Big changes may be coming to Apple’s iPhone 16 series design. After the introduction of the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro line and USB-C ports across its 2023 handsets, Apple is reportedly exploring new design features for the upcoming iPhone 16 models.
According to a leak from MacRumors’ sources, Apple may scale down its previous capacitive button ambitions for the iPhone 15 series. Instead, all iPhone 16 models could be equipped with a new Capture Button, replacing the current power key. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro line may feature larger display sizes.
Here are the expected design features for the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models:
– Larger, 6.9″ iPhone 16 Pro Max display diagonal
– Larger, 6.3″ iPhone 16 Pro display diagonal
– Vertical camera arrangement on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
– Capacitive Action Button on the iPhone 16 Pro line
– Capacitive Capture Button on all iPhone 16 series models
The 2024 Pro series is rumored to retain the Action Button feature, but Apple is working on making it capacitive and flush with the side frame surface. This could be part of a project called “Atlas” and a step towards the buttonless, port-less iPhone design. It may also serve as a standout feature that sets the iPhone 16 apart from its competitors and predecessors.
However, insiders have cautioned that these developments are still in the prototype stage. Apple has a backup plan if the hardware for the new capacitive keys doesn’t meet their desired specifications and ergonomics.
Previously, Apple reportedly gave up on the “Bongo” capacitive key project for the iPhone 15, which would have introduced capacitive volume and power keys. The flush Action and Capture buttons on the iPhone 16 series will be pressure-sensitive and provide haptic feedback based on the force applied to them.
In terms of display sizes, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to increase its screen diagonal to 6.3 inches from the current 6.1 inches to accommodate Apple’s rumored Tetraprism 5x optical zoom camera kit. To maintain a size difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the latter’s display size is expected to be enlarged to 6.9 inches.
On the other hand, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are likely to retain their 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes, respectively. These models may feature a vertical camera arrangement instead of the diagonal one seen on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.
If these rumors materialize, we can expect a significant change in the iPhone’s design with the introduction of the iPhone 16 series. Apple has already made various advancements, such as the titanium frame, Action Button, and USB-C ports, with the iPhone 15 series, but the iPhone 16 is poised to bring even more exciting features and improvements.
