Apple is reportedly considering a novel camera design for its upcoming iPhone 16, an unexpected departure from its established norms.

Through mockup images, the most recent iPhone 16 prototype visually depicts a distinctive vertical camera arrangement mounted on a pill-shaped block, as reported by Tom's Guide.

The visuals suggest Apple's inclination towards a dual-camera setup for the standard iPhone 16, likely featuring a main and ultrawide combination.

This aligns with earlier leaks, echoing the lens and flash positions observed in prototype-based renders from last year.

(Photo: Ming Yeung/Getty Images)The Apple logo outside the Apple Store Milan on September 22, 2023, in Milan, Italy.

Throwback design?

Interestingly, both designs bear a resemblance to the iPhone X, characterized by a pill-shaped camera bump enveloping vertically stacked lenses.

A notable departure is the flash placement; unlike the iPhone X, where the flash rested between the lenses, the iPhone 16 situates it to the side.

The original design, as seen in the iPhone 11 series, favored a square camera bump incorporating the flash.

This design shift potentially opens doors for Apple to introduce 3D spatial video recording to the base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models.

Users could experience this feature through devices like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 headsets. Currently, the iPhone 15's diagonal camera layout restricts spatial recording, a capability exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with their vertically aligned main and ultrawide cameras.

Rumors surrounding Apple's entry-level iPhone 16 indicate a significant redesign, transitioning from a diagonal to a vertical camera array, reminiscent of the iPhone 12 in 2020.

Emerging renders and design schematics showcase a pill-shaped camera island on the phone's rear, housing two sensors with the LED flash positioned on the side.

Notably, these renders are unofficial, leaving room for the final model to deviate from these visualizations.

Read Also: Microsoft's Satya Nadella Plans to Empower 2 Million Indians with AI Skills by 2025

Aesthetic concerns arise with the flash placed outside the raised area, introducing an element of randomness to the streamlined design.

It's crucial to emphasize that these showcased mockup images are not official prototypes, introducing uncertainty about the final design.

The eagerly anticipated confirmation or deviation from these speculations is expected during Apple's customary September announcement.

iPhone 16 Ultra Rumors

The purported motive behind the redesigned iPhone 16 camera location is to facilitate spatial video recording, enhancing the user experience on devices like the Apple Vision Pro.

Leaks also suggest that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will maintain a 60Hz refresh rate display, incorporating features like the Action Button, Apple A18 chipset, 8GB RAM, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, per GSMArena.

While these details contribute to the intrigue, only the official announcement will provide clarity on the iPhone 16's actual design and specifications.

MacRumors reported that Apple may potentially introduce a premium variant "Ultra" within the iPhone 16 lineup, positioned as the flagship model alongside the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

This distinguished device could showcase enhanced camera features, a larger display, and potentially a shift toward a portless design.

Speculation surrounds the iPhone 16 Ultra, with early glimpses into the iOS 18 code failing to provide any indications of such a device.

The report suggests Apple's concentration on four iPhone models in development, comprising two standard iPhone 16 iterations and two "Pro" iPhone 16 models.

The existence of an iPhone 16 Ultra remains unverified as of now, introducing an element of uncertainty to ongoing discussions about Apple's upcoming iPhone releases.

Related Article: Apple Vision Pro Users Ignite Trend with Unconventional Social Videos, Including Risky Scenarios