It’s Time for the Regular iPhone to Shine: Move Over, Pros

In recent years, Apple has taken a clear approach to its iPhone lineup: push customers toward the Pro models. With each passing year, the gap between the regular iPhone and the iPhone Pro has grown wider, as Apple reserves the latest and most powerful features for its premium devices. But if the latest rumors are to be believed, 2024 might be the year the regular iPhone gets its time in the spotlight — and it’s about time, too.

The Power Divide: Bionic Chipsets and Apple Intelligence

One of the biggest differentiators in recent iPhone generations has been the chipset. Apple’s decision to equip only the Pro models with the latest Bionic chipset in the past few years hasn’t just made the Pro models more powerful; it has also limited the regular iPhone’s ability to take advantage of certain software features over time. A key example is Apple Intelligence — the machine-learning tech that’s available on the iPhone 15 Pro models but absent from the regular iPhone.

However, this year’s iPhone 16 series might mark a shift in that trend. Rumors suggest that the entire iPhone 16 lineup will be powered by the new A18 chipset. While it’s likely that the Pro models will get the more powerful version of the chip, this could still be a huge win for the regular iPhone, as it may finally gain access to the Apple Intelligence features. This could potentially level the playing field and offer users a more consistent experience across the iPhone 16 series.

More Buttons, More Functionality

The regular iPhone could also be in for a functional upgrade with the introduction of two new buttons. First, the Action Button, which was exclusive to last year’s Pro models, could make its way to the entire iPhone 16 series. The Action Button is highly customizable, allowing users to quickly access frequently used functions like the camera, flashlight, or Focus modes. For many, it’s a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement that could enhance the user experience.

Additionally, rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 may introduce a new capture button, which would likely act as a dedicated shutter button for photos and videos. While it’s unclear whether this will be a Pro-only feature, there’s no reason why regular iPhone users shouldn’t benefit from it, too. After all, you don’t have to be a professional photographer to appreciate the convenience of a physical button for snapping photos.

A More Balanced iPhone Lineup

For the first time in years, the iPhone 16 series might narrow the gap between the regular and Pro models, bringing a little more balance back to the lineup. This shift could give regular iPhone users access to more advanced features without feeling pressured to upgrade to a Pro model. However, one area where Apple still lags behind is in its display technology. The regular iPhone continues to feature a 60Hz display, even as budget Android phones offer smoother 120Hz refresh rates.

At a starting price of around ₹66,000, it feels outdated for Apple to stick with a 60Hz display in 2024. It’s one of the last remaining areas where the regular iPhone doesn’t quite measure up to its Android competitors, and it would be great to see Apple address this in the future.

Dreaming of the Mini?

There’s no doubt that the iPhone 16 lineup has the potential to shake things up and bring a much-needed boost to the regular iPhone. However, for some of us, there’s still one missing piece: the iPhone Mini. The compact design of the Mini was beloved by many, and its absence from recent iPhone launches has left a void. If Apple were to bring back the Mini alongside these rumored improvements, it would be a dream come true for fans of smaller smartphones.

Until then, the potential upgrades to the regular iPhone in 2024 offer plenty of reasons to be excited. If Apple delivers on these rumors, it could make the regular iPhone feel less like a compromise and more like a powerful, feature-rich device in its own right. Here’s hoping we see a more balanced iPhone lineup this year — one that gives regular users a reason to shine.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for the latest updates on the iPhone 16 series and more!