iPhone 16 Camera Control Review: A Feature That Needs Refinement

Apple’s latest iPhone 16 Pro Max introduces a new feature: the Camera Control button. This button, while intuitive for taking landscape-oriented photos and enabling users to adjust zoom ranges with ease, has sparked mixed reactions. Positioned to allow a natural grip for quick photos, it avoids the disruption that screen tapping might cause when setting up a shot, especially for users who map the Action button to other functions.

Despite its potential, the Camera Control’s functionality feels somewhat underdeveloped. While users can adjust zoom and exposure with a haptic touch, switching between features lacks a smooth flow, occasionally leading to unintentional adjustments. This function, while useful for some, may feel like an unnecessary addition for others, especially given its limited scope.

A notable concern with this feature is the absence of integrated AI tools. Apple has promised AI enhancements to Camera Control, allowing it to recognize subjects and offer detailed information—a potential game-changer for smartphone photography. However, these capabilities remain in beta, leaving early users without the promised “Apple Intelligence” features at launch. This limitation stands out, as Apple traditionally introduces new technology only when it’s ready for full-scale implementation.

In its current form, the Camera Control button feels more like a “nice-to-have” addition than a revolutionary tool for iPhone photographers. Although Apple may roll out updates that enhance its functionality, early adopters might feel the feature is not fully realized. Other phone makers may follow Apple’s lead, yet there’s hope they don’t overlook functionality when introducing similar features.

For now, Camera Control adds a novel touch to the iPhone 16 Pro Max but awaits the AI-driven capabilities that could solidify its value for users. As it stands, it’s a feature that could evolve, but for now, its practicality remains in question.