Apple Inc.’s latest iPhone 16 lineup may not look drastically different from last year’s models, but it introduces a key feature aimed at enhancing the photography experience. The new Camera Control button, located on the lower right side of all four iPhone 16 versions, is designed to replicate the feel of a DSLR camera shutter. Pressing the button once launches the camera app, allowing users to quickly adjust their shot. A second press captures the photo.
The Camera Control button, a slightly recessed groove, works best when the phone is held in the right hand, with the thumb operating the button. While the feature can be used with the left hand, it may require more effort to handle smoothly. During hands-on tests at Apple’s Cupertino campus, some users and Apple staff found it challenging to master all of the button’s functions initially. Beyond taking photos, the button allows for toggling between camera modes, adjusting zoom, and altering other settings by sliding a finger across it. However, this process wasn’t always intuitive and took some practice.
In addition to the new camera feature, the iPhone 16 Pro models now have slightly larger screens, measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches, with the thinnest borders of any Apple device to date. While these changes might not be immediately noticeable to consumers, the Pro versions are equipped with a 48-megapixel ultrawide-angle camera, catering to photography enthusiasts.
Apple is also rolling out a suite of AI tools called Apple Intelligence, although these will be available later, with a beta version launching next month. Apple Intelligence will focus on text summarization, generating email responses, and photo editing—features comparable to offerings from companies like Adobe and Google.
The iPhone 16 lineup maintains the same pricing as previous models, with the base model starting at $799 and the Pro Max at $1,199. Preorders begin on Friday, and the phones will start shipping on September 20.