- Rumored for September 10th, the iPhone 16 series will feature enhanced camera systems across all models.
- The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus get a new ultrawide camera, while the Pro models boast a 5x telephoto lens and a major ultrawide camera upgrade.
- Introduction of a dedicated Capture Button, macro photography, and support for JPEG-XL format and 3K video recording at 120fps with Dolby Vision.
Once again, Apple is gearing up to take on the smartphone world with its new series of iPhones: iPhone 16. With the launch date closing in—September 10—it’s expected that iPhone 16 series camera leaks have already started showing what to expect in these devices.
As usual, the most heated discussions have been related to their camera systems, which are receiving quite interesting updates this time around. Now, we’ll break down what most of these camera improvements mean for everyday users and photography enthusiasts.
Apple iPhone 16 Series Camera Specs Leaked: Everything You Need to Know
The Regular Models: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are sticking with dual cameras, but here’s the rub: unlike previous models, the iPhone 16 series orients those lenses vertically. It might sound otherwise cosmetic, but this slight design tweak is Apple’s way of keeping things fresh aesthetically.
Now, if we talk about the hardware, then the primary camera will still be fitted with the same 48-megapixel sensor that was introduced in the iPhone 15 series. But when talking about the ultra-wide camera, Apple is bringing an upgrade in terms of hardware. This time, it will be offered with a faster f/2.2 aperture than last year’s f/2.4 models.
This may be an incremental change on paper, but it’s going to make a big difference in low-light photography where things matter more often than not, enabling users to take relatively better pictures when the lighting isn’t ideal.
Another cool feature added to the non-Pro models is macrophotography. This feature, previously reserved for Pro models, lets users capture extreme closeups with incredible detail. If anything, this will be greatly appreciated by any user who enjoys taking detailed shots of small objects, from flowers to insects.
The Pro Models: iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
Now, for those wanting even more out of their camera, the real action is with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. The big news at this point is that both models will sport a 5x telephoto camera, which, compared to last year, is a big upgrade.
Last year it was only featured on the Pro Max, but Apple has managed to squeeze it into both Pro models. This telephoto camera will still have a 12-megapixel sensor with an f/2.8 aperture, providing sharp, zoomed images without loss of quality.
The main camera on the Pro models hasn’t changed much, but the ultra-wide camera gets serious improvements: moving to a pixel-binning 48-megapixel sensor with 0.7-micrometer pixels. What does it mean for you?
When you shoot in binning mode, it effectively combines pixels to create a larger 1.4-micrometer pixel that lets more light in and takes better images in low light. Besides, the device can also click 48-megapixel ProRaw photos; certainly, this would turn out to be a treat for professional photographers who need the best possible quality image files.
On top of these hardware upgrades, Apple is also said to be coming up with a new photo format that is capable of JPEG-XL compression and quality for images, hence providing photographers more flexibility with their photographs.
Besides that, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are said to be able to record 3K video at 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision. Which makes sure users get even smoother and more cinematic videos with incredible capture of detail and color.
Capture Button: The Game Changer in Mobile Photography
Probably the most interesting feature that is currently rumored for the iPhone 16 series is the addition of a dedicated Capture Button on all four models. Yes, you read that right—the physical camera buttons from traditional cameras are finally making their way to iPhones, but Apple added a modern twist.
The Capture Button will not be mechanical but capacitive; it will respond to touch rather than a physical press. This isn’t just a picture-taking button, though. It will support a force-sensitive half-press to lock exposure and focus before you finish the press to take a picture. Plus, it’s set to work like a trackpad, letting users perform many gestures—like zooming in and out.
They may plan to use this gesture for zooming, but they are also exposing a developer API; therefore, third-party apps could make use of it for any other purposes. The iPhone 16 series is going to be a serious update—much needed, especially on the camera front.
