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Mark Gurman unveils Apple’s strategy for the iPhone series, emphasizing incrementa updates and the integration of AI technology to deliver innovative user experiences.
The iPhone 16 lineup, expected to be released later this year, will follow Apple’s recent trend of making small changes to design and features.
Since the big redesign of the iPhone 12 in 2020, Apple has been focusing on minor improvements rather than major changes. According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter. this pattern will continue with the iPhone 16, which will have some new features but mostly look and work like the recent models before it.
Power On: What to expect from the iPhone 16, next SE, iPhone 17 and beyond + more on the M4 Mac mini, iOS 18 Photos app and new Apple Watches https://t.co/9J82Jtducy
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 11, 2024
iPhone 16 Lineup: Details
The new iPhone 16 lineup, which includes the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, is set to continue Apple’s recent trend of making small changes to its designs. Allegedly, these phones will look very similar to the previous models, with no major redesigns or new features.
However, Apple is introducing a new set of AI features called Apple Intelligence, which will be a key part of this release. According to Gurman, this AI suite will not be limited to the iPhone 16: it will also work with the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Main Features and Updates
- Action Button: The non-Pro models will now include the Action button, which was only available on the higher-end models before. This customizable button on the iPhone lets you quickly access specific functions like the camera or flashlight.
- Customizable Interface: iOS 18 will let you personalize the Control Center by adding or rearranging controls to fit your needs. It will also offer more options for the Lock Screen, like different layouts for widgets, various clock styles, and wallpapers that you can easily change or switch between.
- New Camera Control Button: The Pro models will have a new camera control button on the phone’s right side, similar to what you find on a DSLR camera. This button allows for better focus and zoom control when taking pictures.
- Bigger Screens: The screen size of the regular Pro model will increase from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, while the Pro Max will go from 6.7 inches to nearly 6.9 inches.
As usual, Apple is set to offer new color options for the iPhone 16 models, with the Pro models bringing back the popular rose gold color. All four models should also have the new A18 chip and 8GB of memory, ensuring they can handle the new Apple Intelligence features smoothly.
Here's everything rumoured for the iPhone 16 Pro Max:
– Upgraded 48MP ultra-wide camera
– Larger 1/1.14" primary sensor
– New 8-element hybrid lens
– 4k Spatial video
– A18 Pro chip (N3E node) possibly with 2 extra efficiency cores
– Significantly improved neural engine for… pic.twitter.com/24DweGsz8j— AppleLeaker (@LeakerApple) April 7, 2024
Future iPhones: What We Know So Far
Looking ahead, Gurman says that Apple has some exciting plans for its iPhone lineup.
One of the key releases expected in early 2025 is the new iPhone SE. This model will likely have a design inspired by the iPhone 14, with a full OLED display that covers the entire front of the device. According to Gurman, if Apple could price the iPhone SE at around $500, it could peak a lot of interest.
iPhone SE 4 rumored specifications:
– Size and weight: 148.5 x 71.2 x 7.8mm, 166g
– Appearance: 7000 series aluminium alloy, right-angled frame, front and rear glass (no Ceramic Shield). Front looks like iPhone 13, with Face ID support; back looks like Xr, with one camera.— sun.dtsi (@negativeonehero) April 7, 2024
Other plans include the following:
- iPhone 17 and the Fourth Model: Apple is apparently planning to introduce a fourth iPhone model with the iPhone 17 lineup. This model will have a thinner, Air-like design, and will be positioned between the standard iPhone and the Pro models, offering a stylish option for users who want more than the basic model but don’t need all the features of a Pro. Eventually, Apple wants to fit Pro-level performance into this thinner, lighter design, offering power and portability in one device – but this will likely take until 2027.
- Foldable Devices: There is ongoing speculation that Apple is working on foldable devices, especially a foldable iPhone and iPad. While a foldable iPhone might still be a few years away, Apple’s focus on a foldable iPad suggests we could see this technology in a tablet first.
