When Will Apple Release the iPhone 16?

We’re a long way away from Apple’s iPhone 16 announcement, but if you’re waiting for the 2024 iPhones, here’s what you can expect from the release date.

Apple’s iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be replaced by new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models later this year.

The 2024 iPhones reportedly have several upgrades on board including a new button, several camera improvements, and new processors.

There are some great reasons to wait for the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro though you’ll have to wait months for the devices to hit shelves.

If you’re determined to wait, or if you’re simply debating it, you’re probably curious about the release date.

Those in tune with Apple’s annual iPhone launch probably have a good idea already, but if you’re new to this, or you simply need a reminder, you’re in the right place.

Nothing is confirmed, but you can expect the iPhone 16 release date to land in the fall. Apple typically uses the month of September to launch its flagship iPhone models.

Digging a little deeper, we can help you set expectations regarding the iPhone 16’s release date, release time, and the pre-order date.

Here’s when Apple announced its last three flagship iPhone models:

• iPhone 15 & 15 Pro: Announced Tuesday, September 12th
• iPhone 14 & 14 Pro: Announced Wednesday, September 7th
• iPhone 13 & 13 Pro: Announced Tuesday, September 14th

Looking ahead at the calendar, and given Apple’s history, the most likely dates for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro announcement date are as follows.

iPhone 16 Announcement Date

• Monday, September 9th
• Tuesday, September 10th
• Monday, September 16th
• Tuesday, September 17th

Apple typically puts new iPhones up for pre-order at 5AM Pacific on the Friday following the announcement which means September 13th and September 20th are logical dates for the start of iPhone 16 pre-orders.

The company’s iPhone pre-order period always extends for a week. So if those dates hold up, the iPhone 16 release date would land on one of two dates.

iPhone 16 Release Date

• Friday, September 20th
• Friday, September 27th

We realize nothing is set in stone, and Apple could stray from its release protocol, but this is simply an effort to set proper expectations for prospective iPhone 16 buyers.

If you’re considering a move to a flagship iPhone in 2024, keep these dates in mind as we cruise though the year.

Wait for Design Improvements

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After the iPhone 15 launched, users started complaining about overheating issues. Apple eventually fixed them with a software update, but it looks like the company might make some upgrades to the iPhone 16 to reduce overheating. According to leaker Kosutami, Apple may introduce a new graphene thermal system on board the iPhone 16.  The leaker also says the company may also switch to a metal shell for the battery of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max to help prevent overheating issues.  The leaker has released an image that showcases the redesigned battery on a prototype.  The device in question currently features the rumored glossy metal shell and a 3355 mAh capacity battery. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274 mAh battery. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman also believes the iPhone 16 will get a new capture button for shooting videos.  The Information says the button is mechanical, not capacitive, and it will respond to pressure and touch.  The site claims iPhone 16 users will be able to zoom the camera in and out by swiping left, and right, on the button. Users will also be able to activate video recording with a hard press and focus using a light press. Leaker Instant Digital corroborates this and adds that a light press on the button will let users adjust the camera's focus. CAD images from 91Mobiles show off what this button, and the overall iPhone 16 Pro design, could look like.  A report from MacRumors also outlines a potential design change to the base iPhone 16's design. Apple is apparently testing a slimmer camera bump with a pill-shaped design language. We expect the iPhone 16 to look a lot like the iPhone 15, and the images appear to confirm this, but these changes would give the new models a bit of an edge over their predecessors. There's also chatter about improved titanium technology on board the iPhone 16 Pro models. Apple reportedly plans to use a method that "improves the previous titanium processing and color processing" which could in turn lead to a more glossy material.

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