CheckMag | Will the iPhone 16 be foldable? 4 things we can expect from Apple's next iPhone

The iPhone 16 is likely to maintain the 6.1-inch display seen in its predecessor. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are set to feature much larger screens. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to come with a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Ultra will boast a 6.9-inch screen. Both models will introduce a new 19.6:9 aspect ratio, making them the tallest and narrowest iPhones ever produced. The standard iPhone 16 will retain the 19.5:9 aspect ratio of the existing iPhones. This change in dimensions is expected to carry over to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus, projected for release in 2025.

The increase in screen size for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Ultra is anticipated to provide space for substantial camera enhancements.

The iPhone 16 might not be foldable, but Apple remains committed to developing foldable iPhones and iPads, with the launch dates not yet confirmed but likely towards the end of 2026 or 2027, according to a recent report. The company is currently working on at least two prototypes of horizontally folding iPhones, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series. Apple aims to create a foldable iPhone with displays on the exterior, but the design has proven challenging due to durability issues. Additionally, achieving a foldable device as thin as current iPhone models is complicated by battery size and display component constraints.

Apple is also making progress on its foldable iPad. The company is exploring the development of a folding tablet similar in size to an iPad Mini, featuring an eight-inch display. Engineers are focusing on reducing the crease in the center of the display and developing a hinge that allows the display to lie flat when unfolded.

The standard iPhone 16 is expected to come with the same 48MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide camera setup as the iPhone 15. However, the iPhone 16 Pro could stand out by becoming the first mid-sized iPhone to feature a periscope zoom lens, a technology currently reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Rumors also suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro Max might introduce a 'super telephoto' lens, typically characterized by focal lengths over 300mm. Such lenses are ideal for capturing close-up images of distant subjects, such as wildlife and sporting events. The implementation details of this lens by Apple are yet to be confirmed. If these rumors hold true, this would mark a considerable advancement in iPhone photography. For context, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (currently available to purchase on Amazon) features a 10x optical zoom telephoto camera with an equivalent focal length of 230mm.

The iPhone 16 is expected to introduce a new Capture button, located slightly below the Power button on the same side. Unlike the Action button, which is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Capture button is rumored to be included on all iPhone 16 models, potentially becoming a major selling point if it passes initial testing.

While specific details about the Capture button's functionality remain unclear, its internal designation suggests a camera-related role. It could act as a shutter button or a quick shortcut to the camera app, though it is uncertain if users will have the ability to customize its functions.

MacRumors indicates that the button will feature “force sensor functionality,” allowing it to detect varying levels of pressure. This could enable different functionalities, such as snapping a photo with a light tap or recording a video with a firmer press. Additionally, this feature could serve as a precaution against accidental photo captures.