The iPhone 16 series is finally here, and it includes a brand-new Camera Control button. Here’s how it works and what it can do.
During Apple’s Glowtime event on Monday, they introduced this new hardware button, which is available on all iPhone 16 models. The Camera Control button is located on the bottom right, just below the power button.
Unlike other buttons on the iPhone 16, the Camera Control button has special touch and pressure-sensing features. It’s slightly recessed, so it doesn’t stick out from the phone like other buttons.
The button has a smooth sapphire crystal surface and is surrounded by a stainless steel ring.
The sapphire crystal surface, along with a conductive layer and a touch sensor, lets the button recognize gestures. A force sensor can detect different pressure levels, while a tactile switch gives the usual click feel. The button also provides haptic feedback through the iPhone’s Taptic Engine.
As the name suggests, the Camera Control button offers new ways to take photos and videos. It works in both horizontal and vertical modes. The button can recognize different gestures and presses:
- Single click: Opens the Camera app or a compatible third-party app.
- Single click (in Camera app): Takes a photo.
- Click and hold: Opens the Camera app and starts recording a video.
- Light press: Locks focus and exposure on a subject (coming in fall 2024).
- Double light press: Opens a simple camera preview menu to adjust settings like exposure or depth of field.
- Swipe on the button: Adjusts settings like zoom, exposure, or depth of field.
With the new Visual Intelligence feature, users can hold the Camera Control button while pointing their iPhone at an object or location to get information. For example, you can point at a restaurant to see its ratings or hours, add a calendar event from a flyer, or identify a dog’s breed.
The Camera Control will also allow users to search for things using Google or ChatGPT in the same way. This makes it easy to find an item you want to buy, for example.
Developers of third-party apps like Snapchat will also be able to use the Camera Control button. According to Apple, apps like Kino will allow users to adjust white balance and set focus points, but these features won’t be available until fall 2024.
Users will be able to customize settings for the Camera Control button, like the sensitivity of light presses and the speed of double presses. The button will also work with Apple’s new cases for the iPhone 16 lineup.
Besides the Camera Control button, the iPhone 16 series includes other upgrades. The base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus now have the Action button, a new vertical camera layout for Spatial Video, and the A18 chip, which powers Apple Intelligence features.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have larger displays at 6.3 and 6.9 inches, the A18 Pro chip, and improved cameras, along with the Camera Control button. Apple also introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and updates to AirPods Max during the Glowtime event.