As we approach September, speculation around the release of the highly anticipated Smartphone 16 is gaining momentum. While the exact launch date remains uncertain, looking at previous models provides some insight. Here’s a brief rundown of recent announcements:
- Smartphone 11: 10th September, 2019
- Smartphone 12: 13th October, 2020
- Smartphone 13: 14th September, 2021
- Smartphone 14: 7th September, 2022
- Smartphone 15: 12th September, 2023
Excluding the delayed release of the Smartphone 12 due to the global pandemic, all recent models have launched in early to mid-September. Given this pattern, the week commencing 9th September 2024 seems a likely candidate for the Smartphone 16’s unveiling.
Potential Pricing for Smartphone 16
Although it’s too early for official pricing, we can estimate based on the Smartphone 15 series:
- Smartphone 15: £799 / $799 / AU$1499 (128GB); £899 / $899 / AU$1699 (256GB); £1099 / $1099 / AU$2049 (512GB)
- Smartphone 15 Plus: £899 / $899 / AU$1649 (128GB); £999 / $999 / AU$1849 (256GB); £1199 / $1199 / AU$2199 (512GB)
- Smartphone 15 Pro: £999 / $999 / AU$1849 (128GB); £1099 / $1099 / AU$2049 (256GB); £1299 / $1299 / AU$2399 (512GB); £1499 / $1499 / AU$2749 (1TB)
- Smartphone 15 Pro Max: £1199 / $1199 / AU$2199 (256GB); £1399 / $1399 / AU$2549 (512GB); £1599 / $1599 / AU$2899 (1TB)
Despite rising costs and significant improvements, the Smartphone 15 prices were slightly lower than expected. With ongoing rumors suggesting larger screens and enhanced features, there’s a possibility of a price increase for the Smartphone 16. However, any hike would likely be modest to avoid alienating potential buyers. The competitive pricing of the Samsung Galaxy S24 further suggests that the Smartphone 16 could remain within a similar price range.
Expected Features and Screen Sizes for Smartphone 16
One of the most talked-about features for the Smartphone 16 lineup is the potential change in screen sizes. If rumors are accurate, the Smartphone 16 Pro and Pro Max could feature slightly larger displays compared to their predecessors.
- Smartphone 16 Pro: Expected to increase from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches.
- Smartphone 16 Pro Max: Expected to grow from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches.
These changes, as predicted by display analyst Ross Young and echoed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, would mark the first size adjustment for the Pro models since 2020. Meanwhile, the standard Smartphone 16 and 16 Plus are expected to retain their 6.1- and 6.7-inch displays, respectively.
In summary, the Smartphone 16 series is shaping up to be an exciting release with potential upgrades in both pricing and features. Keep an eye out for official announcements in early September, and prepare for a slightly larger Pro series that could offer the biggest screens yet in this line of smartphones.