iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max tipped to deliver 8K 60 fps and 4k 120 fps video with upgraded base storage and third-party-compatible shutter button to back it up
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have appeared a number of times now ahead of the expected September 9 launch, with rumours and leaks claiming some impressive camera hardware upgrades, including a 48 MP ultrawide sensor a 5× telephoto lens, reduced lens flare, and a capacitive shutter button. Now, new rumours out of 9to5Mac and Trendforce, point to the new camera capabilities and a base storage bump to go along with the new video resolutions.
For starters, the 9to5Mac leak claims that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will both be technically capable of 8K 60 fps and 4K 120 fps video, with Apple reportedly having done validation for the hardware at those resolutions. However, it appears likely that Apple will use software limitations to restrict the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max to 4K 120 fps, instead. Also pertinent to the new camera hardware, the new capacitive Capture (read “shutter”) button will reportedly be compatible with third-party camera apps, which may come as a surprise to some, given Apple's opposition to new regulations aiming to normalise third-party compatibility. This should mean apps like Halide and ProCamera should be able to make use of the dual-stage shutter button if the developers decide to implement the feature.
Along with the impressive video claims, it looks like Apple will bring lossless JPEG-XL images to the camera app with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. Additionally, the stock camera app will apparently be able to pause and resume video capture, which would be a first for iPhone users.
According to the Trendforce report, the smaller iPhone 16 Pro will ditch the base 128 GB storage option, instead starting with a base storage option of 256 GB and leaving the regular non-Pro iPhones with the 128 GB entry-level storage option. The additional storage will likely be a welcome addition, especially if Apple is planning on implementing 8K 60 fps or 4K 120 fps video.
As expected from Apple's flagship phones, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are both stacking up to be impressive photo and video cameras, and we will only have to wait until September 9 to see what the new iPhones have in store.