Apple is advancing its product lineup with the upcoming release of the iPhone 16 series, which promises expanded display sizes and enhanced features. Scheduled for launch on September 2024, the series includes four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Pro models, particularly, have had their displays increased to 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively, enhancing users' experiences for gaming and video consumption.
For the standard models, the dimensions remain similar to their predecessors, with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus retaining their sizes at 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches. Apple has managed to tweak the design of the Pro models to maintain ergonomics, with minimal increases to height being offset by slimmer bezels.
Weight-wise, the iPhone 16 series has seen minor adjustments, with the iPhone 16 weighing 170 grams and the iPhone 16 Pro Max slightly heftier at 227 grams. This increase, especially for the Pro models, has reignited conversations among users who favor lighter, more compact devices, like those from the SE or mini series.
Rumors also suggest the future of the iPhone SE series, potentially revealed as the iPhone SE 4 or possibly rebranded to the iPhone 16E. Expected to launch around March 2025, this model may adopt design elements similar to the iPhone 14, shedding the traditional home button for Face ID functionality. Such changes reflect Apple's ambition to align the SE series closer to contemporary aesthetics.
Leaked reports indicate this device will feature Apple's homegrown 5G modem, allowing for reduced reliance on third-party manufacturers like Qualcomm. Commenting on these developments, well-known tech leaker Majin Bu noted, "[iPhone SE 4 may feature] iPhone 14-like design with OLED display and USB-C charging port." This shift is seen as part of Apple's strategy to maintain the SE lineup's appeal as the more budget-friendly alternative.
Pricing remains pivotal, with expectations indicating the iPhone SE 4 could be priced at $500 or slightly less, still making it accessible. Balancing the new features against rising costs is something Apple must navigate delicately, especially with the current retail pricing for iPhone 14 at $599 and iPhone 15 at $699.
With the iPhone 16 series due to set sales records, it's worth considering the significant promotion campaigns surrounding older models. Carriers are heavily discounting previous models like the iPhone 13, with offers ranging from trade-in credits to outright discounts, creating a competitive environment for budget-conscious consumers.
For example, Y!mobile has been offering refurbished models of the iPhone 13 for as low as ¥34,920 when switching carriers. Meanwhile, UQ Mobile provides the iPhone 13 for as little as ¥3,720 under their two-year return plan, underlining how inexpensive previous generation models can become with newer releases.
To sum up, Apple's future lineup not only focuses on advancing technology but also responding to diverse consumer needs, from power users wanting larger displays to those seeking compact models. The pricing strategies for these upcoming models reveal Apple's intent to firm up its lead on affordability without sacrificing quality—an iterative goal as it steps closer to the anticipated future releases of iPhones.