Here is what you need to know: following the release of the iQOO 15 Ultra a couple of months ago, it appears that the company is already working behind the scenes on the iQOO 16. A new leak from the tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) reveals that the iQOO 16 has been registered in China ahead of schedule. This report comes just after a few days of This phone being reportedly spotted on the GSMA IMEI database, suggesting the iQOO 16 launch could be happening sooner than the iQOO 15.

For context, the iQOO 15 was officially unveiled in China on October 20th, 2025, while in the country, it made its debut on November 26th, 2025.

iQOO 16 to feature the next generation of Snapdragon premium-tier processor

An upgraded 2K Samsung display could be in tow

Apart from giving away the information that the iQOO 16 has been spotted on China’s database, DCS on Weibo also suggests that This product will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro processor. While Qualcomm is yet to reveal this chipset, which is not likely to happen until the Snapdragon summit in September this year, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro will likely succeed the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro is rumoured to be built on TSMC’s newest 2nm process and could feature a 2+3+3 CPU architecture, while the Adreno 850 GPU could tag along. For reference, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 present on the iQOO 15 and other flagships is equipped with a 2+6 CPU architecture, is built on a 3nm TSMC process, and is equipped with Adreno 840 GPU. The change in CPU structure and the upgraded fabrication process could translate to better raw performance and improved efficiency.

DCS’s post also suggests that the iQOO 15 may carry peripheral support. While the exact accessories or devices that will be supported haven’t been revealed, it’s safe to assume iQOO will be offering a wireless cooler and magnetic chargers, as we’ve seen before in the case of performance-oriented smartphones.

Apart from the chipset upgrade, the iQOO 16 may feature an improved flat 2K resolution display, which could once again be sourced from Samsung. Furthermore, an earlier leak suggests that the company is evaluating using either 165Hz or 185Hz refresh rate on the iQOO 16. Irrespective of what the company opts for, it’ll be a significant upgrade over the iQOO 15’s 144Hz refresh rate panel. iQOO 15 display (for representation)

That said, it should be noted that, like many recent high-refresh-rate phones such as the OnePlus 15 and 15R with their 165Hz displays, most everyday apps are still limited to 120Hz. Unless apps are specifically optimised to run natively at the higher refresh rates, people can only take full advantage of the 165Hz panel in supported games.

Given the upgraded premium-tier processor, a 2K panel with up to 185Hz refresh rate, and possibly a bigger battery over the iQOO 15, the iQOO 16 could shape up to be an impressive smartphone, not just for performance enthusiasts, but also for people seeking top-notch premium-tier specifications.