iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Anticipated Upgrades and Features

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Will the next iPhone be worth upgrading?

We could be just weeks away from the iPhone 16 launch, so iPhone users are probably already wondering: will it be worth upgrading to the iPhone 16? Apple is expected to unveil the long-awaited iPhone 16 line-up at a September event where it will also launch iOS 18. Rumors about the iPhone 16 have been circulating for months, so we already have some hints about what it could look like and some key features. Apple Intelligence will also likely play a star role in the iPhone 16 launch since it will be the first new iPhone since Apple announced its on-device AI platform at WWDC 2024 in June. If you currently have an iPhone 15 or you're considering buying one, you may be wondering whether the iPhone 16 will be a significant upgrade. While we won't know the official details until Apple reveals the iPhone 16 next month, there are a few things we know about the iPhone 16 that hint at how it will compare to Apple's current flagship. It's no secret that iPhones can be pricey, so price is a crucial factor to consider before trading in your phone for an iPhone 15 or 16. Apple hasn't announced the official price for the iPhone 16, but it will likely be on par with the pricing for the iPhone 15 line-up, which may get a price cut after the iPhone 16 launches. Apple usually offers three generations of iPhone models at a time, reducing the price of previous years' models by $100 when a new generation launches. So, the iPhone 16 will most likely cost $799 for the base model at launch while the iPhone 15 will go down to $699. This also means Apple will probably discontinue the iPhone 13 when the iPhone 16 launches. Based on Apple's typical iPhone pricing model, here's how much each version of the iPhone 16 will likely cost: The iPhone 16 line-up is expected to include Apple's A18 chips paired with an OLED display and an upgraded NPU and RAM. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus run on the A16 Bionic chip while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with the more powerful A17 Pro processor. That processor spec is an important difference and could be the deciding factor for iPhone 15 and 15 Plus users thinking about upgrading. Right now, the only iPhones capable of running Apple Intelligence, a new collection of on-device AI features, are the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The A16 chip in the base iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus isn't powerful enough to run Apple Intelligence (more on that below). The iPhone 16 will likely feature a similar split between two different chips, but we're expecting all the iPhone 16 models to be compatible with Apple Intelligence. So, for example, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus could have an A17 processor while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature an A18 chip. It's also possible the entire iPhone 16 line-up will get the A18 chip with a Pro version for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. Apple Intelligence may also push Apple to increase the RAM in the iPhone 16 line-up. Recent rumors indicate that Apple Intelligence requires at least 8GB of RAM unless Apple finds a way to have Apple Intelligence run on NAND flash instead, which would mean it would run on the iPhone's storage hardware rather than RAM. Either case is good news for iPhone users since it means Apple will increase the iPhone 16's RAM to 8GB or increase its base storage to 256GB. Apple could even give us both upgrades! We won't know for sure until the iPhone 16 launches, but RAM and storage upgrades will be a big win for the iPhone 16, especially if the base model keeps the current $799 starting price. That would mean an iPhone 15 user with the 128GB base model could trade in their phone for the base iPhone 16 and double their storage without an upgrade charge. While there have been rumors recently about major design updates coming to the iPhone, like an ultra-thin model and a foldable iPhone, those updates most likely will not be part of the iPhone 16 line-up. We're expecting the iPhone 16 to maintain the overall design aesthetic of the current iPhone line-up, although there could be some minor updates. For example, the iPhone 16 could feature new color options. A photo leaked on X on July 30 claiming to show models for the iPhone 16 which feature vibrant new shades of green and blue plus a light pink. So, if you've grown tired of the pastel colors Apple has favored over recent years, the iPhone 16 could be a welcome design upgrade. If these rumors about new colors for the iPhone 16 pan out, Apple will likely also launch the Pro versions with darker color options, like a shade of bronze in place of rose gold. Besides new colors, the iPhone 16 could also feature a redesigned camera layout and a new button. Some schematics leaked in February 2024 claiming to reveal the iPhone 16's design, which included a new camera layout similar to that of the iPhone X. The reason for this update may have more to do with the Apple Vision Pro than the iPhone itself since the new layout may allow the iPhone 16 to capture spatial videos you can watch in augmented reality with Apple's headset. Right now, that feature is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. So, if you have an older iPhone or even an iPhone 15 and you're interested in spatial video, it may be worth upgrading to get the updated camera on the iPhone 16. The new button is a bit more mysterious. It was first spotted in leaked iPhone 16 case photos, which show an extra button cutout. This new "action button" could be for just about anything, but the most likely use for it is Siri. Apple announced a long-awaited (and much-needed) Siri update at WWDC 2024, which will unlock a slew of new uses for Siri and vastly improved natural language processing. So, it would make sense for Apple to assign a new button to activate Siri, especially since the Siri update will include a "type to Siri" feature (meaning, you will be able to use Siri without verbally saying "Hey Siri"). That new button probably isn't a deal breaker if you're on the fence about upgrading to the iPhone 16 when it launches. However, it is a unique design update that some people may find useful, especially if you often use AI assistants. One of the biggest differences between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16 is access to Apple Intelligence. Apple's new on-device AI platform was announced at WWDC 2024 in June and is rumored to launch with iOS 18.1. But there's a catch. It looks like these new AI features will only be available to certain iPhones due to the processing power requirements for on-device AI. Right now, the beta version of Apple Intelligence only runs on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. If that same requirement applies to the full launch of Apple Intelligence, anyone with a base iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, or an older iPhone won't be able to use Apple's new AI features. However, we expect the entire iPhone 16 line-up to support Apple Intelligence. So, if you want to use Apple Intelligence, which includes some impressive new features and a Siri upgrade, that alone may make it worthwhile to upgrade to the iPhone 16, even if you currently have an iPhone 15. Whether you're thinking about buying a new iPhone or you're wondering whether you should trade in your iPhone 15, you may want to wait a few more weeks for the iPhone 16 line-up to launch. If you currently have an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, or an older iPhone, trading it in for the iPhone 16 might be worth it. However, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max already have most of the key features we're expecting to see in the iPhone 16, particularly access to Apple Intelligence. So, upgrading most likely isn't worth it for people with the 15 Pro or Pro Max. Most of what we know about the iPhone 16 line-up at this point is still based on leaks and rumors, so we'll have more concrete details about how it compares to the iPhone 15 after Apple officially unveils it. That will most likely happen in just a few weeks at Apple's September iPhone event, where Apple will probably also launch iOS 18 and potentially even the Apple Watch X. Laptop Mag will be covering all the big reveals from Apple's September event, including the iPhone 16, so stay tuned for more updates.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Key upgrades, design changes, new features and more

Apple iPhone 16 series is now just a month away from its speculated launch, which means the company will soon reveal the new flagship phones. Rumours and previous launch trends suggest that the Apple event may take place on September 10, 2024. However, we must wait for the official launch announcement to know what Apple has planned for this year. As the launch timeline is nearing, it's the perfect time to review all the leaks about the upcoming iPhone 16 series and see what upgrades are expected in comparison to last year's iPhone 15 series. Earlier, we curated a detailed comparison between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Now, let's have a look at the difference between the vanilla iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 to know what upgrades and charges are expected. Although vanilla iPhone models usually do not get many changes or design upgrades, this year the iPhone 16 is expected to feature new vertically placed camera lenses. Since the iPhone 13, Apple has been integrating the same square-shaped camera module with diagonally placed camera lenses and the flashlight. Now, with iPhone 16, we may get a pill-shaped camera module, with a flashlight placed alongside the lenses. This change will reportedly allow the cameras to capture spatial videos for the Vision Pro headset. Furthermore, the iPhone 15 mute button will be replaced with the new Action Button on iPhone 16. There are also speculations for the iPhone 16 to feature the new rumoured "Capture Button." Apart from these minor changes, the sizes, USB-C port, IP68 rating, and other features are expected to remain the same as the iPhone 15. In terms of display, the iPhone 16 is expected to retain the same 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. However, the display is expected to be upgraded with new micro-lens technology that may improve the brightness capabilities and power consumption. On the display, will also get the Dynamic Island similar to the iPhone 15. In terms of camera upgrades, the iPhone 16 cameras are expected to remain the same as the iPhone 15, since last year we already got a major boost from the 12MP main sensor to the 48MP sensor. Additionally, it will also feature a similar 12MP ultra-wide camera with no major upgrades, except the fact that it will have spatial recording capabilities. Additionally, the iPhone 16 series is expected to be powered by artificial intelligence (AI), therefore, we may get some new AI-powered editing features. The iPhone 16 is expected to be powered by the new generation A18 chipset for improved performance and AI processor. Last year, the iPhone 15 was launched with the A16 Bionic chipset which launched with iPhone 14 Pro models. However, this year, Apple is integrating new chipsets for both the standard and the Pro iPhone 16 models. It is also rumoured that the iPhone 16 could be the first vanilla iPhone to use a 3nm processor. Additionally, iPhone 15 6GB RAM may also get an upgrade with 8GB RAM for effective AI processing. The major upgrade of the iPhone 16 would be Apple Intelligence features, as the iPhone 15 is not eligible for AI due to hardware compatibility. Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are slated to get the new iOS 18 update that packs new customisation features and new UI for several iPhone apps. In terms of battery life, the iPhone 16 may get an upgraded 3,561mAh battery from the iPhone 15's 3,349mAh battery. Additionally, the charging speed may get a boost from 20W to 40W for wired charging and 15W to 20W for wireless charging.

iPhone 15 Price Drop: 5 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 16 Instead

These could all be added to develop a greater user experience holistically, adding more functionality and convenience. Features of the new iPhone 16 will potentially result in a more future-proof investment if these continue to push forward with technological advancements in the interests of consumers who want to be ahead of the game. Comparing this smartphone with the next-gen iPhone 16 will show a few significant differences. At ₹65,499, the iPhone 15 has a hardcore build with a ceramic shield and aerospace-grade aluminum frame. This still makes for a very solid device, but the iPhone 16 promises to be more modern in design features, with something like a smaller notch or even an under-display camera to create that more immersive feel on the front. The other area where the iPhone 16 will excel is in its performance. The iPhone 15 is equipped with an A16 Bionic chip, which is extremely fast and efficient, but the iPhone 16 is most likely to feature the A17 Bionic chip, which would bring a heavy improvement in power, processing, efficiency, and AI capabilities -- most helpful for heavy gaming or video editing. There will be quite some differences in the camera systems between these models. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, is standard with an excellent camera system, computational photography competence, and enhanced low-light performance. On the contrary, the iPhone 16 will be standard with greatly increased megapixels, low-light functionality, and computational photography, thus edging closer to the hearts of persons who love photography. If it happens, the iPhone 16 will overwhelmingly win over the iPhone 15 in the battery life battle: The battery life on the iPhone 15 is decent, but the iPhone 16 is designed to offer better battery life through advanced hardware efficiency and software optimizations. Of course, this will be most productive when heavy users want their devices to last throughout the day. Lastly, innovations like advanced MagSafe, augmented reality, and satellite communications in emergencies, among others, are definitely to be part of the iPhone 16. These are enough to separate it even further from the iPhone 15 and make it a more future-proof device for those who can wait.

10 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 17

Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models simultaneously, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different - already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip this year's iPhone 16, or if you're just plain curious about what's on the horizon, here are 10 rumored features that we are expecting to arrive in time for its successor, the iPhone 17 series, which is likely to be released in September 2025. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to be the first iPhone to feature under-panel Face ID technology. The only external indication of the under-display Face ID technology will likely be a circular cutout for the front-facing camera. This will probably be Apple's last premium model to include a circular cutout for the front-facing camera. Apple is then expected adopt under-display cameras in 2027's "Pro" iPhone models for a true "all-screen" appearance. 2. New Display Sizes iPhone 17 & iPhone 17 Plus This year's iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumored to be getting bigger display sizes, going from 6.12- and 6.69-inches to 6.27- and 6.86-inches, respectively. For 2025, Apple is also expected to bring the larger 6.27-inch display size to its standard iPhone model, while the equivalent "iPhone 17 Plus" model could adopt completely new display dimensions. 3. 120Hz ProMotion (Always-on Display) iPhone 17 & iPhone 17 Plus Apple intends to expand ProMotion to its standard models in 2025, allowing them to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content when necessary. Notably, ProMotion would also enable the display on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus to ramp down to a more power-efficient refresh rate as low as 1Hz, allowing for an always-on display that can show the Lock Screen's clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked. Apple's premium 2025 models are expected to be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip for the first time. Wi-Fi 7 support would allow the "Pro" models to send and receive data over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously with a supported router, resulting in faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity. The Wi-Fi chip would also allow Apple to further reduce its dependance on external suppliers like Broadcom, which currently supplies Apple with a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip for iPhones. An upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto lens on Apple's largest premium device is expected to be optimized for use with Apple's Vision Pro headset. (The current iPhone 15 Pro models feature 48-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultra wide, and 12-megapixel telephoto lenses.) That would make 2025's "Pro Max" the first iPhone to have a rear camera system composed entirely of 48-megapixel lenses, making it capable of capturing even more photographic detail. The iPhone 17 lineup will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens, according to one rumor. The iPhone 14 and 15 feature a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with five plastic lens elements, and this year's iPhone 16 lineup is expected to feature the same hardware. The upgraded resolution to 24 megapixels on the iPhone 17 will allow photos to maintain their quality even when cropped or zoomed in, while the larger number of pixels will capture finer details. The upgrade to a six-element lens should also slightly enhance image quality. The iPhone 17 will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple's Ceramic Shield found on iPhone 15 models, according to one rumor. The outer glass on the iPhone 17 is said to have a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" that is "more scratch-resistant." It's not clear whether Apple is planning to adopt the Gorilla Glass Armor that Samsung uses in its Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the description of Corning's latest technology matches the rumor. Apple's Pro models next year will come with 12GB of RAM, claims Jeff Pu of investment firm Haitong. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro models have 8GB of RAM, while the iPhone 16 Pro models are also expected to have 8GB of RAM. Any such increase would allow for improved multitasking on the iPhone, as well as provide additional resources for any artificial intelligence features that require large-language models to be resident in memory. Apple's highest-end 2025 iPhone will feature a significantly narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to the device's adoption of a smaller "metalens" for the Face ID system, claims Haitong's Jeff Pu. Assuming that's the case, it would be the first time that Apple has changed the Dynamic Island since it debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. Apple plans to launch an all-new iPhone 17 model with a "significantly thinner" design, reports The Information. The device will allegedly feature a "major redesign" that could feature a single rear camera located at the top-center of the device, along with a narrower Dynamic Island, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device is rumored to have a 6.5-inch display size, and may replace the iPhone 17 Plus model. Other potential features include an aluminum chassis, an A19 chip, an Apple-designed 5G modem, and an improved front camera. See our iPhone 17 "Slim" rumor roundup for more.

More iPhone 16 Pro Details Revealed

Apple is gearing up to release the highly anticipated iPhone 16 Pro models, which are expected to bring a host of significant upgrades and improvements. These new devices are poised to be one of the most substantial updates in recent years, offering users enhanced performance, improved battery life, and innovative features. Let's dive into the details of what you can expect from the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. One of the most notable enhancements in the iPhone 16 Pro models is the increased battery capacity. The iPhone 16 Pro will feature a 9.25% increase in battery capacity, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will see a 5.74% increase. This improvement is made possible through the use of stacked battery cell technology, which allows for more efficient utilization of space and energy within the device. With these larger batteries, you can expect your iPhone 16 Pro to last longer on a single charge, providing you with more flexibility and convenience throughout your day. In addition to the increased battery capacity, the iPhone 16 Pro models will also feature improved thermal management. A larger graphite sheet will be incorporated to assist better heat dissipation, ensuring that your device remains cool even during intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing. Furthermore, a new thermal design using graphene will further enhance the device's ability to manage heat, resulting in optimal performance and longevity. The iPhone 16 Pro models will feature larger displays, providing you with an even more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 16 Pro will see an increase from a 6.1-inch to a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will grow from 6.7 inches to an impressive 6.9 inches. These larger screens will allow you to enjoy your favorite content, whether it's watching movies, browsing the web, or playing games, with greater clarity and detail. To complement the larger displays, the iPhone 16 Pro models will also feature super thin bezels thanks to the implementation of BRS technology. This advancement will give the devices a sleek and modern appearance, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio and providing a more immersive edge-to-edge viewing experience. Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled with the camera upgrades in the iPhone 16 models. The devices will feature a new 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, equipped with a larger sensor and pixel binning technology. This combination will significantly improve low-light performance, allowing you to capture stunning photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The increased resolution and advanced image processing capabilities will enable you to capture more detail and clarity in your shots. In addition to the hardware upgrades, the iPhone 16 Pro models will also introduce a new dual functionality capture button. This physical button will simplify the process of focusing and capturing photos, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. Moreover, the button will feature a touch surface that allows you to control zoom, providing a more tactile and precise way to compose your shots. Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Pro models will be powered by the latest A18 and A18 Pro chips, which are built on N3E technology. These advanced processors will deliver enhanced performance and efficiency, ensuring smooth and responsive operation across all apps and tasks. The enhanced neural engine will also bring advanced AI capabilities to the devices, allowing features such as improved face recognition, enhanced computational photography, and more. Connectivity is another area where the iPhone 16 Pro models will excel. The devices will integrate Wi-Fi 7 technology, which supports 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. This will ensure a stable and fast connection, allowing you to stream, download, and upload content with ease. The simplified network setup process will make it more convenient for you to connect to various networks, whether at home, work, or on the go. The Pro models will introduce a new bronze color option, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the lineup. This new color is expected to be a popular choice among users who appreciate a unique and stylish device that stands out from the crowd. Charging your iPhone 16 Pro will be faster and more convenient than ever before. The devices will feature a new thinner coil design in the MagSafe technology, allowing 20W MagSafe charging and 40W wireless charging. This means you can quickly and efficiently power up your device without the need for cumbersome cables. The iPhone 16 models are set to redefine the smartphone experience, offering a combination of powerful performance, advanced features, and sleek design. Whether you're a power user, photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates innovative technology, the iPhone 16 Pro lineup has something to offer. With improved battery life, larger displays, enhanced camera capabilities, and seamless connectivity, these devices are poised to be the go-to choice for users who demand the best in mobile technology.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: AI features, 5X camera, titanium design and more compared

Both iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature 5X tetraprism zoom lenses, which would match the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's zoom capabilities, as it also includes a 5X optical telephoto lens. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to have a capture button, perhaps, even allowing users to focus by half-pressing it, similar to a professional camera. The Galaxy S24 Ultra lacks such a button. Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to support ProRes LOG video capture, just like the iPhone 15 Pro, a feature not available on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Also Read: iPhone 16 series' 'big feature' may become a paid service in future: Here's everything you need to know iPhone 16 Pro models are anticipated to be powered by the Apple A18 Pro chipset, which would be Apple's second 3nm-based chipset following the A17 Pro that powers the iPhone 15 Pro. It is also expected to have 8GB of RAM, and Apple may increase the battery capacity of both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This is likely due to the expected increase in display size: the iPhone 16 Pro is rumoured to have a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max might feature a substantial 6.9-inch panel, making it the largest iPhone ever. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra features the current Qualcomm flagship, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, 12GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging. The display includes a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and supports a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Regarding build quality, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature titanium, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro. This should help minimise the weight increase resulting from the larger size. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also gets a titanium chassis, which has significantly improved its structural sturdiness and durability, making it more resilient to everyday wear and tear. Also Read: Apple Mac mini to undergo major redesign -- shrinking to less than half the size with M4 power With AI becoming increasingly prevalent, both Samsung and Apple have introduced their own AI systems. Apple's AI, known as 'Apple Intelligence,' is yet to be released but will be available with the iOS 18.1 update for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series, possibly not until after September. Apple Intelligence will feature a supercharged new Siri, writing tools, and more. Samsung already has a robust AI system, Galaxy AI, integrated into its flagship Galaxy devices, including the S24 Ultra. And only recently Samsing added even more features with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. These features will also be available on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. These include the sketch-to-image feature, Portrait Studio, Instant Slow-mo, and the ability to invoke Google Gemini with a voice command. Existing features such as Circle and Search will also continue to be available.