In 2024, Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models, both featuring the new Action button that was first seen on the iPhone 15 Pro. This button allows for customizable shortcuts, making it easier for users to access certain functions such as ordering coffee. Additionally, Apple has added a Camera Control button, which serves as a shortcut key for the camera and allows users to adjust photo settings. However, some users find the placement of this button to be awkward and not ideal for taking photos.
The Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models is not a traditional shutter button found on dedicated cameras, but rather a combination button/slider similar to those found on some Android phones. It can open the camera, take photos, record videos, and access various camera utilities. Users can also swipe through different photographic styles and adjust settings. While the button has its usefulness, some features that are commonly found on dedicated cameras, such as locking focus and exposure, are missing from the iPhone 16.
The placement of the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models is not ideal for one-handed use, as it can be easily activated accidentally. The button is flush with the side of the phone, which prevents accidental presses when mounted on a tripod. However, its size and location make it challenging for users to use the button comfortably. Despite this, the button’s design suggests that it may have been intended for a different purpose, such as activating Visual Intelligence, Apple’s answer to Google Lens.
The Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models seems to be primarily designed for the upcoming Visual Intelligence feature, which will provide context to the camera’s view. This functionality is not yet available at the time of the iPhone 16’s release, but developers are working on integrating the button with photography-centric apps. The button’s touch-and-slide functionality could potentially be used in other apps as well, making it a versatile input method for various tasks on the iPhone.
While some users may find the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models to be lacking in certain aspects, such as emulating a traditional shutter button, its potential for future use with Visual Intelligence and other apps is promising. Apple’s decision to incorporate a dedicated hardware button for certain functions sets it apart from other smartphone manufacturers, despite potential challenges in its current implementation. Time will tell how users adapt to and utilize this new feature on the iPhone 16 models.
