Apple’s iPhone 16 gets a new button on the side for camera control
When Apple revealed all the details of its upcoming iPhone 16 line this week, one of the biggest physical changes was a new one-click button on the side of the phone for camera controls. The announcement came during Apple’s annual September device event on Monday morning at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. You can read all about what Apple announced for its new iPhones (and colors), Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 over on CNET.
The camera control button is a new feature coming to the iPhone 16, as is the ability to shoot spatial photos and video. The indented button sits flush with the phone’s surface and resembles a side-mounted fingerprint reader, but it launches the camera. You can also use it to access Visual Intelligence features powered by Apple Silicon.
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More from the Apple event
“The camera controls provide direct, easy access to the camera with just one click, allowing you to adjust various camera functions with a simple slide of your finger,” Apple said during the event. “The intuitive design ensures that it’s always within reach.”
In a demo of the camera control button, Apple showed how a single click launches the camera, with another click taking a photo. Holding the button down starts recording video, and lightly pressing the button reveals “an all-new, clean preview that dissolves all other UI elements so you can focus on framing your shot,” according to Apple.
The camera control button is flush with the side of the iPhone 16.
A light press of the button can also bring up an overlay for camera functions. Press lightly twice and you can zoom. Sliding your finger over the camera control button brings up other controls that you can adjust, such as depth of field.
Apps like Snapchat also give you the ability to quickly take and share photos using the camera control button.
The button features a “high-precision force sensor,” provides haptic feedback, and contains a capacitive multi-pixel sensor and signal processor.
Visual intelligence functions via camera control button
The new camera control button on iPhone 16 also gives you access to Apple’s Visual Intelligence features, including using your phone as a sort of mixed reality handset. For example, if you see a restaurant while you’re walking by, you can hold up your phone and click and hold the camera control button to pull up information like hours, reviews, menus, and reservations.
Another example that Apple used was if you see a flyer for an event, you can click the button and add the event to your calendar. It will automatically fill in the event title, time, date, and location.
“And then there’s that cute little puppy you see at the park. What kind of dog is that? Click, and now you know,” Apple added. “All of this happens privately using a combination of on-device intelligence and Apple services that never store your images.”
You can also use third-party apps and tools like Google Search if you see a car or bike you want to know the price of, or ChatGPT to ask questions to the artificial intelligence chatbot on the go.
The iPhone 16 will be available for purchase from September 20.
Want to pre-order the latest Apple devices? We’ve rounded up the best launch deals for the iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 for you.
Identify dog breeds on the go? The iPhone 16’s camera control button can do it.
