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The Camera Control, a sophisticated button which responds to the touch with both pressure and capacitive sensors, will be replaced with something simpler on the iPhone 18, a new report claimed. Apple iPhone 17 Pro in cosmic orange It’s not like it’s been around that long. It was introduced on the iPhone 16 series in September 2024 and is now on every iPhone Apple sells apart from the iPhone 16e. ForbesiOS 26.0.2 Release Date Latest: Is The Mystery iPhone Update Nearly Here?By David Phelan It’s positioned on the right edge of the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, so that it falls easily under the index finger to quickly launch the camera app. It also powers Visual Intelligence if the user long-presses it when the phone is held vertically. But it’s going to be replaced by a button that has no capacitive sensing layer, a new report from Weibo account Instant Digital has claimed. It added a layer of complexity to the iPhone, allowing the user to swipe through menus to quickly perform different tasks — speed being of the essence when you’re in a hurry to get that perfect shot. MORE FOR YOU I suspect a lot of people only used it as a shutter button, for which it works well, rather than exploring the extra features like swiping through options like depth of field, exposure or photographic styles. It also meant that case manufacturers were faced with two approaches: creating a cover for the button that let the capacitive and pressure-sensitive capabilities work together, or simply cut a gap into the case so your finger could touch it directly. Taking the capacitive sensor away will mean the button will do much less, right? Actually, maybe not. According to the report, the pressure sensitivity is what will be used to manage all the extra functions. “The single-sensor approach is similar to designs found in devices like the OPPO X8 Ultra and vivo X200 Ultra, where pressure sensors alone can recognize light taps, firm presses, and sliding gestures,” MacRumors points out. The Weibo report also claims that other elements could be added at a later date to provide haptic feedback. I love the Camera Control, but I recognize that I don’t exploit it fully. Perhaps a simpler button will work better. Forbes15 New Apple iPhone 17 And iPhone 17 Pro Cases To Protect Your PhoneBy David Phelan Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
