Apple’s iPhone 16: Expect Subtle Upgrades, Big Changes Coming in 2025
Apple fans eagerly anticipating a radical redesign for the upcoming iPhone 16, slated for release this Fall, might be disappointed. According to Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman, the new iPhones will feature only incremental updates and lack significant new features. The major selling point for the iPhone 16 will be Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI capabilities that will be rolled out across all models.
Key Takeaways:
- iPhone 16 – Iteration, not Revolution: Expect minor upgrades like a new Action button on non-Pro models and a DSLR-style camera control on the Pro versions. But the new models are unlikely to drive significant sales growth.
- Apple Intelligence: AI as the Big Selling Point: While Apple Intelligence will be a key marketing focus, it’s not expected to be a game-changer in terms of user experience.
- 2025: The Year of iPhone Transformation: Apple is rumored to be preparing a major shake-up for its iPhone lineup in 2025, with a redesigned iPhone SE and a brand new "fourth iPhone model."
- The New SE: A Potentially Hot Seller: A price drop to under $500 could make the new SE, with its rumored "crisp OLED display" and Apple Intelligence, a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.
- The "Air" iPhone: A New Category of Apple Phones: A slimmer, more stylish "Air" version of the iPhone is expected to be positioned between the regular iPhone 17 and the Pro model. This could attract users seeking a premium aesthetic without the hefty price tag of a Pro.
A Focus on AI and Subtle Upgrades
Gurman expects the iPhone 16 to come in four variants: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max, with subtle improvements over their predecessors. He predicts the non-Pro versions will receive the Action button, a feature previously restricted to the higher-end models. However, this button may become redundant with the anticipated release of a more customizable Control Center and Lock Screen in iOS 18.
The Pro variants are likely to get a new camera control on the right side of the phone, functioning similarly to a DSLR camera button, allowing for autofocus, picture taking, and even zooming through swiping. The iPhone 16 models will also feature slightly larger screens, with the Pro moving from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches and the Pro Max from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches.
Apple will also refresh the color options, with a possible return of the popular rose gold, while the existing blue could be replaced. All four models will be powered by the A18 chip and come with 8 gigabytes of memory, the minimum required for running Apple Intelligence.
Will these Updates Be Enough?
Gurman believes these updates, while positive for users with older iPhones, are not likely to cause a surge in sales. “I don’t expect the new models to fuel a gold rush of purchases for Apple,” he said, adding that the company’s financial guidance suggests they are not expecting this either.
Looking Ahead: A New iPhone Era in 2025
Apple’s big plans for iPhone innovation seem reserved for 2025, when a revamp of the product lineup is anticipated. Gurman predicts a new iPhone SE at the start of 2025, with a design similar to the iPhone 14, but featuring a "crisper OLED display" and potentially Apple Intelligence. The price drop to $500 could greatly enhance its appeal.
The most significant change is expected with the iPhone 17, which will introduce a "fourth iPhone model." Gurman envisions this model as a thinner, "Air" version positioned between the iPhone 17 and the Pro, offering a premium aesthetic without the high price. This model could be targeted at users wanting something more stylish than the standard iPhone but lacking the need for Pro-level specs.
A Potential Shift in Apple’s Strategy
Gurman believes that the new SE and "Air" iPhone will be key factors in achieving renewed growth for the iPhone in 2025. This suggests that Apple could be changing its strategy, possibly acknowledging that maintaining the traditional yearly upgrade cycle for all its iPhones is no longer sustainable.
Despite the relatively quiet upgrades to the iPhone 16, Apple is clearly investing heavily in AI with its Apple Intelligence initiative. While it remains to be seen how this will impact user experience and ultimately drive sales, the significant changes anticipated in 2025 suggest that Apple is prepared to adapt and innovate to ensure its flagship product remains competitive in the evolving smartphone market.
