Apple has set September 9th as the date for the release of the iPhone 16 line, which is expected to feature several changes, the most relevant of which will be the location of the camera.
At the same time, Apple is also expected to fully unveil its new operating system iOS 18, presented earlier this year at Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference. The new version of iOS 18 will also include Apple’s AI, Apple Intelligence, but it is currently unknown if it will come integrated with the iPhone 16.
It is speculated, however, that the new iPhone 16 will be available in stores by September 20th.
Big changes coming to the iPhone 16
This new iPhone model is expected to contain the first major design changes since the iPhone 12 in 2020. It is expected that the iPhone 16 will have the cameras lined up vertically, switching it up from previous designs.
It is rumored, however, that this will only apply to the base iPhone designs, as the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to keep the triple camera design. Instead, they might get an even larger screen.
Additionally, all four iPhone 16 models are said to include the new Action Button, which was only exclusive to the Pro line on the iPhone 15. The most hyped-up feature for the new iPhone line is speculated to be a dedicated button to take pictures and videos.
iPhones in Europe are also undergoing major changes
All major changes to the iPhone 16, except those on iPhones in Europe, were made and designed by Apple.
European Union regulators have deemed that third-party app stores, browsers running their own engines, and Fortnite being back on the app store will now be mandatory for all iPhones.
iPhone users will also be able to replace many of Apple’s pre-installed apps, such as iMessage and even the app store. This will enable iPhone users to have an unprecedented level of customization, much more similar to the experience Android users have had for decades.
Apple has lately allowed more freedom for developers. For example, iPhone users can now download retro game emulators directly from the app store, following a lawsuit by the US Department of Justice.
However, it is highly debatable whether Apple can keep regulators off their backs merely by making small changes. Industry analysts say the company is doing the bare minimum possible to remain in compliance with legal requirements.
The iPhone 16 launch is tipped to be different from the previous launches because it now looks as if Apple is selling two different iPhones: one for US and one for European users.
