Kuo: iPhone 16 Models to Lack Significant Design Changes Beyond Larger Displays and Capture Button

iPhone 16 models launching later this year will not have any "significant design changes," according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

iPhone 16 Side 2 Feature
Kuo also said that Apple is unlikely to offer "more comprehensive" generative AI features until the iPhone 17 series launches next year at the earliest.

"It is expected that Apple will not launch new iPhone models with significant design changes and the more comprehensive/differentiated GenAI ecosystem/applications until 2025 at the earliest," wrote Kuo, in a blog post on Medium today.

Kuo believes foldable designs and generative AI features are two of the biggest trends for high-end smartphones right now, and he thinks iPhone shipments could decline in 2024 as a result of Apple not launching products focused on these areas yet.

One notable hardware change rumored for the iPhone 16 lineup is the addition of a so-called "capture" button for video-related actions. According to a recent report, the button will respond to pressure and touch. For example, the report said users will be able to zoom in and out in the Camera app by swiping left and right on the button, focus with a light press, and start a video recording with a more forceful press.

The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models are also expected to feature larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, compared to 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Is a new button and a larger display significant or not? Ultimately, it's subjective.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16
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Top Rated Comments

WarmWinterHat Avatar
22 months ago
I guess I'll ride my 13 Pro into the sunset.
Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zakn Avatar
22 months ago
Still, Apple will tell you how it is the best iPhone they've ever made
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
canyonblue737 Avatar
22 months ago
I thought we just had an article a week ago saying that iOS 18 is the largest OS update ever, built entirely around AI? is that off the table or are they just saying there won't be special hardware tied to AI until iPhone 17 or later? If AI plans just rolled over and died for Apple in 2024 that would be hugely disappointing.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
carrrrrlos Avatar
22 months ago
Would be truly innovative and magical if Apple skipped a year and slowed down the cadence of their iPhone upgrades. Seems like they are stuck in a yearly upgrade cycle for no other good reason than to appease the board.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechElliott Avatar
22 months ago
No AI, no major design changes, another boring iPhone release.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Hokie804 Avatar
22 months ago
Now on the 15 Pro Max. I really wanted Apple to bring back TouchID to complement FaceID
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)