iPhone 16 Capture button could be mechanical

There have been many rumors about the iPhone 16 and the existence of a Capture button, but the latest suggests it could feature zoom and focus controls on a mechanical switch.

Apple's iPhone 16 isn't due to be announced until September 2024, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning. Everything seems to point to a Capture button existing on at least the iPhone 16 Pro models, but what form it could take is still in question.

According to a report from The Information, two people familiar with iPhone 16 development state the Capture button is mechanical with additional features. It would be touch-sensitive, so users could swipe to adjust zoom levels, and then a half-press would focus the shot.

Since the button can be depressed, that makes it mechanical, which is different from previous rumors suggesting it would be capacitive with haptics. A mechanical, touch-sensitive switch could prove interesting if difficult to implement.

Such a button would prove a nightmare for case makers. The touch-sensitive surface likely couldn't be covered, but it would also need space to allow the half-press function to work.

Apple allegedly is testing the feature across all iPhone 16 models, but the feature may not ship in standard models, if at all. Due to the immense size of Apple's iPhone manufacturing operation, the final design for the iPhone 16 lineup has either been finalized or soon will be.

Many rumors such as these come with a time delay. Information reaching the leaker's ears could be weeks, if not months, old.

We're rating this rumor as possible since the Capture button seems likely at this point, but the button's design and features are still in question. This report is the first claiming it is a mechanical switch with touch and pressure capabilities.

Apple will reveal the iPhone 16 lineup in September 2024. The models could have larger displays and all pro models could have a tetraprism camera.