All of the changes the iPhone 16 models are expected to feature compared to their direct forerunners are listed below, using information from a wide range of reliable sources that we have previously covered here on MacRumors. We will continue to update this article as more rumors emerge prior to Apple's "It's glowtime" event on Monday, September 9.
This guide focuses on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, but to learn about how we are expecting the iPhone 16 Pro to improve on the iPhone 15 Pro, see our other comparison article.
Design
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to largely carry over the design of their predecessors, meaning that they will have the same dimensions. The most noticeable alteration that will denote the new models is said to be a vertical rear camera arrangement to facilitate spatial video capture, but the removal of the mute switch in favor of the Action button introduced on last year's Pro models.
| Diagonally arranged rear camera array | Vertically arranged rear camera array |
| Ring/Silent switch | Action Button |
| Thermal design with copper heatsink | New thermal design with graphene heatsink |
| iPhone 15: 171g weight
iPhone 15 Plus: 201g weight |
iPhone 16: 173g weight (+1%)
iPhone 16 Plus: 203g weight (+1%) |
Cameras
The iPhone 16 models are slated to receive a small number of camera enhancements, such as an improved ultra wide camera, macro photography support, and a dedicated hardware button for photography and videography on the side of the device.
| Capacitive "Capture Button" with force-sensitive half-press and sliding gestures to trigger photography and videography features | |
| Ultra wide camera with f/2.4 aperture | Ultra wide camera with f/2.2 aperture for improved-low light performance |
| Macro photography support | |
| Spatial video capture |
Chip, Memory, and Connectivity
The iPhone 16 models are rumored to benefit from a moderate improvement in processing power thanks to an all-new A18 chip with a more powerful Neural Engine to support exclusive generative AI capabilities. We are also expecting an 33% more memory and Wi-Fi 6E support.
| A16 Bionic chip (TSMC's "N4P" enhanced 5nm process) | A18 chip (TSMC's "N3E" enhanced 3nm process) |
| 16-core Neural Engine | Enhanced Neural Engine with "significantly" more cores to support Apple Intelligence |
| 6GB memory | 8GB memory (+33%) |
| Wi-Fi 6 connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E connectivity |
Batteries and Charging
The iPhone 16 models could receive some major improvements in battery technology and charging, sporting denser batteries and faster charging capabilities. It is worth noting that the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to feature a smaller battery than its predecessor, but it is not clear how this will affect actual battery life.
| Single-layer battery technology | Stacked battery technology for increased energy density and prolonged lifespan |
| iPhone 15: 3,349 mAh battery
iPhone 15 Plus: 4,383 mAh battery |
iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh battery (+6%)
iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006 mAh battery (-9%) |
| Up to 27W wired charging | Up to 40W wired charging (48% faster) |
| 15W charging via MagSafe | 20W charging via MagSafe (33% faster) |
Other Features and Changes
Support for Apple Intelligence is expected to be one of the iPhone 16's most important features, bringing the new array of AI tools to Apple's standard line of iPhones for the first time.
| Apple Intelligence support | |
| Microphone | Upgraded microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance, designed to support new AI features |
| More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology | |
| Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, and Black | Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, Black, White, and Purple |
Release Date
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to be announced at Apple's "It's glowtime" event on Monday, September 9. Pre-orders are likely to open on Friday, September 13, with launch following one week later on Friday, September 20. For more information about the iPhone 16 Pro models, see our comprehensive roundup.
Will It Be Worth Upgrading?
The iPhone 15 was a significant upgrade over 2023's iPhone 14, introducing a new design with a the Dynamic Island, a 48-megapixel camera, a USB-C port, and more. The iPhone 16's upgrades will likely not be as substantial as those offered by its predecessor. As a result, most iPhone 15 users will have little reason to upgrade, but Apple Intelligence and the new Action and Capture buttons are likely to be among the main motivations to get the latest device.
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPhone
This article, "iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: 20 Rumored Upgrades Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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