All You Need to Know About the iPhone 16 Design

From a faster A-series chip to upgraded Apple Intelligence functionality, the new Apple iPhone 16 looks set to offer a range of fantastic features that bring the standard and Pro models closer together.

While Apple hasn't confirmed the details ahead of the launch, they are also rumoured to have tested a variety of unique designs that enhance the battery life, add new buttons, and improve the camera quality for this series.

However, with prices expected to start from $1,499, is the upcoming iPhone 16 worth the investment, or should you hold out for the folding iPhone that could be joining the ever-growing foldable phone market in 2026?

To help you decide, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on everything you should know about the rumoured design features of the new base iPhone 16, Plus, and Pro models before their release.

iPhone's Display and Size

With the new iPhone 16 Pro models comes the first size upgrade in years, making them the biggest iPhones yet. They are expected to be slightly taller and wider, with the display of the 16 Pro measuring 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max 6.9 inches.

This bigger display size is thanks to thinner bezels, which will be created using advanced Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology. The iPhone 16 Pro devices will therefore have the same thickness as previous models, but should be slightly heavier because of these upgrades.

They're also rumoured to be infused with a new display technology, made from Samsung's OLED material set. Using micro-lens technology, or MLA, this will replace the blue fluorescent technology of previous models with phosphorescence technology to increase the display's brightness by 20%, without impacting power efficiency.

The regular and Plus models will stay the same in terms of shape and size as the iPhone 15, with only small design changes to the buttons.

Battery Life

While Apple is rumoured to be working on a graphene thermal system to prevent overheating for the iPhone 16 series, the Pro models may feature a new metal battery casing that increases the energy density by 10%, leading to a longer battery life.

Another feature that may promote a higher battery capacity and longer life span for the iPhone 16 Pro is stacked batteries, which are most frequently used in medical devices and electrical vehicles.

The Pro models will also support a higher-powered 40W wired charging capacity and 20W wireless MagSafe charging, compared to the current 27W and 15W.

Camera Layout

Replacing the iPhone 15's diagonal lenses and square camera bump is a new vertically aligned camera system with a pill-shaped bump for the iPhone 16.

This new design makes the device slimmer and also means that it should be compatible with the Vision Pro headset, allowing you to shoot spatial video using the Ultrawide and Wide cameras.

While the camera module bump holds the wide and ultrawide lenses, the flash is located just outside, with the microphone positioned next to the lenses. The microphone's capabilities will also be enhanced, featuring better water resistance and improved signal-to-noise ratio that will improve Siri's performance.

Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pro models, rather than just the Max, are likely to feature TetraPrism 5x optical zoom, alongside upgraded Ultrawide lenses. A second 48MP sensor may also be added for improved low-light performance, which could feature an eight-part hybrid lens, with two glass elements and six plastic elements.

Buttons

Another updated design feature for the iPhone 16 series includes two key buttons: the Action and Capture button.

Despite being limited to just the iPhone 15 Pro, all Pro and base iPhone 16 devices will feature the Action button. This will be located in the same place as the old mute switch, which is above the volume keys, and can be used to change the ringer settings on your phone. 

Other functions include turning on the torch, launching the camera, switching do not disturb mode on, and pairing with the Shortcuts app.

A completely new stand-out feature for all new iPhone models in the 16 series is the Capture button. This works like a camera shutter button by detecting differing pressure levels, allowing you to focus on faces and objects to take seamless photos or videos.

Here are some of its rumoured key functions for your camera layout:

• Autofocus: Press lightly on the Capture button to focus automatically when taking a photo or video
• Take a photo: Press down with more pressure to capture an image
• Zoom: Swipe left or right and you'll be able to zoom in and out
• Modes: Though unconfirmed, the iPhone 16 may feature a new gesture allowing you to switch between photo and video mode

The Capture button is expected to be positioned on the right-hand side of the device, which is a convenient place for all iPhone models when rotated to a landscape orientation.

There's also rumoured to be a small change to the well-loved MagSafe magnetic technology that makes the iPhone compatible with wireless charging and other accessories, such as power banks and vehicle mounts.

The alignment magnets are now slimmer, meaning the magnetic ring required for MagSafe-compatible cases will be smaller and more pocket-friendly.

Colours

Although we won't know for sure until launch day, the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are likely to be available in the same shades as each other, including black, green, pink, blue, and white.

The Pro models should be the same too, with space black and white or silver, along with new titanium and rose shades.

These devices are rumoured to have the same colour-infused back glass as the iPhone 15, as well as a frosted effect that features in the rear glass layer, which is designed to contrast with the colour of the main frame.

When is the New iPhone 16 Design Launching?

The new iPhone 16 series is expected to launch in Autumn of 2024, around September if the current release schedule runs smoothly. You can purchase the device for approximately $1,499, with the pro models expected to cost $1,849+.

Apple Intelligence isn't expected to be ready for the release of the new iOS 18, which should accompany the launch of the iPhone 16. However, Apple doesn't have any plans to delay the release date, meaning that users may have to wait another month or so to enjoy AI features.

Whether you choose to purchase a model from the 16 range or wait for the rumoured release of the foldable iPhone, you'll need to protect the design features of your new phone from the rough and tumble of everyday life – and that's where shockproof phone cases come in handy.

At Ghostek, our cases combine best-in-class engineering with sleek design to protect your phone against accidental drops, moisture, scratches, and cracks. We achieve this by using everything from military-grade drop testing to waterproof materials, all of which are designed to absorb sudden impacts while also enhancing the functionality of your device.

Shop the full Apple iPhone collection today and discover phone cases with crystal clear scratch-proof backs, built-in wallets, MagSafe compatibility, and more.