Here's a breakdown of what we can expect from the latest iteration of Apple's flagship device.

Camera Enhancements Across the iPhone 16 Series

Apple's iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are set to feature notable improvements in their camera systems. Following a design shift, the cameras on these models will now be vertically aligned, a departure from the previous diagonal layout. This change is not just aesthetic; it reflects enhancements in the camera hardware itself.

The primary camera on both models will maintain the 48 MP sensor seen in the iPhone 15 series, with a 1X and 2X optical zoom capability. The ultrawide camera, however, receives an upgrade with a faster f/2.2 aperture, compared to the f/2.4 found in last year's models. This improvement should enhance low-light photography by allowing more light to reach the sensor. Additionally, for the first time, non-Pro iPhones are expected to support macro photography, making close-up shots more accessible to a wider range of users.

Pro-Level Cameras: iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will also see significant camera upgrades. Both models will now feature a 5x telephoto camera, which was previously exclusive to the Pro Max. This telephoto lens will maintain its 12 MP resolution with an f/2.8 aperture, offering consistent quality across both Pro models.

One of the most noteworthy changes in the Pro models is the upgrade to the ultrawide lens. The new 48 MP sensor will utilize pixel binning, a technique that combines smaller pixels to create larger, more light-sensitive ones. This results in a more effective pixel size of 1.4 micrometers when in binning mode, which should lead to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Moreover, users will have the ability to shoot 48 MP ProRaw photos with this lens, providing more flexibility in post-processing.

The Pro models are also expected to support a new image format called JPEG-XL, which will join the existing HEIF, JPEG, and ProRaw formats. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will reportedly be capable of shooting 3K video at 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision, offering a new level of cinematic video capture.

The Capture Button

Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the iPhone 16 series is the rumored Capture Button, set to be included in all four models. This capacitive button, positioned on the lower-right side of the device when held in landscape mode, is designed to enhance the photography experience.

Unlike traditional buttons, the Capture Button is touch-sensitive, meaning it requires actual contact to activate, reducing the chances of accidental presses. It will be exclusive to camera apps, including third-party options, and will offer a half-press function for locking exposure and focus before taking a photo.

Moreover, the button will act as a trackpad, allowing users to slide their fingers across it to trigger different actions. Apple might use this feature for zooming in and out, while third-party developers could implement other creative uses through an associated API. This could pave the way for new, intuitive ways to interact with the iPhone's camera system, making photography on the iPhone 16 series more dynamic than ever before.