Apple’s highly anticipated “It’s Glowtime” event is scheduled for September 9. Based on recent leaks, the iPhone 16 Pro models will offer substantial enhancements in photography and videography.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
One of the standout features is the iPhone 16 Pro’s ability to record video in stunning 4K at 120 frames per second (fps). This upgrade marks a substantial leap from the iPhone 15’s 4K 60fps capability, providing an unprecedented level of video clarity and smoothness. For professionals, the option to shoot ProRes 4K at 120fps with an external SSD adds even more flexibility, catering to those who demand high-quality footage for their projects. Additionally, Apple is upgrading QuickTake, allowing users to capture 4K video directly from the photo mode, a notable enhancement from its previous 1080p standard.
While the iPhone 16 Pro will offer advanced video capabilities, including support for the JPEG-XL format for high-quality image capture, there’s speculation about its potential 8K video recording feature. Though the sensors might be capable of handling 8K video, this functionality may not be available on the initial production models. Instead, Apple might reserve 8K recording for future releases, particularly if next year’s iPhone models include a higher-resolution zoom lens.
The iPhone 16 Pro will also introduce several practical features. A new Capture Button, internally known as the “Camera Button,” promises a new level of interaction with the device. This touch-sensitive button will allow users to launch the Camera app or third-party camera applications with a simple press. A soft press will activate auto-focus, while a hard press will capture photos or start video recording. Users will also be able to slide their fingers across the button to adjust zoom or exposure, providing a streamlined and versatile camera control experience.
Further enhancing the iPhone 16 Pro’s appeal, Apple is incorporating features such as improved wind noise reduction during video recording and new Photographic Styles that leverage advanced machine learning to better preserve skin tones. The introduction of Spatial Photos, viewable in 3D on Apple Vision Pro, adds another layer of innovation, making the iPhone 16 Pro a compelling choice for both casual and professional users.
The iPhone 16 Pro’s camera system will include a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a significant upgrade that promises improved macro photography and overall versatility. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feature the same camera setup, including the tetraprism lens with 5x optical zoom, which was previously exclusive to the Pro Max in the iPhone 15 lineup.