A18 Bionic Chip: The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to be powered by the same next-generation A18 chip (built on an enhanced 3nm process) as the standard model, offering major gains in CPU/GPU performance and AI capabilities for on-device generative AI tasks.
Large 6.9-inch Display: The "Plus" model is anticipated to grow slightly to a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display (up from 6.7 inches), maintaining its crisp resolution and high peak brightness, but now potentially featuring 120Hz ProMotion technology for a significantly smoother user experience.
Vertical Camera Layout: A major design change with a vertical rear camera arrangement. This is primarily to enable recording spatial video for the Apple Vision Pro, a feature currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models.
New Capture Button: A new capacitive or force-sensitive "Capture Button" located on the lower right side of the frame. It will provide quick access to camera controls, acting as a shutter button for photos and a recorder for video, with pressure sensitivity for zoom control.
Enhanced Camera Sensors: Both the main and ultra-wide cameras are expected to receive sensor upgrades for improved low-light photography (brighter Night mode shots) and better overall image detail, alongside the new spatial video capability.
Wi-Fi 6E Support: An upgrade to the wireless standard, adding support for the 6 GHz band. This enables faster transfer speeds, lower latency, and less network congestion compared to the current Wi-Fi 6.
5G Advanced Modem: Will likely feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem, bringing more efficient and faster 5G connectivity, improving battery life and download speeds in areas with supported networks.
Improved Thermal Management: Rumors suggest the use of a graphene thermal system to better manage heat dissipation. This is crucial for maintaining performance during intensive tasks like gaming or extended 4K video recording, especially on the larger Plus model.
Generative AI & iOS 18: The 256 GB storage tier will be essential for the suite of new on-device generative AI features powered by the A18 chip and coming with iOS 18. This includes advanced Siri functionality, AI-powered editing in Photos, and smart features in apps like Messages and Notes.
Battery Life: While the exact capacity is unknown, the larger physical size of the iPhone 16 Plus will allow for a bigger battery. Combined with the efficiency of the A18 chip, it is expected to continue the series' tradition of offering the best battery life in the iPhone lineup.
