A leaked photo claiming to show a mold of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 standard model has surfaced online, providing a glimpse into the rumored new vertical camera arrangement. Apple has been experimenting with various camera bump designs for the standard iPhone 16 models in recent months, all of which have featured a vertical camera arrangement.
The latest prototype showcases the same arrangement, featuring two separate camera rings for the Wide and Ultra Wide cameras. These cameras are housed within a pill-shaped raised surface, indicating that Apple may have drawn inspiration from older iPhone models like the iPhone X. This new design suggests that Apple is aiming to bring Spatial Video recording to the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. Currently, the iPhone 15 models have a diagonal camera arrangement and are unable to capture spatial video. This feature is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models and the Vision Pro headset.
Apart from the updated camera bump design, recent iPhone 16 prototypes have also featured a smaller Action Button, similar to the one used on the iPhone 15 Pro. Additionally, there is a pressure-sensitive Capture Button for shooting horizontal video that sits flush with the frame of the device. These changes indicate Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience and providing more advanced features in their upcoming smartphones.
However, it is important to note that the leaked prototype may not reflect the final design that goes into mass production. The information obtained by MacRumors suggests that the prototype is sourced from pre-production information, which means there could be further refinements and alterations before the official release. The existence of case maker molds at this stage also does not confirm that Apple has settled on this particular design for the iPhone 16. These molds could be test samples based on early schematics, and case makers often rely on leaks and rumors to create their initial case designs.
The leaked images were shared by Majin Bu on X (formerly Twitter). While Bu has a mixed track record for accurate rumors, the schematics and images previously leaked by Bu align with the design shown in the latest images. This provides some credibility to the leaked photo, as it corroborates information independently sourced from the supply chain.
As we await further developments, it is expected that more details will emerge as the devices move closer to the Engineering Validation Testing (EVT) phase of development. This phase will provide a clearer picture of the final design and features of Apple’s next-generation smartphones.
For those eager to learn more about Apple’s 2024 smartphones, dedicated rumor roundups for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro offer additional details and insights. These roundups compile various rumors and speculations surrounding the upcoming devices, providing enthusiasts with a comprehensive overview of what to expect from Apple’s highly anticipated releases.
