iPhone 16 production to kick off in the coming weeks
Production for the highly anticipated iPhone 16 is set to commence in the coming weeks, with a sample production line already established in Chengdu, China, according to leaks from tipster Fixed Focus Digital.
Fresh leaks suggest that Apple is already in the early stages of development for its next flagship series, the iPhone 16, despite the recent launch of the iPhone 15 series.
iPhone 16 production to kick off in the coming weeks
According to information from tipster Fixed Focus Digital, reported by CNMO, Apple has established a sample production line in Chengdu, China. The leaked timeline indicates that domestic contract manufacturers could start producing engineering prototypes as early as December. Following this, supplier integration and debugging activities are expected to occur in March or April of the following year.
The iPhone 15 series, which is already available to consumers, has received a mixed reception. Some critics have pointed out the lack of significant innovation, reports of overheating problems, and concerns about limited changes compared to previous models. Apple is facing growing competition, especially in the software domain, as Android devices offer certain features that iOS does not. Consumers are looking for more from Apple.
However, the upcoming iPhone 16 series, slated for next year, holds the potential to reinvigorate Apple's reputation for innovation. This new lineup is expected to comprise four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. These upcoming models are anticipated to introduce substantial changes and enhancements.
As per earlier reports, the iPhone 16 is set to introduce a significant design innovation with its borderless design, aiming to reduce bezels and enhance the screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive viewing experience. Additionally, Apple is expected to employ new materials to make the phone lighter and thinner while improving durability and grip, potentially addressing overheating concerns seen in the previous model's use of Titanium.
On the technical front, tipster Mobile Chip Expert has provided insights into the upcoming iPhone 16's specifications. The base model is expected to feature the A17 chip using the N3E process, following Apple's recent introduction of the A17 Pro chip for its Pro models. This differentiation between Pro and standard chips could become a key aspect of Apple's future strategies.
Furthermore, the iPhone 16 is anticipated to incorporate thinner printed circuit boards (PCBs) made from RCC adhesive-backed copper foil, replacing the previous flexible copper substrate. This modification could result in a slimmer device and pave the way for hardware improvements, potentially including a larger screen for the Pro models.