Techloot has obtained exclusive details about the upgraded camera system and rumored capture button on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. Here’s what you need to know.
Apple is widely anticipated to unveil its latest iPhone lineup at an event scheduled for September 10. While we await official confirmation, more information continues to surface about the upcoming devices.
Numerous sources have suggested that Apple will introduce significant changes, including a higher-resolution ultra-wide camera and a new tactile capture button. Our long-time sources have not only confirmed these details to Techloot but have also provided additional insights.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Cameras
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will feature a dual-camera setup on the back. This includes a primary wide camera with 1X and 2X zoom capabilities and a secondary ultra-wide camera offering a 0.5X zoom.
As seen in several mockups and dummy units, these cameras will now be vertically aligned instead of diagonally.
The primary camera remains unchanged for 2026. It will continue to be a 48MP sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and 2X optical zoom capabilities.
However, the ultra-wide camera will receive an upgrade, with the aperture improving from f/2.4 to f/2.2, allowing more light to hit the sensor and enhancing low-light performance.
For the first time, non-Pro iPhone models are also expected to support macro photography.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
Significant changes are coming to the Pro models. They will still feature three cameras on the back: a wide camera, an ultra-wide camera, and a telephoto camera.
The primary sensor remains the same, offering 48MP with an f/1.78 aperture, capable of capturing 2X optical-quality 12MP telephoto shots with 1.22 micrometer pixels.
Both Pro models will be equipped with a 5X telephoto lens this year, no longer exclusive to the Pro Max model. This lens will replace the 3X telephoto lens found on the iPhone 15 Pro.
The telephoto lens will continue to feature a 12MP sensor with an f/2.8 aperture.
The ultra-wide lens will be upgraded to 48MP and will include the same pixel-binning technology as the primary camera. It will feature 0.7 micrometer pixels when shooting at full resolution or 1.4 micrometer when used as a quad pixel.
We also expect that users will be able to capture 48MP ProRaw photos with this upgraded lens. ProRaw provides the most image data, allowing for extensive post-processing options.
Other Camera Enhancements in the iPhone 16
We’ve learned two additional details about these upgraded cameras. According to our sources, Apple will introduce a new image format with the iPhone 16.
This new format is expected to be called JPEG-XL, and it will be available alongside HEIF, JPEG, HEIF Max, ProRaw, and ProRAW Max.
We’ve also been informed that the two Pro models will support 3K video recording at 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to support 1080P at 120FPS or 240FPS and 4K at 60FPS.
Capture Button for All Models
One of the most anticipated features is the long-rumored capture button. We’ve received confirmation on many of the rumors and speculations surrounding this feature.
The Capture Button is expected to be available on all four new iPhone models. It will be located in the lower-right corner, so when the phone is held in landscape mode, the camera bump will be on top, and your index finger will rest on the new button.
This button is capacitive, meaning it requires a touch to activate, preventing accidental triggers in your pocket.
It’s designed for exclusive use with camera-specific apps. Users will be able to choose which camera app it opens, whether it’s Apple’s or a third-party app.
Once in the camera app, the button will have a force-sensitive half-press feature tied to a developer API. This could, for example, lock exposure and focus before you press it fully to take a photo.
Since the button is capacitive, it can also function as a trackpad. Sliding your finger along the button, which is also tied to a developer API, can perform various actions.
We anticipate that Apple will use this to zoom in and out within the stock camera app. Other possible options include cycling through filters for real-time application, adjusting exposure, or modifying background blur levels in portrait shots.
With this new button and iOS 18, users will finally be able to remove the camera icon from their Lock Screen and replace it with this physical control.
Coming Soon to an iPhone Near You
These features and more are coming to the new 2024 iPhones very soon. Stay tuned to TechLoot for live coverage of the event and in-depth analysis of the new hardware as we approach iPhone season and beyond.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 22nd August 2024