iPhone 16 Series Upgrades Limited, iPhone 17 to be the Real Game-Changer?

iPhone 16 Series Upgrades Limited, iPhone 17 to be the Real Game-Changer?JeffPu, a securities analyst at Haitong International Securities, recently released an investment note suggesting that the iPhone 16 series will see limited upgrades, primarily differentiating through slightly larger screens on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. While JeffPu believes Apple Intelligence will drive some users to upgrade to the iPhone 16 series, the impetus might not be particularly strong

iPhone 16 Series Upgrades Limited, iPhone 17 to be the Real Game-Changer?

JeffPu, a securities analyst at Haitong International Securities, recently released an investment note suggesting that the iPhone 16 series will see limited upgrades, primarily differentiating through slightly larger screens on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. While JeffPu believes Apple Intelligence will drive some users to upgrade to the iPhone 16 series, the impetus might not be particularly strong.

According to tech media 9to5Mac, leaks for the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro series reveal the following:

• iPhone 16 and 16 Plus:

• Featuring a new rear camera layout for shooting spatial videos with Apple Vision Pro.

• Action button will appear on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.

• All models will sport the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM (Pro models will have a more powerful version).

• iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max:

• Equipped with larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays.

• Support for Wi-Fi 7.

• iPhone 16 Pro will feature a periscope lens with 5x zoom.

• iPhone 16 Pro models will come with a new 48MP ultrawide lens.

• iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will introduce a dedicated camera control button.

In contrast, sources indicate that Apple is brewing a completely new design, likely to be unveiled with the iPhone 17 series, along with significant upgrades in specifications:

• iPhone 17 Series:

• A fresh and redesigned look.

• All models will be equipped with a 24MP front camera sensor.

• A new 48MP periscope lens will be featured, providing enhanced optical zoom for the iPhone 17 Pro series.

• A narrower Dynamic Island, at least on the iPhone 17 Pro series.

• iPhone 17 Pro series models will boast 12GB of RAM.

JeffPu believes that besides these upgrades in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series, two additional factors will drive Apple users to upgrade, boosting iPhone sales in 2025/2026:

• Upgrade Cycle: iPhone 12 users will soon be looking to replace their devices. The iPhone 12 was considered a supercycle due to major upgrades including its new design, 5G, and MagSafe. Research shows that most users hold on to their iPhones for a maximum of 3 years before purchasing a new one. As the iPhone 12 starts showing signs of aging, users of this model are likely to consider upgrading next year.

• The New iPhone 17 Slim/Air: Apple will introduce a brand-new iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air, replacing the iPhone 17 Plus, bridging the gap between the base model and the iPhone 17 Pro. This new iPhone 17 model is expected to feature a new, slimmer design. JeffPu believes the novelty factor will entice many to buy the iPhone 17 Slim.

Overall, the iPhone 16 series' limited upgrade might not be enough to attract most users to upgrade. On the other hand, the iPhone 17 series' fresh design, upgraded specifications, and the new iPhone 17 Slim/Air model will be the primary upgrade drivers for the next two years, potentially leading to a wave of device replacements.