Apple reportedly plans a larger display for the iPhone 16 Pro family while keeping the refresh rate steady on licensed models
A recent post on X from an insider has sparked discussion about Apple’s display strategy for the next generation of iPhones. The claim suggests that the flagship iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feature bigger screens, with diagonal measurements around 6.27 inches and 6.86 inches respectively. By comparison, the current iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max measure about 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches. Earlier chatter from multiple insiders hinted at a possible expansion in screen real estate, and some of those rumors focused on a larger, ultra-premium variant that could be labeled iPhone 16 Ultra. The conversation surrounding these changes reflects Apple’s ongoing balance between hardware upgrades and the overall design language that has defined the Pro lineup for several generations. [Citation: insider posts on X]
In addition to the Pro models, there is mention of adjustments to the base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. These mid-range models are expected to retain the current display sizes of about 6.12 inches for the standard and 6.69 inches for the Plus. The reports also indicate that these base devices will continue to use LTPS display panels with a 60 Hz refresh rate. If confirmed, the new generation would lag behind many budget and mid-range rivals that currently offer 90 Hz to 120 Hz screen smoothness, affecting perceived fluidity in scrolling and animations. Apple’s strategy here appears to prioritize other performance or efficiency gains alongside the display, rather than pushing a higher refresh rate across the entire line. [Citation: rumor ecosystem, tech analyst notes]
Another element in the rumors is the potential introduction of an action button across the next generation of licensed iPhones, with the feature reportedly reserved for Pro models in the current lineup. This aligns with Apple’s trend of integrating physical controls for quick access to functions, while keeping the non-Pro models simpler. The presence of an action button could influence how users interact with camera modes, accessibility features, or system shortcuts, depending on software customization and the final hardware configuration. [Citation: industry leaks]
Beyond Apple, the information landscape for upcoming smartphones often includes brief mentions of other brands experiencing launches in parallel. For example, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note line has seen recent updates in memory configurations such as a 12/256 GB variant, illustrating the broader market context in which Apple operates. These notes serve to frame consumer expectations around pricing, storage options, and feature sets across competing devices, even as Apple maintains its own distinctive approach to hardware and ecosystem integration. [Citation: market coverage]
Overall, these circulating details paint a picture of a year where Apple may expand display size on its premium models while preserving a familiar refresh rhythm on base models. The decision could reflect a strategy to maximize visual impact and element balance on larger Pro devices, while still delivering efficiency and battery life with LTPS technology on the lower-priced lines. For buyers, the practical implications include evaluating whether a larger display affects one-handed usability, weight, and pocketability, alongside the trade-offs of sticking with 60 Hz versus adopting higher refresh rates. As rumors evolve, readers are encouraged to watch for official specifications and independent reviews that verify the real-world experience of the iPhone 16 Pro family. [Citation: official announcements when available]