Sometimes, good changes happen for strange reasons. It looks like we’ll see a prime example of this this fall when the iPhone 16 arrives.
For a while now, we’ve been hearing reports that Apple will be making a small but welcome change to the look of its entry-level phones. Specifically, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to switch to vertically positioned cameras, moving from the diagonally aligned lenses that have been in place since the iPhone 13 debuted.
What the leaked iPhone cases show us
Recent leaks have provided more evidence that Apple is revamping the shape of its camera lens. Some rumored iPhone 16 cases have surfaced, and they have a cutout on the back to house the vertically-aligned cameras. A video of a reported iPhone 16 Plus case shows the same.
Those leaked cases also seem to confirm a less prominent camera array than what you’ll find on the iPhone 15, which features a relatively chunky square block jutting out from the back of the phone. Based on the cutout in those cases, the iPhone 16’s bezel will be more oval and take up less space on the back of the phone. This should look much better.
Of course, Apple isn’t making this move simply for aesthetic reasons. Rather, it’s something the company is doing in order to have more phones capable of shooting the kind of space video you can enjoy on the Apple Vision Pro and other headsets.
Is it time to shine space video?
To record space video, you need to capture footage from the main and ultra-wide cameras at the same time. This gives the video a sense of depth that makes you feel like you’re watching a scene unfold right in front of you. Right now, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have the necessary setup to record space video, but this redesign means the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus — along with the iPhone 16 Pro models — will be able to to do this. also.
And that’s good. Of course, I would never turn my nose up at the iPhone getting enhanced capabilities. But I wonder how many people will benefit from spatial video recording given that the only way to view them within the Apple ecosystem requires you to buy a $3,499 headset.
I’ll also forgo any talk that the iPhone 16’s apparent camera lens setup might inspire people to take the plunge into buying an Apple Vision Pro along with their new phone. I like immersive video as much as the next person, but I don’t enjoy it to the tune of $3,499, and I imagine a not insignificant portion of the buying public feels the same way.
Perhaps Apple is playing the long game here and looking to build its user base with space video-capable iPhones, with an eye toward a time when the cost of its headset comes down. Indeed, rumors suggest that Apple may come out with a cheaper version of the Apple Vision Pro as early as next year, although this may require a connection to a Mac or phone. But there’s another possible device that will be able to display any space video you happen to capture with your iPhone 16.
The look of the iPhone 16
Again, though, I don’t think spatial video will factor much into iPhone 16 purchase decisions. Even focusing on the expected iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 differences, the rear camera position is probably at the bottom of most people’s wish lists. All of you.
Instead, the iPhone 16 changes that will catch the attention of potential buyers is the possible addition of the Action button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro. This will give iPhone 16 users access to a handy shortcut trick and allow them to take advantage of a new feature in iOS 18’s revamped Control Center. An added Capture button — apparently aimed at all four iPhone 16 models – should also be welcome, as it’s supposed to give you instant access to your phone’s camera.
But the biggest shift in the iPhone 16 is likely to be Apple’s decision to stop using older chips in its entry-level iPhones. Instead of getting the A17 Pro currently powering the iPhone 15 Pro models, the iPhone 16 looks like it will run on the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16 Pro – perhaps a less powerful version, but essentially the same silicon.
In the face of these improvements, the way Apple positions the rear cameras on the iPhone 16 doesn’t seem that significant. Still, I’m glad Apple is making the change, even if its reasons for doing so are motivated by a misguided notion that we’ll all be shooting more space videos going forward. Vertically placed lenses simply look more attractive – Samsung’s latest Galaxy S flagships prove it – and anything that can be done to draw less attention to the camera array should be embraced.
As I said, I wouldn’t expect a new camera setup on the iPhone 16 to cause a flood of space videos or even a rise in Apple Vision Pro headsets. But it’s still the right design decision for Apple.
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