According to a report from The Information, Apple plans to add a new capture button to all iPhone 16 models. We’ve talked about this possibility before (along with the new camera orientation for some models), but this new report provides information on how it works.
Located on the same side as the power button (the right, when looking at the screen held upright) but positioned lower, the button is intended to be used with the index finger of the right hand when the phone is held in position landscape to take photos or videos. In other words, it mimics the feel of a shutter button on a traditional camera.
The button will be mechanical and move when pressed, just like the iPhone’s current buttons, rather than solid state like the MacBook’s trackpad, but it will be sensitive to touch and pressure. Swiping left and right on the button will allow you to zoom in and out without touching the screen and while keeping both hands holding the phone steady. You’ll also be able to lock the focus by pressing halfway and then pressing fully to release the shutter (which is a common feature of traditional camera shutters).
The report states that aside from the capture button, there will be no physical difference to distinguish the iPhone 16 models from the iPhone 15, but that the iPhone 16 Pro models will become slightly larger than their iPhone 16 counterparts. iPhone 15.
The iPhone 16 will launch this fall, with an event likely in early September. You can follow all the rumors in our full iPhone 16 rumor roundup.
