A recent leak of iPhone 16 dummy units has provided a glimpse into the potential changes Apple has in store for its upcoming smartphone lineup. The image, shared by leaker Sonny Dickson, showcases all four expected models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, with their respective screen sizes clearly labeled above each device.
According to the leaked image, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are set to receive significant screen size increases. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to grow from the iPhone 15 Pro's 6.1-inch size to 6.3 inches, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumored to increase from the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 6.7 inches to a substantial 6.9 inches. These size changes would mark the most significant physical alterations to the iPhone lineup since the introduction of the iPhone 12 series, which established the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes.
While some users who prefer smaller phones may be disappointed by the larger sizes of the top-tier iPhones, the increased dimensions could pave the way for other upgrades. The larger chassis of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max may allow Apple to include features like the 5x telephoto camera, currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, on both Pro models. Additionally, the rumored ultrawide camera sensor upgrade to a 48MP model and alleged battery size increases likely rely on the extra space afforded by the larger bodies.
pic.twitter.com/tVNl82VjYx — Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) April 28, 2024
The dummy units also appear to corroborate rumors regarding the camera arrangement on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Unlike the diagonal layout found on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the base models of the iPhone 16 series are expected to feature vertically arranged cameras, reminiscent of the iPhone 12 design. This change could be linked to Apple's push for spatial video, a 3D-style content format viewable on the Apple Vision Pro headset. By aligning the lenses vertically, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may gain the ability to capture spatial video, potentially encouraging more Apple Vision Pro sales.
While the camera arrangement on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to remain unchanged, the increased screen size of both models could facilitate an ultrawide camera upgrade and an optical zoom range boost for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
It is important to note that dummy units, despite being used by case makers to ensure compatibility with upcoming devices, are not always entirely accurate. However, the latest set of leaked dummies aligns with previously seen iPhone 16 dummy units, increasing confidence in the rumored changes to the iPhone 16 lineup.
As anticipation builds for Apple's annual iPhone launch event, typically held in early September, the leaked dummy units have sparked discussions about the implications of the larger screen sizes and redesigned camera layouts. Some users have expressed concerns about the practicality of the larger devices, while others are excited about the potential for enhanced camera capabilities and battery life improvements.
Apple enthusiasts and industry experts alike are eagerly awaiting official confirmation of these rumored changes. The iPhone 16 series is expected to introduce a range of new features and improvements, and the leaked dummy units have only intensified the speculation surrounding Apple's next-generation smartphones.
