iPhone 16 Models Introduce New Camera Control Button

Apple’s iPhone 16 models now include a newly introduced feature, the Camera Control button, designed to streamline camera access and improve the user experience by enabling quick photography and video functions. This button brings new levels of customization and direct control, which users can optimize to fit their needs.

By default, pressing the Camera Control button once opens the Camera app. However, users can personalize it in Settings, selecting either a single or double-click activation. Users can also choose to link this button to specific third-party camera apps, such as Instagram and Snapchat, enabling direct access to each platform’s in-app camera—a helpful feature for those regularly active on social media.

The Camera Control button also supports various gestures for advanced camera use. The available actions include a single light-press, double light-press, swipe, and physical press. Each gesture can control essential camera settings such as Exposure, Depth, Zoom, Camera, Style, and Tone. With iOS 18.1, these gestures allow seamless adjustments to photo and video settings on the fly, with different actions assigned to specific controls. For instance, a single light-press adjusts the last selected setting, while a double light-press opens a carousel of options, and a physical press captures photos or begins video recording. Users seeking additional customization can also access the Accessibility settings, where they can adjust control options and modify the force required for different actions.

Furthermore, Apple’s Camera Control button has opened new possibilities for third-party apps. During Apple’s recent “It’s Glowtime” event, the company showcased the button’s capabilities with Kino, a pro video app that uses this feature to enhance grid control during recording, aiding content creators in achieving optimal framing for specific platforms or creative projects. Apple’s new Visual Intelligence feature is also set to complement this button, potentially introducing future functionality that enhances user experience for those capturing media on their devices.

The Camera Control button adds another layer to the iPhone’s camera ecosystem, catering to casual users and professionals alike with flexibility, convenience, and compatibility with iOS photography apps.