The Camera Control button, a new addition to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, is located at the bottom right side of the phone. It allows you to take photos, record videos, adjust zoom, and manage other camera functions, similar to a point-and-shoot camera or DSLR. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the functionalities of the new Camera Control button iPhone 16 series and how to make the most of it.
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Single Press Launches Camera
When on the lock screen, home screen, or in any app, you can press the Camera Control button once to quickly open the camera. This acts as a shortcut for capturing moments instantly, whether it’s your child striking a cute pose or your pet playing around. While many Android phones offer the option to double-press the power button to open the camera, Apple has introduced a dedicated Camera Control button that offers even more functionality, which we will explore below.
Single Press on Photo Mode to Take a Photo
Once you’re in the Camera app, ensure that you’re in Photo mode and press the Camera Control button once to take a photo. This not only speeds up the process but also provides a more stable grip, allowing you to hold the phone and take a photo just like a standalone camera.
Single Press on Video Mode to Record Video
To record a video, switch to Video mode first. Press the Camera Control button once to start recording, with the Taptic Engine providing tactile feedback to mimic the feel of a real physical button. To stop recording, simply press the Camera Control button again.
Press and Hold to Record Video
If you want to record a quick video without switching to the Video tab, just press and hold the Camera Control button. Recording will continue as long as you hold the button and will stop as soon as you release it.
Light-Press Twice to Select Camera Functions
The Camera Control button can distinguish between hard and light presses. A double light press, or half-press, lets you access camera functions such as zoom, depth, focus, expose, cameras, tone and Photographic Styles, which appear next to the Camera Control button in a notch-like space (check the image below for reference). When in this mode, all other UI elements and controls disappear, giving you a clear preview. The button also supports gestures; simply swipe left or right to switch between functions. For example, to adjust zoom, swipe to the zoom function and then light-press the button once to select it.
Light-Press Once to Adjust Camera Functions with Gestures
Double light-pressing allows you to select a camera function, while a single light press lets you adjust the selected function. For example, if you are already on the zoom function, you can light-press once to adjust it using gestures. To zoom out, swipe right; to zoom in, swipe left. Similarly, you can adjust other functions like depth, ISO, and focus.
Camera Control Works With 3rd Party Apps
Apple also allows third-party apps to use the Camera Control button for camera-related actions. For example, in the Kino video recording app, the button can be used to adjust the grid layout. On Snapchat, you can use it to send snaps to your friends. Explore the functionality in those apps with the same simple press, long press, and light press actions.
Press and Hold Anywhere to Open Visual Intelligence
No matter which page you are on, pressing and holding the Camera Control button opens Visual Intelligence. Similar to Google Lens, Visual Intelligence allows you to scan objects to find more information, translate text, or buy similar products online. However, the Camera Control button’s functionality ends with opening Visual Intelligence; from there, you need to use touch controls, at least for now.
These are all the gestures and presses that the Camera Control button supports. You can use a combination of them to navigate the camera menu, select features, adjust options, and finally click a photo or record a video.
