Apple is set to launch its iPhone 16 models later this year, but don’t expect any groundbreaking changes. The new lineup, including the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, will largely resemble their predecessors, following a trend of incremental updates seen in recent years.
One of the main selling points for the iPhone 16 series will be Apple Intelligence, the company’s new suite of AI capabilities. While this feature will be available on all iPhone 16 models, it will also be compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro. Despite the hype surrounding Apple Intelligence, it may not be enough to drive a significant surge in upgrades.
Among the expected updates, the non-Pro iPhone 16 models will receive the Action button, which was previously exclusive to the Pro models. However, with iOS 18 introducing a more customizable Control Center and Lock Screen, the Action button might not be a game-changer. The Pro models are likely to get a new camera control on the right side, mimicking the feel of a DSLR camera button. This control will allow users to autofocus with a light press and capture photos with a harder press. Additionally, swiping along the button will enable zooming in and out while shooting.
Another minor upgrade for the Pro models includes slightly larger screens—6.3 inches for the regular Pro and nearly 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. As usual, Apple will refresh the color options, with a possible return of the popular rose gold and a new blue shade. All four models will feature the new A18 chip and come with 8 gigabytes of memory, which is necessary to run Apple Intelligence.
While these updates may appeal to those with older iPhone models, they’re unlikely to spark a rush of purchases. Apple’s cautious financial guidance for the current quarter suggests the company doesn’t expect a significant boost in iPhone sales from the iPhone 16 launch.
However, Apple is preparing for more substantial changes in 2025. Early next year, the company plans to launch a new iPhone SE, marking the first update to its low-end model since 2022. The new SE will resemble the iPhone 14, featuring a full-device OLED display and Apple Intelligence capabilities. If Apple can price this model around $500, it could become a popular choice.
But the real shake-up will come with the iPhone 17, which will introduce a new type of smartphone—what Apple insiders are calling the “fourth iPhone model.” Unlike previous attempts with the mini and Plus models, this new design will focus on a thinner, more streamlined device, positioned between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. The concept is similar to the original MacBook Air, offering a sleek alternative without the full power and features of the Pro models. This “Air” style iPhone could be a hit, finally filling the gap left by the unsuccessful mini and Plus versions.
Looking further ahead, Apple aims to pack the power of a Pro model into this slimmer design by 2027. Additionally, the company is exploring foldable technology, with a foldable iPad possibly debuting before a foldable iPhone.
In the meantime, Apple is also making moves in other product lines. The Mac mini is getting a revamp, with a new model that’s about half the size of the current version and available in both M4 Pro and standard M4 variations. This will be the first major redesign of the Mac mini since 2010. New MacBook Pros, iMacs, Mac Studios, and Mac Pros are also in the works, with some expected as early as this fall.
Apple has also reversed course on some of its more controversial design changes in iOS 18’s Photos app, following user backlash. The company has removed the new carousel interface and made the app more user-friendly in preparation for its launch with the iPhone 16.
In addition, Apple is set to introduce a plastic-cased Apple Watch SE, aiming to reduce production costs and appeal to younger users. The plastic case will allow for bolder color options and is expected to help bring the price of the SE down to around $200, making it a more competitive option against models from Samsung and other competitors.
