Highlights
- iPhone 16 Pro adopts the iPhone 15 Pro’s smaller Action button design.
- Initial prototypes featured a unified volume button and a compact Action button.
- Later designs experimented with separate volume buttons and a capacitive Action button.
- Recent “Proto2” design shift suggests a possible change in Apple’s capacitive button strategy.
Apple’s ongoing development of the iPhone 16 Pro has seen further design evolutions, especially concerning the Action button, as reported by MacRumors.
The latest prototype, known as “Proto2”, indicates that Apple is aligning the design of the iPhone 16 Pro’s Action button more closely with that of the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro’s Action Button

The initial prototypes of the iPhone 16 Pro, part of the now-defunct Project Bongo, experimented with a combined volume button and a smaller multi-purpose Action button on the left side, alongside a power button on the right.
Project Bongo’s aim was to introduce haptic buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro, but due to unsatisfactory testing outcomes and high failure rates, the project was scrapped.
However, elements of this design made their way into the early stages of the iPhone 16 Pro.
Subsequent prototype iterations maintained the unified volume button but introduced a larger Action button, comparable in size to the volume buttons, and added a “Capture button” below the power button on the right.
Later iterations shifted away from the unified volume button concept, opting for separate volume buttons.
These models planned to include a capacitive Action button and Capture button, both flush with the phone’s frame and incorporating force sensor technology.
Recent Design Shifts in “Proto2”

The latest “Proto2” prototype has reverted to a smaller Action button, similar to the one on the iPhone 15 Pro.
This shift away from the larger, flush button design suggests a possible cancellation or delay in the development of a capacitive Action button for future iPhone models.
Design Fluidity

It’s important to keep in mind that Apple’s designs are subject to change, and what we’re seeing in current prototypes might not necessarily be indicative of the final design of the iPhone 16 Pro.
These ongoing alterations reflect Apple’s commitment to refining and perfecting its flagship devices.
APPLE IPHONE 16 PRO SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
RAM | 6 GB |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic |
Rear Camera | 13 MP + 13 MP + 13 MP |
Front Camera | 13 MP |
Battery | 4700 mAh |
Display | 6.25 inches (15.88 cm) |
General
Launch Date | October 26, 2023 (Unofficial) |
Operating System | iOS v16 |
Performance
Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic |
CPU | Hexa Core (3.464 GHz, Dual core, Everest + 2.02 GHz, Quad core, Sawtooth) |
Architecture | 64 bit |
Fabrication | 4 nm |
Graphics | Apple GPU (Five-core graphics) |
RAM | 6 GB |
Display
Display Type | OLED |
Screen Size | 6.25 inches (15.88 cm) |
Resolution | 1189 x 2546 pixels |
Pixel Density | 450 ppi |
Bezel-less display | Yes |
Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
Camera
MAIN CAMERA | ||
Camera Setup | Triple | |
Resolution | 13 MP, Primary Camera 13 MP 13 MP |
|
Autofocus | Yes | |
Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
Image Resolution | 4128 x 3096 Pixels | |
Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection |
|
Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
FRONT CAMERA | ||
Camera Setup | Single | |
Resolution | 13 MP, Primary Camera | |
Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps |
Battery
Capacity | 4700 mAh |
Type | Li-Polymer |
Removable | No |
Quick Charging | Yes, Fast |
USB Type-C | No |
Storage
Internal Memory | 128 GB |
Expandable Memory | No |
Network & Connectivity
SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM |
Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
VoLTE | Yes |
SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) |
Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
Bluetooth | Yes, v5.3 |
GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Multimedia
Loudspeaker | Yes |
Audio Jack | Lightning |
Sensors
Fingerprint Sensor | No |
Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
FAQs
What are the key design changes in the latest iPhone 16 Pro prototype?
The latest “Proto2” prototype of the iPhone 16 Pro shows a design shift, adopting a smaller Action button akin to that of the iPhone 15 Pro.
This contrasts with earlier prototypes that experimented with different sizes and placements for the Action button.
How did the iPhone 16 Pro’s Action button design evolve from initial prototypes?
Early prototypes of the iPhone 16 Pro included a unified volume button and a smaller multi-purpose Action button.
This design was part of the discontinued Project Bongo, which initially aimed to bring haptic buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro.
What was the purpose of Apple’s Project Bongo and how did it influence the iPhone 16 Pro’s design?
Project Bongo was an attempt to introduce haptic buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro. Although the project was canceled, its design elements, particularly the unified volume button, influenced early versions of the iPhone 16 Pro.
What does the “Proto2” prototype indicate about the future of the iPhone 16 Pro’s design?
The “Proto2” prototype suggests that Apple may be moving away from the idea of a capacitive Action button, as it features a smaller, more traditional Action button similar to the iPhone 15 Pro.
What are the rumoured screen sizes for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 rumours suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro might feature a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max could come with a 6.9-inch screen.
These would be an increase from the current 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, respectively.
How might the iPhone 16 Pro series improve battery and thermal performance?
The iPhone 16 Pro series is rumoured to introduce a new metal shell battery, a departure from traditional foil coverings. Additionally, there are talks of incorporating a graphene thermal system to enhance heat dissipation and improve the device’s overall performance.
What camera upgrades are expected in the iPhone 16 Pro series?
Among the iPhone 16 rumours, the Pro model is expected to inherit the 5x zoom tetraprism camera from the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max might feature a periscope ultra-long telephoto camera. Both models are also rumoured to include new Sony sensors for better low-light photography.
Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro Series: All the Latest Rumours and Expected Features
Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro Series to Also Feature Tetraprism Periscope Lens Technology: Report
Also Read: Leaked iPhone 16 Pro Battery Specs Suggest Notable Enhancements