Do you play games on your mobile? Across the world, mobile gaming is becoming extremely popular. In some places, it is even outstripping console and PC gaming as the preferred method. Apple, never one to miss out on current trends, is reputedly aiming its new iPhone 16 at the gaming market. But what exactly is it going to provide? Below, we delve into what the iPhone 16 will bring to the table for gamers.
Current Issues With the iPhone
Many people may say that we have heard this all before from Apple. The iPhone 15 pro max was supposed to be a gaming experience that, according to the company, would rival a console experience. Doing this on a phone was a bold statement, especially considering the size needed to run a PlayStation 5.
Setting the bar this high would always leave people somewhat disappointed, particularly when most of the games that Apple is trying to promote are ports from existing console titles. This means people who have played the originals are always going to be disappointed. The graphical quality running at 30 fps is a downgrade. This is on a device that uses the most powerful phone chip available.
So far, the only people who have benefited from this have been the casual gaming market. The online casino industry has always improved its games according to the limitations of technology. As mobile devices have improved, the graphics and playability of their slots and table games have moved with it. Yet even now, the quality of these games is beginning to outstrip the limitations of mobile devices with live-streaming casinos and enhanced visibility. In short, Apple needs to up its game quickly or lose the markets it already has, before looking to attract new ones.
All of this is on top of the issues that mobile devices will always have. These are generally a decent, usable, and ergonomic way to control the game. Second to this is the audio output, due to the lack of a substantial speaker. If Apple wants to provide a console experience, it has more to overcome than just processing power.
What Does the iPhone 16 Need?
There are a few features the iPhone 16 must-have. At the very least, they must be upgraded from the iPhone 15 Pro Max to stand any chance of being a viable solution.
Increased RAM
For a mobile phone, the level of RAM in an iPhone is top rate, at 8GB. IOS has also been improved so that it is very efficient in terms of its RAM usage, leaving plenty for gaming. Yet if they want to go for a console experience, it just isn’t enough.
12GB would be the least required. This would allow players to perform multiple tasks and switch between apps and games effortlessly. However, if they wanted to compete with consoles then 16GB would allow them the more optimum rates.
Better refresh rates
Refresh rates are crucial if Apple wants to capture the vital esports market, with games like Call of Duty and Valorant. Its newer models have a fairly standard 60Hx refresh rate, though they need 120HZ. Most of the Android models have better refresh rates than iPhones so this needs to be addressed.
Improved cooling system
When you pack that much processing power into a small space, you are bound to create some heat. Thus, the iPhone needs to be cooled.
The problem is that they often don’t have the spaces for fans that PCs and consoles have. Current models use heat-dissipating materials, but adding vapor chambers would be one way to keep the phone cool when in operation.
What do we Know About the iPhone 16 so far?
So far, there is very little we know about the iPhone 16. Like most of their developments, Apple is remaining tight-lipped. However, there have been a few leaks that have pointed out the gaming capabilities of the device.
The first of these has been the new A18 chips used in the device. There are two types, known as the Bionic and Pro. The Bionic is expected to be in the standard model, while the Pro chip will be in the Pro and Pro Max handset models. Both chips are touted as providing enhancements to power draws and stability. It also hinted that the A18 will be operating much more quickly than the current A17 crop.
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is also predicted to be up to 30% faster. This would certainly rectify some of the above issues, bringing it more in line with consoles and PC gaming than previous efforts.
It is worth noting that all of this was from a leak on the Chinese site Weibo. Therefore, it could be entirely fabricated. However, with the Apple sites being located in the country, and since being deleted, it does lend them some credibility.
Another change that is expected is the size of the device. The Pro model is expected to increase to 6.3 inches, with the Pro Max to 6.9. This has been the first time the size of Apple’s devices will have changed for a long time, though other models will stay the standard size. This could rectify some of the issues with controls and provide more space for additional, on-screen options.
How will it be received?
It is hard to say yet how the device will be received. Apple is chasing the burgeoning mobile gaming market. Yet these are often in developing nations and areas, where people choose a mobile device as their primary entertainment method due to cost above anything else. With price tags upwards of $1000, it is hard to see who will be able to afford this in the current gaming climate.
Even with these changes, the device may still find itself struggling to keep up with consoles and PCs and may be way off the standard dedicated gamers desire. Perhaps Apple may have to change tact, and instead of porting existing games, focus on developing its casual gaming market.