A well-known Apple informant claimed that this year's iPhone 16 series will have minimal adjustments compared to the previous generation.
On August 11th local time, well-known technology journalist Mark Gurman wrote in his latest column that this year's iPhone 16 series will continue the previous generations' replacement mode, with only some minor adjustments. The iPhone 16 series is named iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, and its appearance is not significantly different from existing versions, nor will it add significant new features.
Gurman expects that the biggest marketing point for iPhone 16 will be Apple Intelligence, the company's new AI feature suite. At that time, all iPhone 16 models will run Apple Intelligence, but it will also be compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro version.
Gulman commented, "It's hard to say how tempting this will be. As I said last week, I don't think these features alone are enough reason to upgrade." "I don't think the new model will bring a buying frenzy to Apple
Previously, Gulman mentioned in his previous column that Apple will split Apple Intelligence into two parts in the future, with one part remaining free but with limited functionality. But currently, Apple's AI features are relatively simple and cannot support user payments. It will take at least 3 years to develop something worth charging for.
In the latest column article, Gurman also mentioned that the more significant change for the iPhone will be the iPhone 17 in September next year. Next year, Apple will once again try the concept of a new model, this time with a thinner design. Apple's idea is to create an "Air" version of the iPhone that falls between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. Gurman referred to it as the 'fourth iPhone model'.
In addition, Gurman also expects Apple to produce foldable iPhones, but all indications internally suggest that foldable iPads are equally important priorities, which means we may still see foldable versions of tablets coming out earlier.
Jeff Pu, an analyst at Haitong International, stated in May this year that there have been significant changes to the iPhone 17 lineup, which will adopt a "refreshed design" while improving the front camera and introducing smaller dynamic islands.
Jeff Pu also stated that Apple will launch a new "iPhone 17 Slim" model to replace the "Plus" model in the lineup, but this Slim model is not a continuation of the previous iPhone 12/13 mini. Apple's old rival Samsung has been revealed to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim phone with a thinner and larger screen in October this year. Industry insiders believe that if the news is true, the mobile phone industry is expected to change its design direction in the next two years as a result.