September is nearly here, meaning one thing for tech enthusiasts: new iPhone time. This year, Apple is expected to launch its iPhone 16 range, with several major details already teased by industry experts.
Apple already lifted the veil on iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, the AI-driven software platform that’ll feature as part of the new phones, including the existing iPhone 15 Pro series. So, what about the devices that’ll use the upcoming features? We already have a fair idea of what to expect.
Read on to get the latest info about the iPhone 16, including the potential release date and price here in Australia.
iPhone 16: everything we know so far
Latest news and rumours
12 August
Temper your expectations – that’s the word coming from Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. In his 11 August Power On newsletter, Gurman suggested that the iPhone 16 will not have a “major overhaul” compared to previous iterations.
Like recent years, the new range will likely consist of four models: a standard and a “Plus” model, in addition to the Pro and Pro Max versions. They’re expected to look and function similarly to last year’s phones.
One of the main differences is the likely addition of the Action button to the base iPhone 16 handsets. This customisable button – located on the left-hand side of the iPhone 15 Pro devices – lets you silence your phone, open the camera app, start voice memos, or whatever function you assign it to.
Gurman anticipates 2025 to be a bigger year in terms of iPhone changes. He claims that Apple will launch a new version of the iPhone SE, the company’s entry-level handset, to round out the 2025 releases.
6 August
Aussie tech journo Trevor Long revealed a series of mock-up iPhone 16 models in a range of different colours. Alongside black and white models, it’s looking like the base model will come in bright blue, subtle pink, and turquoise hues.
iPhone 16 release date and price in Australia
Multiple reports suggest that Apple will announce its iPhone 16 range on 10 September US time, which would make it 11 September here in Australia. Last year, Apple revealed the iPhone 15 range in the early hours of the Australian morning on 13 September, before launching the devices on 22 September.
If tradition continues, expect to see the iPhone 16 arrive in Australia on a Friday the week following the announcement, which would be 20 September.
As for the price, there’s no word yet on a potential cost increase. However, Australians have seen price bumps in the last couple of iPhone releases. Last year’s models cost at least $100 more than the previous devices, to give you an indication.
With this in mind, here are the potential price points if Apple keeps the same RRP:
- iPhone 16: starting price of $1,499
- iPhone 16 Plus: starting price of $1,649
- iPhone 16 Pro: starting price of $1,849
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: starting price of $2,199
That’s if you choose to buy outright, of course. We’ll have a clearer idea of phone plans and telco promotions closer to launch.
Expected features
Apple Intelligence is the big selling point of the iPhone 16. It’s coming to the iPhone 15 Pro devices (but not the standard iPhone 15 model) due to requiring a powerful NPU to run properly. According to MacRumors, each iPhone will run on the same A18 chip, meaning that Apple Intelligence should work on all new models.
When Apple Intelligence arrives, it’ll add a raft of context-aware software features. The idea is that Siri will be better equipped to fulfil requests by sourcing information from your phone’s apps, like Messages and Mail, to produce more relevant responses. Via opt-in, you’ll also have on-device access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4o model.
Alongside the rest of the devices getting iOS 18, the iPhone 16 range will play nicer with Android phones. Specifically, Apple is rolling out support for Rich Communication Services (RCS). In short, it means better quality photo and video messaging between ecosystems.
Wireless connectivity should get a boost, too. Reports indicate that the faster Wi-Fi 7 standard will come to the new Pro and Pro Max models. They could also get an upgraded 48MP ultra-wide camera, up from 12MP.
Design and colours
It’s a pretty open secret by this point that the iPhone 16 will share plenty of DNA with its predecessors. Bloomberg reporting suggests a fairly similar design year-on-year, with some minor changes.
All iPhone 16 models should come with the programmable Action button input. Additionally, the Pro range could get a new button dedicated to camera controls. If the reports come true, it’ll function as a shutter button, replete with auto-focus functionality, reducing reliance on tapping the screen.
Another potential change to the Pro line-up is size. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature slightly larger screens than the 15 Pro handsets. Growing 0.2 inches, the new Pro will measure 6.3 inches, while the Pro Max will reach a sizable 6.9 inches.
Dummy phones obtained by local media indicate five colours for the iPhone 16: white, black, a bright blue, a subtle pink, and a blue-green finish. Meanwhile, 9to5Mac reports four colours for the Pro and Pro Max models:
- Natural Titanium
- Rose Titanium
- White Titanium
- Black Titanium
These reports come from factory mock-ups that help accessory makers prep for a phone’s actual launch. They tend to be pretty much on the money, but we’ll know for certain once Apple makes its official reveal.
Check back regularly for more updates as the iPhone 16 launch draws closer.
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