iPhone 16 new 'Camera Control' button makes taking photos more fun

Apple brings a new button to its flagship phone, and it's pretty cool.
 By 
Chance Townsend
 on 
Camera Control button on iPhone 16
All about the Camera Control on the iPhone 16. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

At Apple’s highly anticipated "Glowtime" event on Sept. 9, all eyes were on the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup — and the show's star wasn't just the phone itself but a game-changing new "button" revolutionizing mobile photography: the Camera Control feature.

iPhone 16 Camera Control button unveiled at Apple Event 2024

The image shows a smartphone camera interface capturing a photo of a woman standing outdoors surrounded by flowers and greenery. The phone's screen displays various camera settings along the top, including zoom and focus controls, with a large circular shutter button on the right side. The background features bright pink flowers against a clear blue sky.
Credit: Apple

The iPhone 16 lineup introduces a game-changing Camera Control button, positioned just below the power button on the bottom-right side. It acts like a DSLR shutter and offers haptic feedback for a more tactile shooting experience. A light press activates autofocus, while a harder press snaps a picture.

The Camera Control button provides responsive haptic feedback, simulating the feel of a camera shutter with each interaction. This tactile response makes shooting more intuitive and precise. A light press also activates a clean, streamlined overlay, giving quick access to essential camera settings without overwhelming the screen — allowing you to focus on the moment you’re capturing.


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A quick double-button press activates additional controls for those looking to delve deeper into the camera’s advanced capabilities. From here, users can select from a range of options, such as switching between modes, like video or portrait, or toggling manual focus and exposure. It’s a gateway to the full potential of the iPhone’s camera system.

Integrated with apps like Snapchat, the Camera Control button allows instant capturing, zooming, and sharing without leaving the app. According to Apple, this seamless functionality brings social media experiences to life faster and more tactilely.

iPhone 16 Camera Control
iPhone 16's Camera Control button Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Combined with the iPhone 16's new 48MP fusion camera, Camera Control becomes a simple but powerful addition, elevating the iPhone’s already formidable camera game.

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 before, during, and after the event.

Topics Apple iPhone

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Chance Townsend
Assistant Editor, General Assignments

Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable, covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father. His writing has also appeared in PC Mag and Mother Jones.

In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and greatly enjoys Detroit sports. If you have any tips or want to talk shop about the Lions, you can reach out to him on Bluesky @offbrandchance.bsky.social or by email at [email protected].

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