Although it's not expected to arrive until next fall, rumors about the new iPhone 16 have already started to surface.
Among the most notable changes, we are talking about massive improvements to the microphone systemwhich promises to improve the Siri experience.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities International, the iPhone 16 models will feature significantly improved microphone characteristics. Kuo notes that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) will be a key improvement to improve the Siri experience. These microphones will also offer better water resistance, which will increase the versatility of the device.
These improvements are not the result of chance; they would be linked to the efforts made by the company to to integrate generative artificial intelligence into as many of its products as possible. Siri, the company's voice assistant, is set to get a major overhaul.
Kuo's analysis aligns with previous reports from Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, who suggested major AI-based changes in iOS 18. This will be made possible by the Large Language Model (LLM), which will an integral part of Siri and the Messages app, playing a crucial role in enhancing the products' AI capabilities.
Gurman also revealed that generative artificial intelligence will be deeply integrated into the Siri voice assistant, which will be completely overhauled.
Additionally, Kuo predicted a possible 100-150% increase in the cost of each microphone unit in the iPhone 16 models compared to the iPhone 15, thanks to improved specifications.
But it’s not just AI improvements that are expected; a number of hardware and design changes are also being experimented with for the iPhone 16 lineup, which is expected to include a new capacitive button located below the power button on the right edge of the phone. Furthermore, the Action button, introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models, could be integrated into the entire iPhone 16 range (and not just the Pro variants), while being updated to become capacitive.
In addition, information has leaked about a possible screen with a hole, which would be tested for the iPhone 16 Pro model. Although no details have been confirmed, speculation suggests that the iPhones' dynamic island, which houses the front camera, could be replaced with this design.
However, final details are pending and this feature could come to the iPhone 17 in 2025, according to the insider.