iPhone 16 leak suggests Apple’s next smartphone will get a massive new camera design – this is what it could look like

By William On Feb 19, 2024

Apple’s next smartphone won’t be released until the fall, but rumors about the new device are coming in faster and faster.

According to the latest leaked images, the tech giant is making a radical change to the camera lenses on the back of the upcoming phone.

The standard version of the iPhone 16 will have two camera lenses positioned vertically, and not diagonally like on the iPhone 15, according to the images.

While not confirmed by Apple, the design change may have something to do with the company’s new $3,500 Vision Pro headset.

Apple is also said to be preparing its first ever foldable phones, although these may not arrive this year.

An Apple tipster claims that the lenses on the iPhone 16’s rear camera module are arranged vertically, and not diagonally like the current iPhone 15

In the photo the iPhone 15, unveiled by Apple in September 2023. Note the diagonal position of the two camera lenses on the rear module

The images were posted to X (Twitter) by Apple tipster Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial), who regularly shares news about the tech giant’s products.

“This appears to be the new camera module of the iPhone 16, as you can see the vertical positioning is confirmed,” Bu said.

When asked whether the gap between the two lenses is ‘really that small’, the expert replied: ‘I couldn’t say for sure.’

Since the iPhone 13 in 2021, the two lenses of the rear camera module on standard iPhone models have been oriented diagonally.

When Apple introduced the design change almost three years ago, many fans assumed it would give more space for larger internal components.

Others speculated that it was just an aesthetic change and a marketing tactic to get people to buy the iPhone 13.

Of course, for years the Pro and Pro Max versions of the iPhone have had three camera lenses in an ‘arrow’ alignment – with two on the left and one on the right.

But since 2013, the standard (cheapest) versions have two lenses facing each other diagonally.

Since the iPhone 13 in 2021, the two lenses of the rear camera model on standard iPhone models have been oriented diagonally. Pictured: Customers with iPhone 13 in Beijing, China, September 24, 2021

The Pro and Pro Max versions of the iPhone have long had three camera lenses arranged in an ‘arrow’ alignment – two on the left and one on the right (pictured). But since 2021, standard iPhone versions have two lenses facing diagonally towards each other

It’s unclear why Apple would return to a vertical lens alignment, although it could be related to the new Vision Pro headset.

The iPhone 16 is expected to be tightly integrated with the chunky new wearable, presenting apps right before the user’s eyes.

According to BGRApple wants all its iPhones to record ‘spatial video’ that can be played back on the Vision Pro, but this will require a vertical camera setup.

MailOnline has contacted the tech giant for comment.

Like last year’s iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 is expected to come in four different versions: iPhone 16 (the standard model), iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

According to MacRumoursthe screen size of the two Pro models – the two most expensive options – will increase compared to the iPhone 15 equivalents.

The screen size of the Pro model will increase from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, while the Pro Max screen size will go from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches, it reports.

Meanwhile, the ‘Action button’ – the small button above the volume buttons on the edge of the phone – will be coming to all four iPhone 16 models, it adds.

Apple’s first-ever mixed reality headset, Vision Pro (pictured), lets wearers choose apps with their eyes

On iPhone 15, only the two Pro models got the Action Button, while the standard and Plus models retained the mute switch from previous years.

Apple is also rumored to be introducing the ‘hole punch’ front camera, a feature typically found on Android phones.

It is also said to be working on a line of foldable phones, years after foldable handsets were first released by its biggest rival Samsung.

The very first foldable smartphone was the FlexPai from a Chinese company called Royole, first released in 2018.

Since then, Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi, Google, Motorola and Vivo have all released foldable phones – but not Apple.

What do experts think of Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset?

After months of rumors, Apple unveiled its ‘Vision Pro’ augmented reality headset on the first day of the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023.

The headset wasn’t released until February 2024, but only in the US.

The headset allows users to merge the real world with a digital world navigated by their eyes, voice and hands – without the need for controllers.

Analysts seemed skeptical of Apple’s reasons for creating the device, although many seemed impressed by aspects of the technology.

Leo Gebbielead connected device analyst at CCS Insight, said: ‘The Vision Pro headset is Apple’s boldest new product in years, with some suggesting this is Tim Cook’s own ‘iPhone moment’.

‘It sees the company entering a whole new market, where other companies have struggled to translate futuristic concepts into reality, and offer an exciting and innovative product.

‘Apple has already claimed that the Vision Pro is ‘the most advanced personal electronic device ever’ and will now have to work hard to back up that claim.

‘The Vision Pro has a luxurious build, as you would expect with its premium price tag, and its 3D-formed laminated glass and aluminum chassis are certainly eye-catching.

“We predict that Apple’s entry into the spatial computing market will boost the fortunes of all players, but the Vision Pro is far from a mass-market product given its price tag.”

Paolo Pescatoreanalyst at PP Foresight, said: ‘Make no mistake, this is a wow moment for the company and the consumer electronics industry.

“Today marks Apple’s biggest device launch in a while (since the Apple Watch) that will forever change the way we interact with content.

‘Apple has big plans to revolutionize this segment, as it has done with the iPhone; remember this is his first outing.

“The hardware, services and experiences will evolve significantly over time to include other devices.”

Dominik Angererco-founder and CEO of software company Storyblok, said: ‘The data shows that companies believe VR/AR is the future of content, but after so many false starts in recent years, marketers are clearly more skeptical about the technology’s potential.

“The good news for Apple is that developers are really excited about building for the platform, even if they don’t know anything about it.

“The level of developer support will ultimately make or break the product