iPhone 16 Pro Leaks: Camera Upgrades and Larger Screens

Apple fans are eagerly awaiting the expected September 2024 release of the iPhone 16 lineup. Early leaks point to significant changes for the premium models, including larger displays and major camera hardware improvements. If you are waiting to upgrade, here is everything we know about the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

New Display Sizes: Bigger Screens and Thinner Bezels

For the first time since the iPhone 12 series in 2020, Apple is increasing the physical screen size of its Pro smartphones. Industry analysts like Ross Young report that the iPhone 16 Pro will grow from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. The larger iPhone 16 Pro Max will increase from 6.7 inches to a massive 6.9 inches.

This change in size is not just about stretching the existing display. Apple is adopting a new technology called Border Reduction Structure. This manufacturing technique allows the internal copper wiring to be bent and routed more compactly at the bottom edge of the display panel. As a result, the iPhone 16 Pro models will feature the thinnest bezels ever seen on an Apple device. While the phones will be slightly taller and wider to accommodate the new screens, the reduced borders mean the overall footprint will not feel drastically larger in your hand.

Massive Camera Upgrades Across Both Pro Models

The camera system is always a major selling point for the Pro lineup. This year, Apple is preparing several hardware upgrades that will appeal to mobile photographers and video creators alike.

The 48-Megapixel Ultra Wide Lens

According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 16 Pro models will feature a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera. This is a massive jump from the current 12-megapixel sensor found on the iPhone 15 Pro. The higher resolution will allow the camera to capture significantly more light, resulting in better photos in dark environments. It will also improve the quality of Spatial Video recording, which Apple relies on for its Vision Pro headset. Users can expect sharper, more detailed wide-angle shots with less grain.

5x Optical Zoom for the Smaller Pro

Last year, Apple introduced a tetraprism lens with 5x optical zoom, but restricted it exclusively to the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max. This year, the smaller 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro will finally get the exact same zoom capabilities. The slightly larger physical chassis of the 6.3-inch model provides enough internal space for Apple to fit the complex folded glass module required for the 5x zoom lens.

New Main Sensor and Anti-Reflective Coating

The primary camera on the iPhone 16 Pro Max will reportedly feature a custom 48-megapixel Sony IMX903 sensor. This sensor is physically larger than previous versions, allowing for better dynamic range and noise control. Additionally, Apple is testing a new atomic layer deposition coating applied directly to the camera lenses. This ultra-thin coating is designed to reduce lens flare and ghosting, a common complaint when shooting photos directly into the sun or bright streetlights.

The All-New Capture Button

One of the most exciting hardware changes is the addition of a brand new physical button. Dubbed the “Capture Button,” this new input will be located on the lower right side of the device. It sits exactly where your right index finger rests when holding the phone horizontally.

The Capture Button is designed specifically for photography and videography. Leaks indicate it will function much like a traditional DSLR camera shutter. A light half-press will lock focus and exposure, while a full press will snap the photo or begin recording video. Furthermore, the button is expected to be capacitive. This means it will respond to touch gestures, allowing users to swipe left and right across the button to smoothly zoom in and out.

Performance: A18 Pro Chip and Apple Intelligence

To power these new features, Apple will introduce the A18 Pro chip. Built by TSMC on a second-generation 3-nanometer process (known as N3E), this processor will offer faster CPU speeds and improved power efficiency.

More importantly, the A18 Pro is designed with artificial intelligence in mind. It will feature a significantly upgraded Neural Engine with more cores, specifically tailored to run the new Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 18. To support these voice-activated AI tools, Apple is also upgrading the internal microphones to improve water resistance and capture clearer voice commands for Siri.

Battery Life and Charging Enhancements

A bigger phone means more room for a bigger battery. Leaked regulatory filings suggest the iPhone 16 Pro will feature a 3,355 mAh battery (a 2.5% increase), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will house a 4,676 mAh battery (a 5% increase).

Apple is also rumored to be testing stacked battery technology. This design allows for higher energy density and improved lifespan. To manage the extra heat generated by these batteries and the new A18 Pro chip, Apple is reportedly swapping internal copper cooling components for a new graphene thermal system. Along with the new battery designs, rumors point to faster charging speeds, potentially reaching up to 40W for wired charging and 20W for MagSafe wireless charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the iPhone 16 Pro be released? Apple traditionally announces its new iPhones in the second week of September. Based on past patterns, an announcement event is expected around September 10, 2024, with retail availability following on September 20, 2024.

Will the iPhone 16 Pro be more expensive? Pricing is always the hardest detail to predict. However, due to the increased screen sizes, higher baseline storage, and expensive new camera components, analysts suspect the baseline iPhone 16 Pro could see a $100 price increase, matching the $1,199 starting price of the Pro Max.

What colors will the iPhone 16 Pro come in? Apple plans to stick with the titanium frame introduced last year. The expected colors for 2024 include Space Black, White, Natural Titanium (gray), and a brand new Rose Gold or Bronze finish that replaces the Blue Titanium option from the previous generation.