The iPhone 16s are expected to feature a new button that makes taking photos and videos easier and more intuitive, but it would also offer a few features that should change the way you use smartphone cameras.
According to a report from The Information, the new capture button on the iPhone 16 won’t just be used for taking photos. According to their information, the latter would also allow zoom and focus by sliding and tapping.
The report, which cites an anonymous industry source, claims that Apple plans to add a capture button to the entire iPhone 16 lineup, which is expected to launch in late 2024. The capture button would be a mechanical button that would move when pressed, like the other buttons on the iPhone.
The capture button won’t just be used to take photos
The report also states that the capture button will have a touch-sensitive surface that would respond to different gestures. Users will be able to zoom in and out by sliding left to right on the button, and focus images by lightly pressing the button. To take a photo or start a video, users will need to press the button more firmly.
The report also states that no other major design changes are planned for the iPhone 16, except for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which could be slightly larger than the models current. As a reminder, the iPhone 16 Pro should benefit from a 6.3-inch screen, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max would be entitled to a 6.9-inch panel.
The report also reveals that Apple initially intended to move to capacitive buttons on the iPhone 15, i.e. buttons that don’t move, but use electrical signals to detect touch. However, as other reports also announced, Apple abandoned this idea due to quality issues and dissatisfaction with the haptic feedback. It now remains to be seen how this new capture button, which will complement the action button, will be received.