iPhone 16 has a new Camera Control button — Here's everything it can do

The iPhone 16 range is finally here, and it features an all-new Camera Control button. Here's how it works, and everything it can do.

On Monday, during Apple's Glowtime event, the company showcased an entirely new hardware button, which is available on every device in the iPhone 16 lineup. Known as the Camera Control, the button can be found on the bottom right, below the power button.

Unlike the power button and every other button on the iPhone 16, the Camera Control has additional capacitive and pressure-sensing functionality. It's also ever so slightly recessed, meaning it doesn't stick out from the device frame like traditional iPhone buttons.

The Camera Control button features a smooth sapphire crystal surface with a stainless steel ring surrounding it.

The sapphire crystal surface, coupled with a conductive layer and a capacitive sensor, allows the button to recognize touch-based gestures. A high-precision force sensor lets it detect different levels of pressure, while a tactile switch is used for the usual click experience. The button also provides haptic feedback through communication with the iPhone's Taptic Engine.

As its name implies, the Camera Control button offers new functionality related to photo and video capture. It can be used in both the horizontal and vertical device orientation. The Camera Control can recognize and respond to a multitude of different gestures and press types:

• Single click: Opens the Camera app or a compatible third-party app
• Single click, within the Camera app: Takes a photo
• Click and hold: Opens the Camera app and starts recording video
• Single light press: locks focus and exposure on a subject (available later in the fall of 2024)
• Double light press: Opens a minimal camera preview menu, which lets users select different controls such as exposure or depth of field
• Swipe along the surface: adjusts different parameters such as zoom, exposure, or depth of field

As part of a new Visual Intelligence feature, users will be able to click and hold the Camera Control button while aiming their iPhone at an object or location of interest.

For instance, users will be able to point their iPhone towards a restaurant and receive information about the location's ratings or working hours. In the same way, users will also be able to add a calendar event from a flyer or identify a dog by breed.

The Camera Control will also let users search for things via Google or ChatGPT in the same manner. This will let users easily find an item they want to buy, for instance.

Camera Control offers quick access to several iPhone camera options

Developers of third-party applications, such as Snapchat, will be able to make use of the Camera Control button as well. According to Apple, apps like Kino will offer the ability to adjust white balance and set focus points, though this will only become available in the fall of 2024.

Users will also be able to adjust different settings related to the Camera Control button, such as the light press sensitivity and double press speed. The Camera Control button is also compatible with Apple's new cases for the iPhone 16 range.

Along with the Camera Control button, the iPhone 16 range features a variety of other improvements. The base model iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have received the Action button, a new vertical camera alignment for Spatial Video, as well as the A18 chip, which allows for Apple Intelligence features.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have received increased display sizes of 6.3 and 6.9 inches, the A18 Pro chip, and improved cameras in addition to the new Camera Control button. Apple also announced Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and updates to AirPods Max, as part of the Glowtime event.