Apple's iPhone 16 Gets a New Button on the Side for Camera Control

Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. How we test phones

When Apple unveiled all the details of its upcoming iPhone 16 lineup this week, one of the major physical changes was a new single-click button on the side of the phone for camera control. The announcement came during Apple's annual September device event on Monday morning at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. You can read about everything announced by Apple for its new iPhones (and colors), Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 on CNET.

The camera control button is a new feature coming to the iPhone 16, as is the ability to shoot spatial photos and video. The indented button sits flush with the surface of the phone and looks similar to a side fingerprint reader but launches the camera. You can also use it to access Visual Intelligence features, powered by Apple Silicon.

Looking to preorder the latest Apple devices? We're rounding up the best iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 deals at launch.

"The camera control provides instant, easy access to the camera with just a click. It allows you to adjust various camera features simply by sliding your finger," Apple said during the event. "Its convenient design ensures it's always within reach."

During a demo of the camera control button, Apple showed how one click launches the camera and then another click takes a photo. Holding the button will record a video, and lightly pressing the button will show you "an all-new clean preview that dissolves all other UI elements, helping you focus on framing the shot," Apple said.

A light press on the button can also bring up an overlay for camera functions. Press lightly twice and you can zoom. Sliding your finger over the camera control button brings up other controls you can adjust, like depth of field.

Apps including Snapchat will also let you use the camera control button to snap and share quickly.

The button contains a "high-precision force sensor," provides haptic feedback and contains a multi-pixel capacitive sensor and signal processor. 

Visual Intelligence features via camera control button

The new camera control button on the iPhone 16 also gives you access to Apple's Visual Intelligence features, including using your phone as a kind of mixed reality handset. For instance, if you see a restaurant while you're out walking, you can hold your phone up and click and hold the camera control button to bring up information on hours, ratings, menus and reservations.

Another example Apple used was if you see a flyer for an event, you can click the button and add the event to your calendar. It'll automatically fill out the event title, time, date and location.

"And then there's that cute little puppy you see at the park. What kind of dog is that? Click, and now you know," Apple added. "All of this is done privately using a combination of on-device intelligence and Apple services that never store your images."

You can also access third-party apps and tools like Google search if you see a car or bike you'd like to see the price of or ChatGPT to ask questions of the artificial intelligence chatbot while out and about. 

The iPhone 16 will be available to buy on Sept. 20. 

Looking to preorder the latest Apple devices? We're rounding up the best iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 deals at launch.