Kuo: iPhone 16 Models to Lack Significant Design Changes Beyond Larger Displays and Capture Button

[MacRumors]

iPhone 16 models launching later this year will not have any "significant design changes," according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo also said that Apple is unlikely to offer "more comprehensive" generative AI features until the iPhone 17 series launches next year at the earliest.

"It is expected that Apple will not launch new iPhone models with significant design changes and the more comprehensive/differentiated GenAI ecosystem/applications until 2025 at the earliest," wrote Kuo, in a blog post on Medium today.

Kuo believes foldable designs and generative AI features are two of the biggest trends for high-end smartphones right now, and he thinks iPhone shipments could decline in 2024 as a result of Apple not launching products focused on these areas yet.

One notable hardware change rumored for the iPhone 16 lineup is the addition of a so-called "capture" button for video-related actions. According to a recent report, the button will respond to pressure and touch. For example, the report said users will be able to zoom in and out in the Camera app by swiping left and right on the button, focus with a light press, and start a video recording with a more forceful press.

The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models are also expected to feature larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, compared to 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Is a new button and a larger display significant or not? Ultimately, it's subjective.

Article Link: Kuo: iPhone 16 Models to Lack Significant Design Changes Beyond Larger Displays and Capture Button

 

[Zakn]

Still, Apple will tell you how it is the best iPhone they've ever made

 

[Itsedstech]

Ill take the extra screen size and hopefully better cooling.

 

[Sorinut]

I guess I'll ride my 13 Pro into the sunset.

 

[TechElliott]

No AI, no major design changes, another boring iPhone release.

 

[ricketysquire]

Still, Apple will tell you how it is the best iPhone they've ever made

Apple: We took the courageous decision to add a new button. This is the best iPhone we've ever made and we think you will also.

*cue funky pop music*

 

[contacos]

well ... that's because everyone in hardware design seems to be leaving the company!

Fold here I come! (I'll continue to have my 15 Plus for my iOS needs)

 

[Kevin2055]

Still, Apple will tell you how it is the best iPhone they've ever made

Technically it is 1% better

 

[Hokie804]

Now on the 15 Pro Max. I really wanted Apple to bring back TouchID to complement FaceID

 

[canyonblue737]

I thought we just had an article a week ago saying that iOS 18 is the largest OS update ever, built entirely around AI? is that off the table or are they just saying there won't be special hardware tied to AI until iPhone 17 or later? If AI plans just rolled over and died for Apple in 2024 that would be hugely disappointing.

 

[carrrrrlos]

Would be truly innovative and magical if Apple skipped a year and slowed down the cadence of their iPhone upgrades. Seems like they are stuck in a yearly upgrade cycle for no other good reason than to appease the board.

 

[nfl46]

lol. I mean…we’re used to it by now…hardly any design changes.

 

[DocMultimedia]

As always, the camera is the most important improvement I always wait for.

 

[Eggtastic]

Lame, but expected. Hopefully we get a decent new color.

 

[kemal]

...But it will have better cameras?

 

[RandomTox]

Skip it

 

[VisceralRealist]

The consequences of being locked in to releasing a new phone every year. 🤷‍♂️

But what happened to the rumors of an even bigger camera bump? 🤔

 

[truth_speech]

Phone designs don't have to radically change every year. As long as they function as they are supposed to, as long as 'they just work'.

That being said Pixels are looking like a great option nowadays.

I have been also thinking about trying out the Samsung Galaxy S24, but I hate Samsung so maybe not.

 

[McKodiak]

I guess I'll ride my 13 Pro into the sunset.

I'm in the same boat but my 13 Pro's battery capacity just hit 80%. I'm lined up for an upgrade.

 

[MrRom92]

Externally, what could they even do to change the design that’s not change for the sake of change?
We’ve had 15+ years of annual iteration and refinement of this product that has led to what is essentially as flawless a form factor as they can make.
I’d slice off the camera hump, which I’m sure they’d do too if they could. But otherwise?

 

[swiftapplefan]

Question is: no AI features for the iPhone 16 OR no AI features at WWDC24? A big difference, and honestly I’m dying to see what Apple is working on.

 

[VisceralRealist]

I'm in the same boat but my 13 Pro's battery capacity just hit 80%. I'm lined up for an upgrade.

Same. I have a 13 Pro, but it's showing its age with the battery life. I don't know if a pill cutout and a "Dynamic Island" are enough to make me want to spend $1100 on a new phone...

 

[Sorinut]

I'm in the same boat but my 13 Pro's battery capacity just hit 80%. I'm lined up for an upgrade.

I just checked and mine is at 86% and will just get a battery replacement when it drops below 80%.

Currently last a full day and then some, so no hurry.

 

[canyonblue737]

As always, the camera is the most important improvement I always wait for.

now the ultrawide camera is getting updated and getting a 48 megapixel sensor in the Pro models. only the telephoto will stay on a 12 megapixel sensor.

 

[anthogag]

Where is news for iPhone Ultra, a companion for Watch Ultra?