A new report suggests that Apple is exploring multiple design changes for the iPhone 16, marking a departure from the standard iPhone design it has introduced since the iPhone 12.
According to Android Authority, although the iPhone 15 series has switched to USB-C and ditched the sharp bezels for a slight curve, they are still expected to resemble the iPhone 12 series. With the upcoming iPhone 16, the design will bring the change bigger as Apple could explore a different button and camera layout, even adding a camera button to the iPhone.
The report is based on the pre-production design of the standard iPhone 16 model with the internal name DeLorean – the car that appeared in the Back to the Future movie. Based on these details, the report has simulated what the iPhone 16 could look like with the options given.
The first is the yellow iPhone 16 model which comes with a different camera layout, with a case design similar to what Apple used on the iPhone X. It also has a unified volume rocker and Action button. The unified volume knob was supposed to provide users with tactile feedback but was removed due to technical issues.
The second iPhone 16 model is pink and includes an Action button but separates the volume rocker into individual buttons.
Finally, the black iPhone 16 model comes with a larger Action button and a new Shutter button. The Action Button is expected to be capacitive instead of mechanical. This is the design expected to be used by Apple in the final version. On the right is the new Shutter button – a capacitive button developed in-house under the codename “Project Nova”.
The button is said to have a force sensor in addition to a “haptic toggle” function, although it’s unclear what exactly that means. If you look at its name and location, the button will likely be used as the shutter button for the camera. If any problems arise during development, Apple will turn to alternative design options that do not contain a Shutter button.
The report adds that the front of the iPhone 16 will have no noticeable changes. The product is still in the early stages of development so there are many options that Apple can use from this point on. Regardless of any choice, fans expect Apple to create a completely new design for next year’s iPhone generation.