Apple’s iPhone 16 is expected to maintain steady sales until more innovative models are launched next year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman outlines what to expect from the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, set to be announced next month, though Apple hasn’t confirmed the exact date.
Gurman predicts that the iPhone 16 series, which will likely include the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, won’t differ significantly in design or features from the current models.
Here are the key updates: iPhone 16 series
Apple Intelligence: All iPhone 16 models will run on Apple Intelligence, a feature that will also be compatible with iPhone 15 Pro versions.
Action Button: The non-Pro versions will now include the Action button, previously available only on last year’s higher-end models.
Camera Control: A new camera button on the right side of the phone, at least for the Pro models, will function like a DSLR camera button. A light press will trigger autofocus, while a harder press will capture the photo. Users can also swipe along the button to zoom in and out.
Display Size: The Pro models will feature slightly larger screens, with the regular Pro increasing from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, and the Pro Max growing from 6.7 inches to nearly 6.9 inches.
Colors and Chip: Expect refreshed colors for the Pro models, including a new blue shade and a return of rose gold. All models will feature the A18 chip and come with 8GB of memory, the minimum needed to run Apple Intelligence.
Gurman notes that while these upgrades are nice, they may not be compelling enough for a significant surge in sales. Apple’s latest financial guidance seems to align with this, as the company hasn’t predicted iPhone growth for the current quarter.
Looking Ahead to 2025: iPhone SE and iPhone 17
Gurman also discusses Apple’s plans for 2025, which are expected to bring more substantial changes. Early in 2025, Apple will likely introduce a new iPhone SE, the first update to its budget model since 2022.
This new SE is expected to resemble the iPhone 14, featuring a full-device OLED display and Apple Intelligence. Gurman believes that if Apple prices the new SE around $500, it could be a popular choice.
iPhone 17 Lineup
Next September, Apple will launch the iPhone 17 lineup, introducing what Gurman calls the “fourth iPhone model.”
Apple has been searching for a successful fourth model to complement the standard iPhone, Pro, and Pro Max. Previous attempts, like the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 14 Plus, didn’t perform well.
In 2025, Apple will attempt a new approach with a slimmer design, potentially dubbed the “Air” version of the iPhone. This model will sit between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, similar to how the original MacBook Air was positioned between the MacBook and MacBook Pro.
The pitch will likely be that this model offers a more stylish option than the standard iPhone without the performance, screen size, or camera features of the Pro models.
Gurman suggests that this new SE and the slim model could help Apple regain meaningful iPhone growth in 2025. However, this slim model is just a step toward a future goal: packing Pro-level power into a smaller design, which may not happen until at least 2027.
Launch date?
Gurman anticipates a foldable iPhone in the future, though Apple is currently focusing on a foldable iPad. For now, he concludes that the iPhone 16 lineup will be similar to last year’s models, with the launch expected between September 6th and 10th.