The Apple iPhone 16 series may provide a capacitive capture button for camera enthusiasts

We recently got to see three pre-production prototypes of the upcoming iPhone 16 series, courtesy of MacRumors. Based on these renders, it’s safe to assume that Apple doesn’t plan to change the design too much but is probably contemplating changing up the camera module and adding another button to the side dedicated to launching the camera and working as the shutter switch.

Leaks and rumours regarding the Apple iPhone 16 series started way before Apple launched the iPhone 15 lineup in September. We came across reports of Apple planning to add a capacitive Capture button to the iPhone 16 under Project Nova. Now, we can see this “force sensor” button in the pre-production renders of the upcoming lineup.

The all-new capacitive Capture button is reportedly located on the right side at a considerable distance from the power button. The position for the new button is in the same spot as the mmWave cutout on iPhone models sold in the US. This resulted in a shift for the mmWave antenna to the left side of the side, below the Action button and volume rockers.

Leaks and rumours suggest that the new capacitive Capture button could find its way to the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This button is meant to work as a dedicated switch to open the Camera app as well as a shutter button. In the landscape mode, its position will be convenient to easily click pictures.

While the prototype renders shared by MacRumors pinpoint the location of this new capacitive Capture button, Apple could decide to let go of the plans altogether. Notably, Apple is also working on designs that do not feature this button. If things do not go according to the plan, Apple could always go back to the other designs and ditch the switch.