When Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 Pro last year, the introduction of a titanium frame with subtly rounded edges was the standout feature. Yet, for all its premium material and slight design tweaks, it was largely the same device as its predecessor. This pattern isn’t new—Apple’s been making iterative changes for a while now. The iPhone 14 Pro, for example, brought us the Dynamic Island and a refreshed interface, but it wasn’t a dramatic departure from the 13 Pro. And the 13 Pro? It was just a refined version of the 12.
The iPhone 16 Lineup: More of the Same
This year’s iPhone 16 lineup follows in the same footsteps. Expected to be named iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, these models are set to offer more of what we’ve already seen, with no groundbreaking innovations. Among the new features, Apple is rolling out its Apple Intelligence suite of AI capabilities across the 2024 models, but this isn’t exclusive—it’s already available on the iPhone 15 Pro. The non-Pro versions will now come with the Action Button, a feature that made its debut on last year’s higher-end models.
One new addition is the Capture Button on the Pro models—a DSLR-like control that makes it easier to focus and snap photos, located conveniently on the right side. The screens of the Pro versions will also be slightly larger, with the Pro at 6.3 inches and the Pro Max at 6.9 inches. There’s also the return of a popular color: rose gold, alongside the upgraded A18 chip with 8 GB of RAM. Despite these updates, it’s unlikely these changes will drive a significant boost in sales, as the innovations are incremental at best.
Looking Ahead: iPhone SE 4 (2025)
Come early 2025, Apple is set to release a new version of the iPhone SE, marking its first update since 2022. This upcoming SE will adopt the iPhone 14’s design, complete with an OLED screen that covers the entire front surface, finally bringing a higher resolution to Apple’s entry-level offering. The new SE will also feature Apple Intelligence capabilities, powered by the latest chip, making it a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t skimp on performance.
The camera setup is expected to include a single 48-megapixel sensor, which should deliver impressive photo quality despite the SE’s lower price point. If Apple can keep the price around €500, the iPhone SE 4 has the potential to be a hit, especially for consumers looking for a high-quality phone without breaking the bank.
iPhone 17: The Real Game Changer
The real excitement is reserved for September 2025, with the launch of the iPhone 17. Apple plans to introduce a new model, possibly called the “Air” or “Slim,” as a fourth option in the iPhone lineup. This new model is expected to sit between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro versions, offering a sleeker, more refined design that harks back to the MacBook Air’s debut over a decade ago.
The goal is to attract consumers who want a sophisticated device without all the advanced features—and the steep price—of a Pro model. Apple hopes this new approach will rejuvenate iPhone sales, something the failed iPhone mini and iPhone Plus models couldn’t achieve. Looking even further ahead, Apple is reportedly considering packing the power of a Pro model into this more compact form factor, though that likely won’t happen until 2027. There’s also talk of a foldable iPhone in the works, but for now, the focus seems to be on a foldable iPad instead.
Apple’s future innovations seem poised to offer more diversity in its product lineup, aiming to cater to a wider range of preferences and budgets. While the iPhone 16 may not break any new ground, the iPhone 17 and beyond are where things get interesting.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.