Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 16 series at its upcoming event. The 16 series is rumoured to bring a number of upgrades and features, including a capture button. Apple is said to add a button on the iPhone, similar to the action button introduced with last year's iPhone 15 series. However, this new button, which offers users more capabilities in mobile photography with the iPhone 16 series, may be designed in such a way that it is only used for camera control.
According to the leaked report, the capture button is expected to be a new physical control in the entire iPhone 16 line-up, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Unlike the action button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models, the capture button is specifically designed to improve the camera's performance.
As reported by 9to5Mac, based on CAD drawings and dummy units, the capture button will be on the right side of the iPhone 16 models, replacing the current position of the mmWave 5G antenna on the US versions. Some reports suggest that the capture button will have a capacitive design, similar to other touch-sensitive controls on iPhones.
Some other reports suggest that there will be a mechanical design. That is, if it is physically pressed in and out, it will give a response. However, the button will also include a touch-sensitive surface. Allows users to perform actions such as zooming in and out and swiping left or right.
How does the capture button work? According to reports from Information and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the capture button will feature "force sensor functionality" similar to the technology used in Apple's 3D Touch. This allows it to respond to different levels of pressure.
One of the functions of the capture button reported so far is the possibility of providing a "half-press" function, similar to the shutter buttons found in DSLR cameras. This will allow users to lock focus and exposure with a light press. This helps give them more control over the framing before taking a picture.
Gurman says that this new button will significantly differentiate the iPhone 16 lineup from previous models and offer a more sophisticated camera interface. Reports suggest that their work will extend to enabling video recordings by more strongly pressing the button's force sensor capabilities, adding variety to its functionality.
While the reports surrounding the capture button are exciting, it should be noted that Apple hasn't officially confirmed anything. All these details are based on leaked reports. However, if this feature is implemented, it will significantly simplify mobile photography using iPhones and make the iPhone 16 series better in photos and videos, with upgraded cameras and easier to take images, all of which will give users a new experience.
