Apple's Vision Pro's Impact on the iPhone 16: A Game-Changer in the Making

The iPhone 16 may see changes to its physical buttons, as Apple is reportedly adding a “capture” button for recording video and photos. This new button, expected to be released alongside Apple’s first headset-shaped computer and a new spatial video format, could position the iPhone 16 as the Vision Pro’s biggest companion and influence future Apple products. Apple has made changes to its physical inputs in the past, such as replacing the mute switch with a customizable “Action” button on the iPhone 15 Pro. The “capture” button on the iPhone 16 will be haptic and located on the lower right side of the device. The iPhone has always been a creation device, and adding new buttons and features aligns with Apple’s goal of enhancing its products’ creation capabilities.

Apple has frequently tied its products to the iPhone’s success, as it serves as a hub for various accessories. The iPhone’s cameras have improved over the years, making it a popular choice for content creation. The spatial video capture feature, currently available on the iPhone 15 Pro, is expected to expand to non-Pro iPhone 16 models. This feature requires a specific camera layout, with the main and ultra-wide lenses positioned side by side when the phone is in a horizontal orientation. The Vision Pro headset relies on spatial videos, and Apple is encouraging users to create such content by making it accessible and easy to capture.

While the concept of a “killer app” is outdated, Apple’s Vision Pro headset will likely benefit from a clear use case, with spatial video being one of its main selling points. Apple wants users to start building a library of spatial video content for the headset, and it aims to make the creation process as seamless as possible. The initial reactions to the Vision Pro have been positive, with Apple trying to maintain a sense of magic and excitement around the new technology. The company’s future heavily relies on augmented reality, and the Vision Pro is just the beginning of its efforts to innovate and expand its product lineup.

Although the Vision Pro is too expensive to replace the iPhone, it will likely influence Apple’s other products. For example, the iPhone may receive new microphones to improve voice recognition for Siri, which could also enhance audio quality in spatial videos. Additionally, elements from the visionOS design could make their way back to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, as Apple has done in the past with UI updates. Even accessory devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods could integrate with the Vision Pro, offering new functionalities and input methods. Apple aims to fully embrace mixed reality, so consumers can expect more integration and cross-platform experiences in the future.