Why did Apple add another button to the iPhone 16?

Apple has always been known for its minimalist approach to device design. The company frequently removes ports and buttons, adhering to the principle of "less is more." However, in recent years, Apple seems to be shifting away from this philosophy, with buttons once again becoming a focus. One example is the addition of the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra, and then its inclusion on the iPhone 15. In 2024, with the release of the new iPhone 16, a new feature was introduced — the Camera Control button, announced at Apple’s "Glowtime" event.

This new button harkens back to the days when smartphones had dedicated camera buttons, which have since faded from existence. For some users, the addition of a new button might seem like a step backward, especially considering the overall trend toward minimalism.

However, for Apple, these innovations are part of a continual process of updating and changing hardware. Buttons and ports may come and go each year depending on the direction in which the company is developing its products.

The Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 is likely part of a broader Apple strategy related to artificial intelligence. While the camera has always been a key feature when choosing a smartphone, this time AI technology is the driving force. As noted by Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, the Visual Intelligence feature, which will operate through Camera Control, will be a significant upgrade.

However, Visual Intelligence will not be available immediately upon the iPhone 16's launch this month. For now, Apple is focusing on the camera functionality, which the company believes will be greatly enhanced by the new button.

It's worth noting that the success of the Camera Control button in the long run will depend on how effectively Apple implements Visual Intelligence. Whether this feature will be seen as purely camera-oriented or as part of a broader AI strategy will become clear later. For now, Apple has been actively showcasing the button’s functionality during presentations.

The experience with the new button shows that it requires some adjustment. The main challenge is understanding the pressure needed for different tasks. But this is what makes the new feature unique compared to previous camera control solutions. It’s now not just a quick way to launch the camera app but also a tool for navigating within it.

This function also becomes particularly significant in light of the Action button on the iPhone 15, as the camera was one of the possible options for that button. But now the Camera Control button offers much more functionality thanks to its capacitive nature.

The Camera Control feature will be available on all iPhone 16 models, with sales starting at the end of this month.