Caviar, a luxury smartphone maker based in Dubai, has unveiled its latest masterpiece: a solid gold iPhone 16 Pro in the exclusive Desert Titanium hue. This limited-edition phone is part of Caviar’s "Art & Gold" collection, blending exquisite craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
Caviar’s Art & Gold Collection
Inspired by Apple’s presentation on September 9th, Caviar’s designers aimed to enhance the iPhone 16 Pro’s new color scheme with variations in white, red, and yellow gold. The outcome is a remarkable collection of smartphones that are truly artistic creations.
The centerpiece of this collection is the iPhone 16 Pro, featuring a case crafted entirely from 18-karat gold, perfectly matching Apple’s new Desert Titanium color. Caviar’s artisans have drawn from various artistic periods, integrating motifs from medieval Gothic, Art Deco, and contemporary parametric designs into the gold detailing.
Unique Models and Designs
One standout model, the “Symphony,” showcases a parametric pattern inspired by an Archimedean spiral, blending symmetry with the golden ratio. The phone’s Apple logo is also made from 18-karat gold in the Desert Titanium color.
Besides the Symphony model, Caviar offers two other limited-edition iPhone 16 Pro models: the Duomo and the Paramount. Each features unique gold ornamentation, available in both 18-karat and 24-karat gold versions.
Apple has unveiled the eagerly awaited iPhone 16 series, introducing four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. These devices are expected to hit the shelves on September 20. However, prior to the launch, the purported iPhone 16 Pro appeared on Geekbench, showing underwhelming performance results.
Benchmark Comparison with Previous Models
The information was shared by X user James Atkinson, who discovered the Geekbench listing. It features an iPhone with the identifier 17,3, achieving scores of 3114 in the single-core test and 6666 in the multi-core test of Geekbench 6. This identifier is believed to correspond to the iPhone 16 Pro model.
For reference, the iPhone 15 from last year, equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, scored 2,595 and 6,651 points on the same benchmark. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro, featuring the more advanced A17 Pro chip, scored approximately 2,900 and 7,440 points. As such, the performance of the alleged iPhone 16 Pro falls short of expectations.
Potential for Performance Improvements
It’s important to consider that the phone has not yet been released, and Apple is likely optimizing the performance and stability of the devices. If this is the case, improvements in performance are expected by the time the phone is officially launched.
This year, the non-Pro and Pro models are powered by the A18 and A18 Pro chips, which have slight differences. Both chips are made using TSMC’s 3nm process and feature 6 CPU cores. However, the A18 Pro includes an additional GPU core (6-core vs 5), potentially enhancing graphics performance and offering better gaming experiences on the Pro models.
Awaiting Final Performance Evaluation
Ultimately, we will need to wait for the official release to fully evaluate the performance capabilities of the different models. Performance can vary depending on several factors, including the heat dissipation system, which differs among the models.
During its 2024 Fall Product Launch Event, Apple introduced the eagerly awaited iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, along with the standard models, iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, redefining standards in design, performance, and photography.
The latest iPhones boast larger screens, the sophisticated A18 Pro chip, and an innovative camera control button, enhancing the overall user interface. Below are their notable specifications.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Specifications
The iPhone 16 Pro models feature more expansive displays than previous versions, with the iPhone 16 Pro offering a 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 16 Pro Max featuring a 6.9-inch display. Both screens include Apple’s renowned 120Hz ProMotion display for fluid scrolling and have the slimmest bezels ever seen on an iPhone.
Powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip, crafted using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, the iPhone 16 Pro series includes a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine capable of 35 trillion operations per second. This chip boasts 15% faster CPU and 20% faster GPU performance than the A17 Pro, all while offering improved power efficiency. Enhanced system memory bandwidth and advanced machine learning accelerators contribute to more efficient device operation, especially during the use of generative models.
A major highlight of the iPhone 16 Pro series is its upgraded camera system. Both models come equipped with a 48MP main camera featuring a second-generation quad-pixel sensor, supporting ProRAW and HEIF photos with zero shutter lag. Additionally, they include a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 12MP 5x periscope telephoto lens with a 120mm zoom, catering to photography enthusiasts.
Enhanced Camera and Performance Features
The iPhone 16 models introduce a novel camera control button providing tactile feedback and quick access to camera functionalities. A single press opens the camera app, a tap takes a photo, and holding the button begins video recording. It also supports touch gestures for easy composition, zoom, and other setting adjustments.
The A18 Pro chip significantly enhances computational photography with real-time color and shadow adjustments, customizable photography styles, and improved video recording at 4K120fps. It also supports spatial audio capture, offering a more immersive experience when paired with AirPods or the Apple Vision Pro.
The series includes a new “Visual Intelligence” feature, which provides real-time information about objects in the camera’s view, similar to Google Lens, offering details such as restaurant reviews, information from posters, or identifying dog breeds.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max reportedly offers the best battery life of any iPhone so far, thanks to larger batteries and improved power management from the A18 Pro chip. Both models support faster charging speeds, though the exact wattage specifications remain unconfirmed.
Software and Build Quality
Featuring iOS 18, the iPhone 16 Pro series includes new tools designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. It introduces Apple Intelligence, a personal assistant powered by the A18 Pro chip’s machine learning, capable of tasks like writing, summarizing, and image generation with complete on-device privacy.
For gamers, iOS 18 offers Game Mode, improving performance with enhanced frame rate stability and reduced latency. The update also brings more customization options for the home screen, along with Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite for added safety.
Constructed with a Grade 5 titanium frame, the iPhone 16 Pro series is both sturdy and lightweight, featuring a premium microblasted finish. It includes Ceramic Shield glass, making it twice as tough as any other smartphone glass, and holds an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, capable of withstanding water immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
Internally, a 100% recycled aluminum thermal substructure improves heat dissipation, enhancing performance during demanding tasks. The devices offer up to 20% better sustained performance compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
Pricing & Availability
Available in four colors: Deep Black Titanium, Bright White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium, the iPhone 16 Pro series starts at $999 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at $1199 for the 256GB variant. Pre-orders start this Friday, with official availability beginning September 20.
iPhone enthusiasts who prefer the Pro model but are dissatisfied with limited storage options might have something to look forward to. As per a report by Taiwanese market research firm TrendForce (via MacRumors), Apple is expected to eliminate the 128GB base storage option for the forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro, increasing it to a minimum of 256GB.
Storage Upgrade and Price Implications
This development is anticipated, given that Apple raised the base storage of the iPhone 15 Pro Max to 256GB last year. It’s logical to expect the Pro model to align with this trend in the iPhone 16 lineup. Nonetheless, this enhancement in base storage could result in a higher starting price for the iPhone 16 Pro.
TrendForce indicates that this price hike may be more acceptable since the 16 Pro is slated to feature the tetraprism zoom lens, which was previously exclusive to the Pro Max model.
Camera and Processor Enhancements
Apple employed a similar strategy last year by introducing the tetraprism zoom lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which naturally led to an increased cost. To justify the higher price, the company upgraded the base storage from 128GB to 256GB.
In addition to storage and camera improvements, the report confirmed earlier leaks regarding the iPhone 16 series hardware. The non-Pro versions are likely to be equipped with the A18 chip, while the Pro models are expected to feature the more robust A18 Pro processor.
Potential RAM Increase and Launch Speculations
There is also a possibility that Apple might boost the RAM on the non-Pro models from 6GB to 8GB, potentially addressing the needs of Apple Intelligence features.
These are initial speculations, and more definitive information about the iPhone 16 series will likely surface as the official launch event approaches, tentatively scheduled for September 9th.
Amid increasing speculation about the iPhone 16 series, a recent leak has disclosed the color selections for the Pro version. The image, shared by Sonny Dickson, a reputable source known for dummy unit leaks, displays four iPhone 16 Pro devices in various hues.
Among the notable colors is a bronze option, which is rumored to replace the blue titanium version currently offered with the iPhone 15 Pro. This information corroborates an earlier tip from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, who in August mentioned a bronze iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Color and Display Options
In addition to bronze, the lineup includes traditional white, black, and gray colors, which might be either silver or the existing “Natural Titanium” finish. This leak follows an earlier post by Dickson that displayed the iPhone 16 Pro in white, black, and gray/silver, but lacked the bronze variant.
Beyond just colors, earlier leaks have hinted at other features of the iPhone 16 Pro. The Pro models are expected to sport larger screens than previous versions, with the iPhone 16 Pro featuring a 6.3-inch OLED display and the iPhone 16 Pro Max offering a 6.9-inch display.
Camera and Processor Enhancements
Camera improvements are also anticipated — the ultrawide lens is rumored to upgrade to a 48MP sensor from the previous 12MP, along with the introduction of a Tetraprism periscope telephoto lens providing 5x optical zoom. Internally, the iPhone 16 Pro series is expected to be powered by the A18 Pro chip, utilizing TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process node (N3E).
Dickson further shared images of dummy units for the non-Pro iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. These standard models appear in more lively colors such as blue, yellow, pink, green, and black.
Non-Pro Model Features
The rear camera module for these non-Pro versions is likely to be redesigned with a vertical lens arrangement. This modification reportedly supports the creation of 3D images and videos, enhancing Apple’s Vision Pro capabilities.
Both non-Pro models are also anticipated to include the A18 3nm processor, the Action button seen in recent Apple devices, and a new “Capture” button aimed at simplifying zoom, focus, and capture controls within the camera application.
Concluding the leaks, all four iPhone 16 models are rumored to come with 8GB of RAM and will support Apple’s AI initiative, known as Apple Intelligence.
With Apple’s annual September event nearing, speculation about the iPhone 16 series is intensifying. Recently, a leak from China (via GSMArena) has revealed potential battery specifications for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models.
Battery Upgrades
The leak suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro will come with a 3,577mAh battery, which is about 9% larger than the iPhone 15 Pro’s 3,274mAh battery. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max may see a 5% increase, going from 4,441mAh in the iPhone 15 Pro Max to 4,676mAh.
Although these increases are not groundbreaking, they indicate Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing battery life. These slight capacity boosts, combined with improvements in chipset and display efficiency, could result in longer usage times for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users.
Charging Enhancements
The upcoming Pro models are also rumored to feature a charging upgrade. Both models are expected to support 40W wired charging, up from the current 27W. Wireless charging speeds could also improve, increasing from 15W to 20W with MagSafe.
It’s crucial to note that these are just leaks, and Apple has not confirmed any specifics about the iPhone 16 series. However, given the reliability of some leak sources, there is a possibility that this information is accurate.
Competitive Landscape
If these leaks are valid, iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users might benefit from slight improvements in battery life and a more efficient charging experience.
However, with some Android flagships already boasting significantly larger batteries and quicker charging options, Apple’s enhancements might not suffice to bridge the gap entirely. We’ll need to wait for the official reveal in September to understand fully what Apple has planned for its top-tier iPhones.
Apple is anticipated to unveil the iPhone 16 series in September. Recently, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disclosed that the iPhone 16 Pro might feature the tetraprism 5x telephoto module, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
5x Tetraprism Telephoto
The iPhone 16 Pro could see an enhancement in zoom capabilities with the addition of the tetraprism telephoto module. Last year, Apple introduced a periscope telephoto camera in the iPhone 15 series, but it was exclusive to the top-tier model. The iPhone 15 Pro retained the same 3x telephoto module as the previous model. The 5x periscope telephoto module in the iPhone 15 Pro Max includes a 1/3.06″ sensor, slightly larger than the 1/1.35″ sensor of the 3x telephoto, and supports 3D sensor-shift OIS. However, both the 5x periscope telephoto and the 3x telephoto feature a 12MP resolution.
Apple has partnered with two camera lens module manufacturers, Largan Precision and Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO), who are reportedly responsible for producing the lenses for the periscope telephoto module.
Potential for Better Zoom
If the latest reports are accurate, both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could be equipped with the tetraprism telephoto camera. There are also rumors about a resolution upgrade in the telephoto module of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This phone is expected to feature a 48MP larger (1/2.6″ compared to the 1/3.06″ from last year) image sensor for the tetraprism telephoto, potentially offering a longer zoom range than its predecessor.
According to a report, Apple’s tetraprism telephoto modules enable a larger aperture, allowing more light to reach the sensor. Consequently, the inclusion of a tetraprism camera in the Pro model might enhance its ability to capture better zoomed shots in low-light conditions.
Future Tech Enhancements
The next advancement in tetraprism technology is anticipated with the iPhone 19 series, which will feature additional prisms in the tetraprism module. This enhancement will increase the focal length and provide a longer zoom range.
Apple is anticipated to outfit both iPhone 16 Pro variants with a periscope lens, introducing 5x optical zoom to the standard Pro model for the first time.
Previously, this remarkable zoom capability was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, forcing users to decide between a smaller device or enhanced telephoto functionality. According to DigiTimes, this leak indicates that Apple is responding to user feedback and striving to deliver a uniform Pro camera experience across its range.
Production and Design Innovations
The report reveals that Apple has commenced production of periscope lens modules, collaborating with Largan Precision and Yujingguang.
The iPhone 16 Pro adopts a distinctive approach to its telephoto lens, featuring a “quadruple-reflection prism” design. This innovation results in a slimmer camera bump compared to rivals but comes with certain drawbacks. The additional light reflections within the lens cause some light loss, which could impact low-light telephoto performance. It remains uncertain if Apple has addressed this issue in the iPhone 16 series.
Enhanced Zoom Capabilities
While the iPhone 16 Pro garners attention for its new 5x zoom, rumors about the iPhone 16 Pro Max suggest an even more advanced telephoto camera. Speculation points to a “super telephoto” lens unique to the Pro Max, potentially offering superior zoom capabilities.
Additional Upgrades
In addition to camera enhancements, rumors hint at a potential design revamp for the iPhone 16 series. The camera layout might switch to a vertical arrangement, and the standard iPhone 16 and Plus models could adopt the “Action button” previously reserved for Pro models. Physical buttons may be replaced with touch-sensitive alternatives that offer haptic feedback for a more streamlined user experience.
Base models are expected to feature A18 chips, with the possibility of A18 Pro chips powering the Pro variants. On the software front, the iPhone 16 series will operate on the newly unveiled AI-powered iOS 18.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max already feature impressively thin bezels, but a new leak hints that Apple could make them even slimmer with the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models.
According to a Weibo user, the bezels on these new devices could be reduced by up to 40%, enhancing the screen-to-body ratio for an even more immersive experience.
Larger Displays
This rumor aligns with previous reports suggesting that Apple plans to equip the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max with larger displays, measuring 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches respectively.
The Weibo user, Setsuna Digital, claims that the iPhone 16 Pro Max could feature bezels as thin as 1.15mm, while the iPhone 16 Pro might have slightly thicker bezels at 1.20mm. Both measurements are still impressively thin, surpassing the minimal bezels currently seen on other smartphones.
Confirmation from Reliable Sources
Though Setsuna Digital is a relatively unknown tipster, the leak appears credible as the reliable leaker Ice Universe has confirmed that the iPhone 16 Pro will have bezels thinner than those on the Galaxy S24. Ice Universe even stated that it will have the “narrowest bezels in the world.”
The tipster also shared a mockup render of the phone, showcasing the incredibly thin bezels expected on the upcoming iPhone.
New Technology
While the specifics of how Apple will achieve this feat remain undisclosed, leaks suggest that the company may use a “Border Reduction Structure” technology to make it possible.
It’s still uncertain whether this new technology will result in a price increase for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, given the significant effort and resources likely required.
A recent rumor circulating from Weibo tipster Instant Digital suggests that the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro is poised to feature a more luminous display compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro. This leak indicates that the manual or typical peak brightness of the iPhone 16 Pro will reach 1200 nits, marking a 20% increase from the 1000 nits recorded for the iPhone 15 Pro.
Brighter Display on iPhone 16 Pro
The leak further suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro will boast 1600 nits of "excitation" brightness. This detail presents some confusion, as both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro already achieve up to 2000 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM). Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro is reported to hit 1600 nits of peak brightness when showcasing HDR content. Should this information hold true, the "excitation 1600 nit" specification might pertain to the maximum brightness while exhibiting HDR content, potentially indicating consistency in this aspect.
Potential Display Enhancements
While the iPhone 16 Pro is anticipated to elevate display brightness levels, questions linger regarding how this enhancement will manifest in comparison to its predecessors. The leak provides a glimpse into what users might expect in terms of visual performance, hinting at a more radiant viewing experience with the upcoming device. These rumored advancements could potentially set a new standard for display quality within the iPhone lineup, enticing consumers with the promise of enhanced clarity and vibrancy in their mobile viewing experiences.
