or Pro Max) will have 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens with a new 19.6:9 aspect ratio, making them the tallest and narrowest iPhones ever. These size increases have been backed by multiple reports.

Beyond size, the iPhone 16 line might have brighter and more power-efficient screens, potentially improving battery life. However, this could raise production costs and make the screen seem less bright from the side.

One design rumor suggests the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will have a vertical camera layout, unlike the diagonal setup since the iPhone 13. This would make the iPhone 16 instantly recognizable. Leaks of camera components and molds support this design change.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max might have a redesigned camera block, with lenses housed in a raised triangle.

The most intriguing design rumor involves a new capacitive button, internally known as the “Capture” button. This button could relate to camera functionality. Another leak suggests it will be a dedicated button for taking video. Unlike mechanical buttons, capacitive buttons don’t move when pressed and provide haptic feedback.

Initially, the iPhone 15 Pro was rumored to get capacitive buttons, but this was delayed. It seems these buttons will debut on the iPhone 16 line as a new button instead. Some sources claim the Capture button will be mechanical, with various camera functions, while others say both the Capture and Action buttons will be capacitive.

Early iPhone 16 prototypes, along with leaked renders, show potential designs. Mockups of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have also surfaced.

In summary, the iPhone 16 series is shaping up to be an exciting release with new features, design changes, and potential price adjustments. We’ll have to wait for the official launch to confirm these details.