According to leaked CAD files published by noted tipster Majin Bu, Apple appears to have finalized the design for its upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. The new design features a vertically stacked rear camera array, a departure from the previous diagonal lens arrangement.
This vertical camera orientation is an intentional move by Apple to optimize the iPhone 16 for its new mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. With the camera lenses aligned vertically, they mimic a stereoscopic "digital eye" setup when the iPhone is held horizontally for video recording.
The Apple Vision Pro supports spatial video playback, which offers a 3D viewing experience. While the current iPhone 15 Pro already enables stereoscopic recording with its vertically aligned dual cameras, the new design extends this capability to Apple's mainstream iPhone 16 lineup.
Beyond enhancing the spatial video experience, the leaked CAD files reveal a few other design details. The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to retain a protruding camera bump while increasing the display size from 6.12 inches to 6.3 inches.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 series may introduce a new "capture button" as a second programmable button alongside the existing action button from the iPhone 15 Pro. While some speculated it could be a capacitive button, the CAD files suggest Apple will opt for a physical capture button.
As Apple continues its push into mixed reality and immersive experiences with the Vision Pro headset, seamlessly creating spatial video content on iPhones becomes a key priority. The new vertically-stacked camera design for the iPhone 16 directly caters to this goal, positioning iPhones as optimal capture devices within Apple's expanding ecosystem.
While the Apple Vision Pro remains a high-end, niche product for now, Apple likely expects the technology to become more mainstream over time. By future-proofing iPhones for spatial video, the company is laying the groundwork for a future where capturing and reliving memories in virtual spaces could become commonplace for its user base.