- Apple can stick to the camera control button
- Previous rumors suggested it wouldn’t be on iPhone 18
- We can see a simpler button on future iPhones
Last week we heard a rumor that the iPhone 17 would be the last to the sports camera, which was first introduced last year with the iPhone 16 – but a fresh leak suggests that the button will live on, albeit in another form.
The new rumor comes from the well -known Tipster Instant Digital (via Macrumors), which says camera control components are in production for the iPhone 18. It is refuting the idea that Apple would get rid of it as it doesn’t see much use.
However, there is a VRI: Apple apparently removes the capacitive sensor next year to cut back on costs. It is the sensor that detects any kind of touch or ironing, enabling users to gradually change settings such as exposure or zoom.
It will only leave the pressure sensor and detect different touches of different strengths. We will have to wait and see how it can affect the different features of camera control – some of them may be rebuilt or replaced using iOS.
Mixed reactions
When the camera control was introduced with the iPhone 16 models, Apple described it as a feature that “lifts the camera experience” and which is “full of innovation” – and offers easier access to different camera controls and visual intelligence.
In our iPhone 16 review, we described it as “greater improvement” for Apple hand sets, and actually the “best addition” to the 2024 hand sets. However, it did not appear on the iPhone 16E, which Apple launched the following February.
Despite our enthusiasm for the little button, it is reasonable to say that the reaction has generally been mixed. Some have struggled to find a real purpose for the camera control, but it seems that investment for some time and effort is required to make the most of it.
What seems to be clear is that we get the standard camera control button back again with all four iPhone 17 hand sets in September – including if the leaks are to believe, iPhone 17 Air, which is allegedly replacing the iPhone 16 Plus this year.
