Some iPhone 16 features didn’t make it past the prototype stage.
Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup went through several different prototype stages, as is typically the case for new hardware projects. During these various development stages, the company sometimes makes significant design changes, altering the appearance of devices in the process.
In other situations, however, Apple can remove new hardware features. This can happen for a variety of reasons, depending on the situation in question. The company has to make sure that new hardware components adhere to its stringent quality-control standards, meaning that different designs and materials are often tested.