Significant updates in design and fresh hardware features are anticipated for the iPhone 16 series. Metal mock-up models of these phones have now been revealed, not just in digital illustrations. New leaked pictures show major design updates for the upcoming Apple iPhone 16.
Sonny Dickson, a well-known source for Apple leaks, has shared new photos showing the look of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The reveal of these models is likely in early September 2024, but the images give us a sneak peek at the fresh features now.
The metal blanks don’t reveal the materials for the next iPhones. However, a recent leak from ShrimpApplePro provides an exciting look at the back of the new iPhone 16 versions.
According to the post, the vanilla iPhone 16 will come in 4 new colors:
Space Black
Grey (gray?)
White and
Rose, not sure how pink the rose is tho.
The back glass will share the same manufacturing process which is color-infused glass with matte texture back. pic.twitter.com/UvD3N00qyG— ShrimpApplePro 🍤 (@VNchocoTaco) April 3, 2024
Similar to the iPhone 15 series from last year, Apple plans to color the back glass of the new models in space black, grey, white, and rose. These four options are important to remember.
However, this glass isn’t as tough as the textured matte glass on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Yet, there’s a chance it has been made stronger in the past year.
Switching to the infused glass will be a noticeable change from the iPhone 15 Pro to the iPhone 16 Pro. Tim Cook and his team believe that the style and materials will attract people to upgrade their phones.
Dickson’s photos display the ‘blanks’ sent to accessory makers before a phone launches. This helps in creating cases and other add-ons that fit the phone and its buttons perfectly. While we can’t see the software features, the hardware presented clearly shows Apple’s new direction with the iPhone.
Action Button On Every Version
After first appearing on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, the Action Button will be included in all four iPhone versions. It took over the role of the previous models’ mute switch. Users often use the Action Button for the mute/vibrate options on their iPhone.
However, this customizable button can be programmed to launch a chosen app or carry out a certain task with a press.
Now that it’s part of the whole lineup, Apple’s marketing group can highlight it as a special iPhone feature. Also, app creators can make their apps with the Action Button in mind, knowing more people will have access to these functions.
New Touch-Sensitive Button Added
Rumors of an extra button on the iPhone have been around for the last half year. The design of this button and which models would have it has changed a lot as Apple tested different designs.
Apple has now chosen the design and decided that all iPhone 16 models will have this new button, making it easier for marketing and developers.
The chosen design is a touch-sensitive button for all models, which means it doesn’t physically move. Instead, it uses the “Taptic Engine” to feel like a real button when pressed.
3D Camera Setup Confirmed
The revealed designs show the camera lenses on the back have moved from a diagonal to a vertical setup, compared to the iPhone 15 series. This change won’t affect normal photos but will enable 3D video recording.
This feature might not change much for iPhone or computer viewing, but it means that videos watched on the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset will appear in 3D. The iPhone is expected to outperform the Vision Pro headsets in sales.
Yet, users who eventually purchase a Vision Pro headset will discover that their iCloud-stored videos can be viewed in 3D with the device.
With the updated devices, Apple aims to bring AI creation tools to iOS 18. More details on Tim Cook’s AI strategy should be shared at the Worldwide Developer Conference in June. The iPhone 16 series is expected to debut in its usual early September timeframe.
What do we think?
I think the new iPhone 16 series will be super cool. I heard they’re adding new colors and a stronger back glass. It’s great they’re keeping colors like black and white but also adding new ones. I’m excited about the Action Button being on all models.
It sounds handy for quickly using my favorite apps. Plus, there’s a new touch button that feels like a real button but isn’t.
And the camera setup changing to vertical for 3D videos sounds fun, especially for those with Apple’s headset. Can’t wait to see what else they’ll bring with these phones in September!
