iPhone 16 schematics shared by leaker Majin Bu show a redesigned camera module, showing Apple allegedly plans to switch the base model to a vertical camera layout. This might seem like a relatively minor change, but the subtext is fascinating. Have you figured it out yet?
It’s all about supporting Apple Vision Pro.
This layout would allow iPhone 16 – when held horizontally – to capture spatial videos, a capability that’s currently exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro. Side-by-side lenses – as opposed to the diagonally oriented setup used for iPhones 13, 14, and 15 – would approximate human eyes, recording from both cameras at once to create an immersive three-dimensional effect that can be experienced using Apple’s new headset.
With Apple Vision Pro fresh on the market, Apple is clearly envisioning a future where spatial computing gathers popularity. A cheaper second-generation model would certainly help, and rumors expect something along those lines before too long. Immersive playback of spatial videos is a key selling point of the mixed reality headset, and if Apple can encourage more people to start capturing special memories as spatial video, it improves the appeal of Vision Pro.
Apple has always been about its ecosystem, with the synergy between its products one of the best parts of being an iPhone owner. From an opinion piece we wrote last year that argued spatial video is more than just a gimmick:
“Right now, Apple is thinking about the future rather than the present. It’s getting people to consider a format that can capture more of a moment and will give you joy in years to come when you revisit it. And much like higher-resolution snaps are more fulfilling than low-res JPEGs full of noise, and how Live Photos can evoke extra memories with their snippets of video and audio, the depth of spatial videos will add a richness to digital memories that will be more than welcome when they’re viewed a decade or more from today – assuming Apple ensures that you can do so.”
We reported previously that we weren’t expecting any major redesigns with the iPhone 16 lineup this year, and that remains true. More likely, we’ll see internal upgrades such as faster processors, improved modems, camera upgrades, and new display tech. That makes small changes like this reported camera module update even more significant, as it may be one of the few external changes we see in 2024.