As we approach the end of August, the iPhone 16 series has entered mass production, with less than a month until its official launch!

Recently, the latest leaks about the upcoming iPhone 16 series have garnered widespread attention.

First, the camera specifications of the upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro series have been exposed early. A major highlight of the 16 series is the introduction of the new JPEG-XL image format, which joins existing formats like HEIF and JPEG. The iPhone 16 Pro series will support capturing 48MP ProRaw photos, offering users more post-processing options.

One of the most eye-catching new features is that the entire series will be equipped with a dedicated camera button. This capacitive button, located at the bottom right side of the phone, facilitates easy operation when held horizontally. Designed specifically for the camera app, it supports binding with developer APIs to enable professional functions like exposure and focus lock. Furthermore, due to its capacitive design, the button can also serve as a touchpad, allowing users to perform different operations like zooming in/out, adjusting exposure, or blurring the background by sliding their fingers.

Meanwhile, the standard and Plus versions will continue with a dual-camera setup, featuring a 48MP main camera with 1-2x zoom capability. The aperture of the ultra-wide-angle camera has been upgraded from f/2.4 to f/2.2 to enhance low-light photography. Both models will also support macro photography for the first time. The cameras adopt a vertical stack design instead of the previous diagonal stack. Both models have an f/1.6 aperture for the main camera and support 2x telephoto capabilities.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max see significant improvements in their cameras. The main camera remains at 48MP with an f/1.78 aperture, capable of capturing 12MP telephoto photos with 2x optical zoom quality. Both Pro models are equipped with a 5x telephoto camera with an f/2.8 aperture. The ultra-wide-angle camera has also been upgraded to 48MP, featuring the same pixel binning capabilities as the main camera and supporting 3K video at 120fps in Dolby Vision.

Regarding processors, Apple continues its precise strategy: the iPhone 16/Plus will be powered by the A18 chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro/Max will utilize the A18 Pro chip. The main differences between these two chips lie in AI computing power, ray tracing, and other advanced features, with minimal disparities in other aspects. Compared to the previous-generation A17 series, the A18 series sees improvements of less than 10% in multi-core and single-core performance, while GPU performance experiences a notable 30% boost.

Moreover, to accommodate Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 series finally offers 8GB of RAM across all models, marking a milestone upgrade for Apple but paling in comparison to the industry standard.

In terms of dimensions, the iPhone 16 Pro is larger than the iPhone 15 Pro. Specifically, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts one of the largest displays in Apple's history, measuring 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches respectively. Charging capabilities include 40W wired and 20W wireless charging, with a battery capacity of 4676mAh (higher than the 4422mAh of the iPhone 15 Pro Max).

Color options for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to include four stylish hues: classic black, elegant white, subtle gray, and romantic rose gold as an alternative to traditional blue. Additionally, rumors suggest that Apple may introduce unique color combinations such as cement gray and desert yellow, offering consumers more choices.

Incidentally, according to recent foreign media reports, LG Innotek will exclusively supply periscope lens modules for the iPhone 16 series in the second half of this year. Meanwhile, Jahwa Electronics will join LG Innotek as the first batch of suppliers for the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) technology within these lens modules.

Periscope lenses significantly enhance long-range photography clarity through their unique prism refraction technology, which was introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year and will further expand to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max this year, becoming a key selling point for the series.

Industry projections indicate that by year-end, the supply of the first batch of periscope lens components is expected to account for 70% of the total production volume of the iPhone 16 series. To ensure supply chain stability and product quality, Apple initially relies heavily on LG Innotek, which has a proven track record of production. However, to control costs and enhance supply chain resilience, Apple plans to gradually introduce more suppliers from the fourth quarter onward, diversifying its supply base.

The overall production plan for the iPhone 16 series is estimated at 90.1 million units, encompassing regular, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models, with the latter two accounting for the majority of production. To accommodate production losses and market demand fluctuations, Apple typically produces components in excess of 10% of final product volumes.

In terms of the camera module supply chain, Sharp has exited the supply of components for new iPhone models, while LG Innotek continues to consolidate its market leadership. Meanwhile, suppliers like Foxconn and Cowell are also expected to see growth in their camera module shipments.

Furthermore, previous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the Plus series currently accounts for only 5%-10% of overall iPhone shipments, implying that the other three models (standard, Pro, and Pro Max) have effectively covered the high-end smartphone market, rendering the Plus model somewhat redundant.

Therefore, Apple's iPhone 17 series will eliminate the iPhone 17 Plus model and introduce an ultra-thin variant instead.

This means that the iPhone 16 Plus will be Apple's last Plus model, debuting alongside the iPhone 16 series in September.

Traditionally, the iPhone 16 series is scheduled for release in September 2024, though delays are possible. Apple has postponed launches in the past, but never for extended periods.

Regarding pricing, there's limited information circulating. Earlier leaks suggested starting prices of $799 for the iPhone 16, $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, $1099 for the iPhone 16 Pro, and $1199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

If accurate, these prices align closely with those of the iPhone 15 series, except for a $100 increase in the Pro version (from $999 to $1099).

Notably, Apple plans to delay the launch of Apple Intelligence until October but does not intend to postpone the iPhone 16 series launch. This means users will have to wait for iOS 18.1 to access Apple Intelligence.

Finally, here's a summary: The iPhone 16's main camera features a 12MP sensor and supports Wi-Fi 6E. Its 3561mAh battery represents a significant upgrade over the iPhone 15, catering to all-day usage. Starting at 128GB, the phone is priced from $799.

For users seeking larger screens and longer battery life, the iPhone 16 Plus is an excellent choice. With a 6.7-inch display and a 60Hz refresh rate, its 4006mAh battery further enhances endurance, starting at $899.

Naturally, for high-end users seeking the ultimate experience, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are the flagship choices. Both sport 120Hz displays and the powerful A18 Pro chip for seamless operation. In photography, they offer a 48MP main camera and a periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Additionally, they support the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, with the Pro Max boasting a 4676mAh battery and a starting price around $1199.

Regardless, the iPhone 16 series has yet to be officially launched, and aside from supply chain information, it's difficult to predict any surprises Apple may have in store.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the latest iPhone 16 leaks in the comments below!