Apple to showcase new functions and AI features for upcoming iPhone 16 lineup

Pauline Vu
·Senior Reporter
·3 min read
10

Apple’s next major product event, called “It’s Glowtime,” is scheduled for Sept. 9.

The event will unveil the latest iterations of the iPhone lineup, which will include four models: the basic iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, and the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

[Related: See the latest deals on Apple iPhone 15 and more]

So what kind of surprises and features are on tap for the iPhone 16 series’ glow-up? Read on for the latest rumors and speculation.

Rumor has it that all four phones of the 16 series will include an Action Button, which was introduced last year with the iPhone 15 — but only on the Pro models. The Action Button, which replaced the mute toggle on previous iPhones, is used to easily perform a variety of actions including turning on the flashlight, toggling on the Do Not Disturb feature, launching the camera and more.

Additionally, the entire 16 series is expected to have a Capture Button that will enable taking photos and videos without having to touch the screen.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro series devices are displayed for sale at The Grove Apple store on launch day in Los Angeles, California on September 22, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
Apple iPhone 15 Pro series devices are displayed for sale at The Grove Apple store on launch day in Los Angeles, California on September 22, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (AFP via Getty Images)

The iPhone 16 series will introduce enhanced AI features, which the tech giant calls Apple Intelligence. Expected features include AI-created emojis, transcription summaries, proofreading tools and more.

Siri will also get AI-powered upgrades, such as more natural language understanding, the ability to answer questions about device usage and a new design with a glowing light around the screen edge (could this be the eponymous “Glowtime”?).

While the standard iPhone models are expected to stay the same size, both Pro models will have larger displays (the iPhone 16 Pro is increasing to 6.3 inches from 6.1 inches and the Pro Max up to 6.9 inches from 6.7 inches).

The Pro models, which usually come in more neutral color offerings, will include a bronze-like color called Desert Titanium (or Desert Yellow), replacing Blue Titanium from last year’s Pro colors. Black Titanium, White Titanium and Natural Titanium (a silver color) are expected to return.

The standard iPhone 16s will likely be offered in black, blue, pink, green, white and possibly purple. They’re expected to be darker compared to the iPhone 15’s pastel colors.

The Apple iPhone 15 series featured a variety of pastel colors. The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to feature darker colors.
The Apple iPhone 15 series featured a variety of pastel colors. The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to feature darker colors. (Getty Images)

The main change for the iPhone 16 series is that it'll feature a new vertical camera lens arrangement instead of a square cutout; this move allows the standard phones to capture spatial video for the Apple Vision Pro headset.

The 16 series’ Ultra Wide camera will also have an enhanced f/2.2 aperture for better low-light performance, while the Pro models might offer a Tetraprism 5x optical zoom lens.

In this photo illustration a brand new Apple iPhone 15 Pro titanium is displayed. (Photo illustration by John Keeble/Getty Images)
A new Apple iPhone 15 Pro — with a square cutout for the camera lens — is displayed in this photoillustration. The iPhone 16 series is expected to have a vertical layout for the camera lens. (Photo illustration by John Keeble/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

The iPhone 16 lineup should feature larger batteries with longer life. All four models will use upgraded A18 chips to improve efficiency and performance, though the Pro models will have an enhanced A18 Pro variant with more GPU cores and better AI-handling capabilities.

Apple may also unveil the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple AirPods 4.

The Watch Series 10 is expected to see a slimmer design and wider screen, and have a new sleep apnea detection feature. The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s potential upgrade will be the ability to use Apple Intelligence features.

Rumor has it that Apple will introduce two versions of AirPods 4, with active noise cancelation.

This article was written by a Currently Media editorial contributor and was produced in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The statements in this article don’t necessarily reflect the positions, strategies or opinions of AT&T.