Over the past two iPhone cycles, Apple has focused its efforts on the Pro models, bringing camera, processor, and design upgrades that encouraged people to consider the higher-priced models. However, the latest report about the iPhone 16 models suggests that might not be the case this year.
According to Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu (via 9to5Mac), Apple is expected to make several big changes to the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models this year. Most notably, the phones will get a version of the A18 processor, which essentially means the non-Pro iPhone will skip a generation. It will still likely have a lesser processor than the iPhone 16 Pro, which is expected to get the A18 Pro, but it will be the first time since the iPhone 14 that all new iPhones are on the same generation of chip.
Pu also claims the iPhone 16 will get a bump to 8GB of RAM, matching the Pro models. The standard iPhone has had 6GB of RAM since the iPhone 14, while the Pros jumped to 8GB in 2023. Additionally, the iPhone 16 models will get Wi-Fi 6E, which also arrived on the iPhone 15 Pro.
Add it all up and you’ve got a sizable upgrade—and that’s before any camera or display enhancements. So if you’ve been holding off for a couple of generations, this could be the one you’ve been waiting for.
iPhone 16 is the next iPhone to arrive in September 2024, and will be followed in 2025 by the iPhone 17 and iPhone SE 4. The new iPhone will arrive at a September launch event – find out how to watch the Apple September event live stream. For iPhone SE 4 and other new Apple products, see when is the next Apple event. You might also like our iPhone buying guide, best iPhone deals, and comparison of every iPhone that is available to buy today.
Author: Michael Simon, Executive Editor, Macworld
Michael Simon has been covering Apple for more than 20 years. He started covering rumors with Spymac when the iPod was the iWalk, and has owned nearly every iPhone Apple has ever made. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, son, and far too many gadgets.