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Apple refreshes iPhones with new models annually. The iPhone 16 Pro is not exempted from this rigmarole. At the time of writing in July 2024, the phone is still somewhat mysterious. So, the leaks and rumors swirl around it, interspersed by several educated guesses. Following is the detailed coverage of everything known about the iPhone 16 Pro so far, including its speculated price, release date, design changes, and possible features.
Traditionally, Apple launches new iPhones during the month of September, so one can believe the same for the iPhone 16 Pro. That would mean an official unveiling in September 2024. As far as the price goes, nothing is confirmed yet. Knowing the trends of iPhone pricing, especially for Pro models, a starting price should be comparable to that of the iPhone 15 Pro, roughly placed at $1,099 for the lowest storage capacity; higher storage capacity costs more.
Other rumors also popped up suggesting that with rising component costs and inflation, Apple could slightly tinker with the price. A small bump in price would not be a surprise.
Drastic changes in the design department are not as frequent in iPhones, but the iPhone 16 Pro might just get one subtle yet huge change: display size. It is rumored to stretch a bit to 6.3 inches from the current 6.1 inches found on the iPhone 15 Pro. This would bring the Pro model much closer to the Pro Max variant in size, potentially offering better screen immersion without having to incur a huge increase in overall footprint.
Apart from the size, most reports suggest design won't change much. We may still expect the flat-edged stainless steel frame, notch-less all-screen display done with under-display camera technology according to some leaks, and the signature triple-lens camera system at the back.
The iPhone 16 Pro will be a real monster in performance. Most probably, Apple will equip it with the next generation A-series Bionic chip, probably called the A18 Bionic. Tapped to a way more advanced 3-nanometer process, the latter should bring colossal improvements in both processing speed and efficiency over the A17 Bionic used by the iPhone 15 series.
Although there haven't been any specific details on RAM capacity, be certain that Apple is well-equipped to slot in enough RAM capacity with the iPhone 16 Pro for demanding apps and faultless multitasking.
Obvious among these is iOS 18, the latest release of the Apple mobile operating system. Leak information states that iOS 18 itself is still in development but points out that among its several new features are improved multitasking capabilities and a more customizable lock screen, a few enhanced accessibility features, etc.
Beyond the core OS, some iPhone 16 Pro-specific features could be at play. Among various rumors floating around, a few have pegged a dedicated "Capture" button for the camera app; this would add more granular inputs for photo and video captures. The "Action Button" from the iPhone 15 Pro series could become standard across all iPhone 16 models, allowing access to various contextual actions quickly.
Battery life has been one of the central focus areas for iPhones right from the beginning, and it won't turn out any different for the iPhone 16 Pro. With very little said about it specifically, some reports have speculated that Apple might increase the battery capacity in comparison to the iPhone 15 Pro. Additionally, the efficiency gains made by the A18 Bionic chip could amount to better battery life.
Fast-charging capabilities are going to be largely unchanged, still supporting the same wired and MagSafe wireless charging. We could even see faster MagSafe charging, though, topping up your telephones even quicker.
The iPhone 16 Pro will be incorporated along with some of the most important connectivity options. Here's what we can see:
Next-Gen 5G: People will see the fancied presence of an updated Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem, powering 5G connectivity with faster and more efficient rollout speeds. This certainly means that downloads will get quicker and streaming a lot smoother in places where 5G is present.
Wi-Fi 7: This may further be upgraded to Wi-Fi 7, which will bring about a very positive swing in wireless connectivity. Compared to the currently used Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 gives better speed, lower latency, and higher network efficiency that will be able to help people who use Wi-Fi much for data transfer and other online activities.
Satellite Connectivity: It has been rumored that Apple is developing satellite connectivity for the iPhone 16 series. As such, users will be able to compose and receive texts, make emergency calls, and even have limited internet services in the farthest places where cellular coverage is nil. Details are still scant, but this tech will otherwise change everything for many who venture way off the grid.
Apple is known for its zeal towards maintaining privacy and security for its iPhone users. iPhone 16 Pro will sure borrow this and maybe add some more new enhancements to them:
Improved Biometrics: The two primary modes of biometric authentication are said to be facial recognition through Face ID and fingerprint scanning through Touch ID, but the advances surely make either radically faster and more secure to lock and unlock.
Advanced Security Features: Apple, with the introduction of new software-based security features, will try to further shield the user's data from the impending threats. This would include better app sandboxing, harder data-encryption protocols, and increased malware-detected capacities.
Currently, sustainability is so much of a consideration when thinking of designing and manufacturing a smartphone. How iPhone 16 Pro would fit into sustainability:
Use of More Recycled Materials: Apple can incorporate more recycled materials into manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro, hence reducing the environmental effect. This may involve using recycled aluminum, rare-earth elements, or even recycled plastics in specific parts.
Increased Energy Efficiency: Improved energy efficiency of the A18 Bionic chip would mean the deployment of lower power to function in the iPhone 16 Pro. That, along with software optimization and display improvements, could also craft ways for a more energy-efficient all-around device.
Although the above leaks give the potentials of the features, remember that some of these rumors might never materialize. A few interesting possibilities—but a bit less certain—include:
Portless Design - There is always a rumor floating that Apple will bring a completely portless iPhone. Although the iPhone 16 Pro won't be to enter this change completely, it might lay down the pathway for the future iterations.
Foldable Display - The bendable smartphone is just starting to make a statement in today's market, and some rumors have it that Apple is likely to muse over this technology on future iPhones. However, the iPhone 16 Pro is not going to be that first foldable iPhone.
Augmented Reality Integration - Apple has of late been showing interest in augmented reality. Advances in AR capabilities are probably going to be included in the iPhone 16 Pro device or furthered by new sensors and software features which can help enhance user experience with AR.
Hamcrest: The display of the iPhone 16 Pro might be 6.3 inches, as opposed to 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max could sport a 6.9-inch screen, up from 6.7 inches
While display size of the iPhone 16 Pro models would be bigger, major design changes are unlikely to happen. There could be very minor changes such as new vertical camera lens alignment and more buttons
The iPhone 16 Pro may house a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens and a Tetraprism 5x optical zoom feature available on both Pro models.
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro will be equipped with faster A-series chips built using the new N3E 3-nanometer node, as that may prove to be very useful in improving the efficiency and performance of the current series.
It could also mean new models featuring a "Capture" button for photo and video captures, an Action button available on all models, probably new modem chips, and most probably the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 support.
