Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: what is known so far
After over a year of reports and leaks, there are now over a dozen concrete rumors about the features and improvements that the Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will offer in September. We have collected the most likely changes compared to the iPhone 15 series based on information from a number of reliable sources.
Apple iPhone 16 design
The Apple iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus are expected to largely adopt the design of their predecessors, i.e. have the same dimensions. The most noticeable change that will characterize the new models is said to be a vertical camera arrangement on the back for 3D video recording. But the removal of the mute switch in favor of the action button, which was introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and the new capture button are also important changes.
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 |
| Diagonally arranged main cameras | Vertically arranged main cameras for 3D videos |
| Mute switch | Action button |
| Capture button for photo and video functions | |
| iPhone 15: 171g iPhone 15 Plus: 201g | iPhone 16: 173g iPhone 16 Plus: 203g |
Chipset, memory and connectivity
According to rumors, the Apple iPhone 16 models will benefit from a more powerful Neural Engine thanks to the brand new A18 chipset. This is intended to support exclusive generative AI functions. In addition, the RAM is expected to grow by 33% to 8GB and Wi-Fi 6E support is coming.
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 |
| A16 Bionic Chip (TSMC, N4P enhanced, 5nm) | A18 Chip (TSMC, N3E enhanced, 3nm) |
| 16-Core Neural Engine | Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores for new AI features |
| 6GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Wi-Fi 6 | Wi- Fi 6E |
Battery and charging speed
The Apple iPhone 16 models could also get some significant improvements in battery technology and charging. Batteries with higher energy density would provide more capacity and also enable faster charging. However, according to rumors, the iPhone 16 Plus will have a smaller battery than its predecessor. It’s not clear how this will affect actual battery life.
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 |
| Single-layer battery technology | Stacked battery technology for higher energy density and longer lifespan |
| iPhone 15: 3,349 mAh iPhone 15 Plus: 4,383 mAh | iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006 mAh |
| 27 watt charging via cable | 40 watt charging via cable |
| 15 watt charging wirelessly | 20 watt charging wirelessly |
More features and changes
The Apple iPhone 16 models should also get several camera upgrades, including 3D video capture for the Apple Vision Pro headset. Many Apple devices are rumored to receive a range of new AI features via software updates later this year. The iPhone 16 models supposedly get significantly more powerful features, including a new microphone, thanks to the Neural Engine in the A18 chip.
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 |
| More efficient OLED displays with bright Micro Lens technology | |
| 3D video capture | |
| Support for new AI features in iOS 18 | Support for new AI features in iOS 18 plus multiple device-exclusive AI features |
| Microphone | Improved microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance, designed to support new AI features |
Release date
The Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to launch in the fall. Apple usually holds an event every September to unveil new iPhone models. The launch comes just over a week later.
