Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Foresees Revolutionary AI Features in iPhone 16 Amid Rising Generative AI Trend

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In a recent post, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that, given the skyrocketing popularity of Generative AI (AIGC) in 2023, it’s not hard to foresee Apple introducing innovative features related to this technology in the iPhone 16. The critical question is whether there’s evidence to support this forecast. Kuo points out that Apple’s reorganization of its Siri team in the third quarter of this year aimed to integrate AIGC functionalities and large language models (LLMs).

Kuo states that voice input will be a key interface for AI, and therefore, enhancing both software and hardware capabilities of Siri is crucial for promoting AIGC. His latest research indicates that all iPhone 16 models will undergo significant microphone upgrades, including improved waterproofing and a better signal-to-noise ratio, key specifications that will enhance the Siri user experience. Kuo believes these upgrades could be evidence of Apple’s plan to feature Siri, integrated with more AI capabilities, as a major selling point of the iPhone 16. He also anticipates significant revenue and profit benefits for companies like AAC Technologies and Goertek due to these microphone upgrades, lending credibility to market rumors.

Apart from Kuo, well-known Apple leaker Mark Gurman also reveals that next year’s release of iOS 18 and other operating systems will be more crucial than ever. Gurman writes, “Amid this year’s AIGC craze, Apple is racing to catch up with Google and OpenAI, with iOS 18 set to bring this technology to the iPhone.”

Additionally, Jeff Pu, an analyst at Haitong International Securities studying Apple’s supply chain, believes Apple plans to integrate AIGC technology into iPhones and iPads as early as the end of 2024.

In October this year, Apple released the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips for personal computers, featuring enhanced neural network engines for accelerating powerful machine learning (ML) models.

Regarding the upcoming iPhone 16, there’s already substantial buzz. Sources reveal that the iPhone 16 series will feature larger screens, with the iPhone 16/Pro increasing to 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Plus/Max to 6.9 inches. The larger size will also mean increased length, thickness, width, and weight.

On the screen front, South Korean media The Elec reports that Apple has asked Samsung and LG for upgraded micro-lens technology solutions. Samsung is reportedly developing a new OLED material set specifically for Apple, aiming for more energy-efficient results. As for the standard model’s refresh rate, it will remain at 60Hz, according to supply chain insiders.

In the highly anticipated chip department, initial leaks suggested the standard iPhone 16 would feature the A17/Pro chip, while the Pro models would sport the A18 Pro chip. However, more recent information indicates that the entire iPhone 16 series may use the A18/Pro chip. For instance, Jeff Pu’s report suggests that the A17 Pro is a transitional design, with all iPhone 16 models likely to adopt the A18 chip.

Regarding modems, the iPhone 16 series is expected to continue using Qualcomm Snapdragon modems. Current leaks indicate that the standard models will use the X70 modem, while the Pro models will be equipped with the more advanced Snapdragon X75 modem. Officially, the X75 offers simpler manufacturing, with some components occupying 25% less physical space than the X70, and combining mmWave/Sub-6 on a single chip, offering up to 20% more energy efficiency.

For heat dissipation, a notable issue even in the recently launched iPhone 15 series, renowned Apple product leaker Kosutami tweeted that Apple plans to use graphene for cooling in the iPhone 16 series, potentially addressing overheating concerns.

In terms of cameras, Kuo has stated that the iPhone 16 series will adopt a stacked rear camera sensor design across the product line. However, Apple will continue to focus image improvements mainly on the Pro models. For instance, the 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, will be extended to the iPhone 16 Pro.

Netizens have mixed reactions to the latest leaks about the iPhone 16: “It seems Apple has yet to find a new designer after the departure of its previous one,” “If Apple continues like this without any major highlights, it will eventually be abandoned by the market and consumers,” “The screen size seems to have undergone a noticeable change,” “Has the signal issue been resolved?” “Nothing much seems to have changed,” “Apple is determined to exhaust its legacy without heeding the criticisms,” “Hopefully, it’s not just another incremental upgrade…”