A pair of protective cases has emerged on X / Twitter, potentially designed for either the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus. Speculations have circulated regarding a vertical camera setup for the non-pro iPhone 16 units.
Given that this leaked case is tailored for the regular iPhone 16 models, it hints at the likelihood of a vertical camera configuration for these specific models.
Vertical Camera Design for iPhone 16: A Plausible Move
The standard iPhone models of the past three generations have featured a diagonal camera layout with a rounded square camera island design. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max from last year, and this year's Apple Vision Pro support a feature named “spatial video,” demanding a vertical alignment for the primary and wide-angle lenses. While the recent Pro iPhone models have the necessary lenses vertically arranged, the current non-pro versions lack this setup.
Apple's Exploration of Vertical Camera Configurations
Apple has been experimenting with various vertical camera configurations for the standard iPhone models. A recent prototype exhibited dual camera rings within a "pill-shaped" camera module.
In addition to the camera setup, the standard iPhone 16 units might adopt an Action Button akin to the iPhone 15 Pro models and a rumored capture button that could provide several camera controls during horizontal shooting.
The same individual also shared an image showcasing the prototype case for the iPhone 16 Pro, highlighting the rumored capture button.
However, it's crucial to note that these are merely prototype cases and may not resemble the final products. Therefore, it's advisable to approach this information with caution. We will provide updates as more details surface.