Apple is gearing up for the official launch of the iPhone 16 series during an event named “It’s Glowtime” on September 9.
Scheduled to kick off at 5 PM UTC, the event will showcase Apple’s latest flagship smartphones. The focus will be on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, with the two Pro models expected to be featured in a separate reveal.
Release and Pre-Orders
According to reliable insider Mark Gurman, pre-orders for all four iPhone 16 models will be available shortly after the event, with a full release planned for September 20. However, one anticipated feature, Apple Intelligence, won’t be available at launch and will arrive as a software update in October. Fortunately, this delay won’t impact the release of the iPhone 16 models.
Design Updates
While the design of the iPhone 16 series largely resembles previous models, there are a few subtle tweaks. The camera island has been reconfigured, aligning the two lenses vertically and relocating the LED flash onto the back. The iPhone 16 models will also come in more saturated colors compared to their Pro counterparts, which usually feature more muted tones.
Another key design change is the removal of the Alert Slider, replaced by the Action and Capture buttons. The Capture button is rumored to function like a capacitive trackpad, enabling users to swipe for actions like zooming while taking photos.
Display Features
The iPhone 16 will maintain its 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus will feature a larger 6.7-inch screen. While the bezels are expected to be thinner, neither model will introduce ProMotion, sticking with the standard 60Hz refresh rate. This might change in future models, with high refresh rates speculated for the 2025 lineup.
Performance and AI
The iPhone 16 series will be powered by Apple’s A18 chipset, bringing advanced AI features to the table. With 8GB of RAM, the new models are set to deliver faster on-device AI processing, enabling features such as Apple Intelligence. The 16 series marks a leap forward in AI integration, as older models like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus lack the necessary hardware for these capabilities.
Camera Improvements
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will feature a dual-camera setup, including a 48MP main sensor, similar to last year’s models. The ultra-wide camera will see some improvements with a brighter f/2.2 aperture and autofocus, allowing for better low-light photography and macro shots.
Apple’s latest iPhones are shaping up to be a solid upgrade, blending subtle design changes with meaningful tech advancements.