The iPhone 16 series is set to launch next week at Apple’s much-awaited “It’s Glow” event. The new generation of Apple’s flagship phones is rumoured to come with several upgrades and features, including the much-awaited capture button. Apple is said to be adding another button to the iPhone, similar to the action button introduced with last year’s iPhone 15 series. However, this new button is expected to be dedicated solely to camera control, giving users more capabilities in mobile photography with the iPhone 16 series.

According to industry rumours, the capture button is expected to be a new physical control available across the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Unlike the action button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models, the capture button is specifically designed to enhance camera functionality. Based on CAD drawings and dummy units reported by 9to5Mac, the capture button will be located on the right side of the iPhone 16 models, replacing the current position of the mmWave 5G antenna in the US versions.

Some reports suggest the capture button will have a capacitive design like other touch-sensitive controls on iPhones, while others suggest it will have a mechanical design, meaning it will physically press in and out, providing tactile feedback. However, the button will also include a touch-sensitive surface, allowing users to perform functions like swiping left or right to zoom in and out.

How will the capture button work?

According to reports from The Information and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the capture button will have “force sensor functionality,” similar to the technology used in Apple’s 3D Touch, allowing it to respond to different levels of pressure. Light pressure could focus the camera on a subject, while a harder press would capture a photo. Additionally, users may be able to swipe across the surface of the button to zoom, providing a more intuitive way to interact with the iPhone’s camera system.

The capture button is reported to have the ability to provide a “half-press” function, similar to the shutter button found on DSLR cameras. This could allow users to lock both focus and exposure with a light pressure, giving them more control over framing before taking a picture.

Gurman explained that this new button will significantly differentiate the iPhone 16 lineup from previous models, offering a more refined camera interface. Reports have also suggested that the button’s force sensor capabilities could extend to triggering video recording with a more forceful press, adding versatility to its functionality.

The reports about the capture button are exciting, but it is important to note that nothing has been officially confirmed by Apple, and all these details are based on rumours that should be taken with a grain of salt. However, if the feature is implemented, it could make mobile photography with iPhones a lot easier and potentially make the iPhone 16 series even better at photos and videos with upgraded cameras and dedicated functions for capturing images.