Perhaps the biggest new feature in the iPhone 16 lineup this year will be the addition of a Capture button for the camera. If rumors and leaks are accurate, this capacitive, haptic button will be located on the right side of the phone and a little lower, so that it will rest under your index finger when you hold your iPhone in landscape orientation to take a photo or video.
This button is said to have multiple functions and is rumored to be coming to the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models. Several third-party case leaks have shown a long cutout on the side to reach the button and its many functions.
However, according to a new leak from DuanRui (a well-known Chinese leaker), Apple’s official silicone cases will be not there is a cutout for this button. He shared an image of an unofficial third-party case on X to show the difference.
The image shows iPhone 16 (non-Pro) cases with a cutout where the Capture button is supposed to be. The interesting part is the text, which, according to Google Translate, reads: “It is said that the official protective case of the Apple iPhone 16 series does not have this opening and will be transformed into an integrated design, which will not affect the normal use of this capacitive button.”
We’ve seen this with other iPhone buttons in the past. Some official Apple cases have covered side buttons, for example (as does the third-party case pictured). But more than the Action button, this button is a bit more high-tech with more functionality beyond just pressing. A thinner silicone membrane can give the area above a button enough flexibility to easily depress it, and a capacitive material can ensure that touch and pressure sensitivity work properly.
Apple will unveil the iPhone 16 at its Glowtime event on Monday, September 10 at 10 a.m. PT.
