iPhone 16 Lineup to Introduce Wave of Camera Improvements

[MacRumors]

The iPhone 16 lineup will feature a significant number of new camera features and capabilities, AppleInsider reports.

Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to step up the iPhone's photography and videography functions, including upgraded hardware such as 48-megapixel sensor on the Pro models' ultra wide camera and software such as macro photography for the standard models and an all-new image format. Reiterating some previous rumors, the report claims that:

• The iPhone 16's main camera will remain the same as that of the iPhone 15 with a 48-megapixel sensor and a f/1.6 aperture, and there are unlikely to be changes to the unit on subsequent generations through to 2026.
• The iPhone 16's ultra wide camera will gain a f/2.2 aperture, up from the f/2.4 aperture on the previous generation, to improve low-light performance.
• The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may support macro photography for the first time. The feature is currently exclusive to the Pro models.
• The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will continue to feature a 48-megapixel main camera with an f/1.78 aperture.
• The iPhone 16 Pro will gain the 5x tetraprism telephoto camera introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year, replacing the current 3x telephoto camera.
• The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature an upgraded ultra wide camera with a 48-megapixel sensor, with the same pixel-binning feature as the main camera. It will have an f/2.2 aperture, up from f/2.4, for significantly improved low-light performance and support 48-megapixel ProRaw photography.
• Apple will introduce a new image format called "JPEG-XL," sitting alongside HEIF, JPEG, HEIF Max, ProRaw, and ProRAW Max.
• The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will support 3K video at 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision.
• A new capacitive "Capture" button will be introduced on all four models, designed to be used exclusively by camera apps. Users will apparently be able to select which camera app the button opens, including third-party ones.
• The Capture button offers a force-sensitive half-press tied to a developer API that could, for example, lock exposure and focus, before fully depressing the button to take a photo.
• Sliding along the capacitive button will also perform different actions. This gesture will tout a developer API.

The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to be announced in just a matter of weeks. The Pro models are expected to feature larger display sizes and a faster chip, while the standard models are set to offer the Action button and a redesigned rear camera array. See our comprehensive roundup for more information.

Article Link: iPhone 16 Lineup to Introduce Wave of Camera Improvements

 

[antiprotest]

"Apple will introduce a new image format called "JPEG-XL," sitting alongside HEIF, JPEG, HEIF Max, ProRaw, and ProRAW Max."

Why not JPEG Max?

 

[jz0309]

Just what we need, another image format…
;(

 

[satchmo]

Macro to the base 16 and 16 Plus likely added to convince people to update.

It's a tough sell to those with a 13 and newer.

 

[nortonandreev]

To be honest, I have been quite unhappy with the 14PM and the 15PM cameras (and the bad battery life) – these have been my two main issues. Let's see if 16PM is any better.

 

[ghostface147]

To be honest, I have been quite unhappy with the 14PM and the 15PM cameras (and the bad battery life) – these have been my two main issues. Let's see if 16PM is any better.

You’re not using them for serious photography are you?

 

[gagaliya]

5x telephoto on the pro max should be upgraded to 48megapixel too...why leave that out..lame.

 

[jz0309]

Macro to the base 16 and 16 Plus likely added to convince people to update.

It's a tough sell to those with a 13 and newer.

Agree, the only model I’d consider is a PRoMax, and what is rumored is certainly not convincing me to upgrade my 13PM

 

[applepotato666]

Yet another unnecessary button. I thought we’re moving away from that. The action button is a less practical mute switch for me.

 

[Victor Mortimer]

Easily swappable battery? Nope. Government is going to have to force them.
Normal software installation? Nope. Government is going to have to force them.
Home button? Nope.
Courage to put back the headphone jack? Nope.
Stupid ugly pill cutout? Still there.

But camera crap that we don't need? That's what Apple considers 'innovation' these days.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Dial down the software processing and allow us to easily disable (and/or tweak) it.

Those are the camera improvements I'd like

 

[gagaliya]

Yet another unnecessary button. I thought we’re moving away from that. The action button is a less practical mute switch for me.

unnecessary? this is a very nice new feature for once so you dont have to fiddle with the screen to take photos while on the go, just point and snap. Not sure if you ever used a traditional camera, the hold before snap is also great.

do people just by default start complaining about every new thing apple releases, how do you not want a new camera button to make it easier to take photos like a traditional camera...

 

[con2apple]

• The ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ will gain the 5x tetraprism telephoto camera introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year, replacing the current 3x telephoto camera.

On my list of requirements since I bought the iPhone 11.

 

[SebCohen]

Eh what’s new? No really…..even my mother could tell me apart from the new improved me.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

unnecessary? this is a very nice new feature for once so you dont have to fiddle with the screen to take photos while on the go, just point and snap. Not sure if you ever used a traditional camera, the hold before snap is also great.

do people just by default start complaining about every new thing apple releases, how do you not want a new camera button to make it easier to take photos like a traditional camera...

You have been able to use the volume button to snap photos since, well forever.

 

[citysnaps]

But camera crap that we don't need? That's what Apple considers 'innovation' these days.

Unless you're a photographer. I welcome all improvements.

The good news is you don't have to purchase it.

 

[Stiille]

Dial down the software processing and allow us to easily disable (and/or tweak) it.

Those are the camera improvements I'd like

There you can use the app halide with their new „zero process“ feature, it’s really nice and working well. No more processing, but you have to edit it if you don’t like the outcome !

 

[B-Mc-C]

Wouldn’t it be funny if the capture button was more of an upgrade driver than all the overhyped AI stuff?

 

[Bryan Bowler]

Can’t wait….lets go!

 

[citysnaps]

Dial down the software processing and allow us to easily disable (and/or tweak) it.

Those are the camera improvements I'd like

What software processing is that? I shoot in RAW and process in Lightroom, and have no complaints.

 

[Victor Mortimer]

unnecessary? this is a very nice new feature for once so you dont have to fiddle with the screen to take photos while on the go, just point and snap. Not sure if you ever used a traditional camera, the hold before snap is also great.

do people just by default start complaining about every new thing apple releases, how do you not want a new camera button to make it easier to take photos like a traditional camera...

Not just unnecessary. Actively WORSE.

The physical mute switch is a FAR more useful feature. It's a PHONE, not a camera. There's no need whatsoever for it to have a dedicated "take photo" button. Did you know you can use the volume up button as a take picture button if you want? You can.

 

[Stiille]

What software processing is that? I shoot in RAW and process in Lightroom, and have no complaints.

Even when you shoot in RAW it still applies processing.
For that halide did a fantastic job with „zero process“

 

[turbineseaplane]

There you can use the app halide with their new „zero process“ feature, it’s really nice and working well. No more processing, but you have to edit it if you don’t like the outcome !

Appreciate the thought, however I don't want to use a third party Camera app, especially one that is a subscription app

 

[soundweave]

To be honest, I have been quite unhappy with the 14PM and the 15PM cameras (and the bad battery life) – these have been my two main issues. Let's see if 16PM is any better.

The main 48 lens is great... if you use ProRAW and not the deep-fried default. 😕

Dial down the software processing and allow us to easily disable (and/or tweak) it.

Those are the camera improvements I'd like

Yeah that would be the absolute best feature, the only thing thats needed on my 15 pro camera system. Allow us to dial it down to a "ProRAW" level of sharpening for default HEIC photos. Would save a lot of time from dealing with full size DNGs.

(ProRAW is still processed and convenient to snap photos with, but looks a lot less "deep fried" and has a smoother more natural look)

Given they are adding a whole dedicated camera button, with a half-press to focus, it seems they're taking the photography seriously, maybe we can be hopeful they will provide something like this?

 

[coffeemilktea]

Apple will introduce a new image format called "JPEG-XL," sitting alongside HEIF, JPEG, HEIF Max, ProRaw, and ProRAW Max.

I hope it gets more widespread support than HEIF does... every time I transfer my photos to my Mac, I have to convert the image files to JPEG if I want to use them outside of the few apps that support the format. 🙃