This button is one among many introductions that the forthcoming iPhone 16 is going to launch, bringing a few new features to the device.

Camera Shutter Button

: Arguably the most talked-about use case for the new button is as a dedicated camera shutter button. It would serve as another means for users to more easily snap a photo or video without having to tap at their display. The function would be the same as a traditional camera’s: light press to focus, press firmly to take a picture, or begin video recording​.

Zoom Control

 Another probable use for the button is that, maybe, it’s a zoom control. For example, the button can be designed as a swipe button, maybe such that whilst a user swipes with their finger up or downwards, they drag the finger up to make a zoom and down for a zoom out on the Camera app. This will give a more haptic way of zoom control than just doing some pinching on the screen .

Action Button

 There is also a rumor that this could be the same as the Action Button on the Apple Watch Ultra. Like the Apple Watch, the button is claimed to be customizable, as it can take care of many tasks such as opening an app, turning on a flashlight, or any other shortcut.

Design and Technology

The new button could be mechanical, like the side buttons currently used, or it could be capacitive; then, it would be touch-sensitive with no physical movement if touched. One of the arising concerns against a capacitive button is that then, it relies on a detection of pressure or touch that may even allow more functions to come about dependent on how hard or the length of time it is touched​

Why a New Button?

This brings a lot of functionality to the iPhone in general, but in particular for those camera enthusiasts who really require easy access to the settings. It would also provide Apple an opportunity to allow the iPhone 16 to become at least a little unique compared to previous designs and competitors by offering a physical control that can be customized based on multiple user settings.

All in all, this new button could bring so much more value to the iPhone than what it currently has; introducing a new level of experience and functionality to the device, functionality that cannot be described by software updates alone.