iPhone 16 rumours and release date: Everything we know so far

APPLE released its iPhone 15 just days ago, but that doesn’t stop the rumour mill from churning out theories about the next new device.

Let’s take a look at the iPhone 16 gossip we have so far, including long-awaited features and a release date.

MacRumours

One theory is that the iPhone 16 will bring in Apple’s first super telephoto periscope, for a dramatically increased optical zoom[/caption]

Bigger, better screen

The ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro models are expected to have taller display sizes than the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 15 Pro models, according to several analysts and leaked designs.

This could then become the size of the standard iPhone 17, unless there are complaints from customers, MacRumours suggested.

New volume buttons

It was rumoured that iPhone 15 Pro models would boast a ‘buttonless’ design – but it didn’t come to fruition.

Rumours now suggest that Apple is holding back this feature until 2024, when the iPhone 16 Pro models will be hitting the shelves.

The device won’t be entirely ‘buttonless’, but it will certainly feel like it.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it’s “likely” Apple will use solid-state buttons for the iPhone 16 Pro – which are buttons that don’t physically move but will vibrate slightly to mimic the sensation of pressing down.

Faster Wi-Fi speeds

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 16 Pro models could adopt Wi-Fi 7 – the next generation of internet technology.

This means that surfing the internet on the device will be up to 2.4 times faster than on the iPhone 15.

USB-C Port

What we do know is that iPhone 16 models will have USB-C charging ports.

There was a lot of talk surrounding whether Apple would unveil the big change to power ports in the iPhone 15, in a bid to comply with new EU standards.

Now the Lighting cable has been ditched with the iPhone 15, it seems certain that USB-C ports will be the standard from here on out.

Higher quality camera

It’s hard to imagine how the camera quality in iPhones can get much better, but it’s up to Apple to try and pull it out of the bag before autumn next year.

One theory, which has emerged from China, is that the iPhone 16 will bring in Apple’s first super telephoto periscope, for a dramatically increased optical zoom.

A rumour from Unknownz21 suggests Apple is testing a vertical camera arrangement for base iPhone 16 models, which hasn’t been seen since the iPhone 12.

Ultra model

While there was a lot of talk about an iPhone 15 Ultra model from industry insiders, Apple’s Wanderlust event proved the rumours were just hot air.

All that said, onlookers have pushed their expectations of a new, long-awaited Ultra model back a year to 2024.

Apple is hoped to introduce an Ultra model within its iPhone 16 lineup, which Bloomberg’s Gurman says will have the best of everything: camera configuration, display and maybe even a better processor.

If dreams really do come true, then it’s possible the coveted periscope camera will be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Ultra.

Release date

Apple has only just banked its iPhone 15 launch day, so we won’t be receiving an iPhone 16 release date anytime soon.

Autumn is the company’s season of choice, with enough summer shenanigans to bust up your old iPhone enough for you consider buying a new one – and tempt folks before Christmas too.

Typically, Apple leans towards the second Tuesday in September for its annual release date.

So, we can expect the iPhone 16 – and an array of new products – to land around then.

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