Earlier this week, a random report from an account with a zero track record claimed that the iPhone 18 would drop a camera control button. We were skeptical of the rumors of the time, but now new leaks from more reliable sources have full context.
After all, Apple doesn’t plan to remove camera controls completely from the iPhone 18, but rather introduces a ridiculous version of it.
As a review, camera control on the iPhone 16 is complicated engineering. It combines a pressure sensitive button with a capacitive surface that allows you to swipe and tap to operate the camera app. You can press the button to take a photo, then swipe across the surface to switch modes and zoom in and out.
The rumor comes from Weibo’s Instant Digital account. Weibo has accurately leaked information about future iPhones in the past. They say Apple is currently running the normal trial generation of pressure sensors used in iPhone camera controls. However, the company removed the touch-sensitive component from the button.
The report specifically cites concerns about the high production costs and long-term reliability of camera controls as reasons for this change. I’m sure that user feedback also plays a role.
cyberstorehut take
This makes much more sense than Apple throwing away camera controls completely.
Using the Camera Control consists of using it as a way to launch the Camera app and as a shutter button to take photos. In fact, I have disabled all the flashy “Swipey-Swipey” features.
I get mad if Apple removes camera controls completely. However, the simplified version makes perfect sense. Additionally, Apple uses camera controls as a way to quickly activate visual intelligence features. This is getting a major upgrade as part of iOS 26 this year.
What do you think? Please let us know in the comments.
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