iPhone 16's New 'Capture Button' Rumored to Emulate High-End Camera Functionality

[MacRumors]

The iPhone 16 lineup's new Capture Button will be able to detect multiple levels of pressure to emulate a two-step shutter button from dedicated digital cameras, according to a Weibo leaker.

MacRumors was first to reveal the presence of a new button on the iPhone 16 models called the "Capture Button" last year. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman remarked that the Capture Button will be able to record video and The Information reported that the Capture Button will add features like the ability to zoom in and out by swiping left and right on the button, and focus on a subject with a light press.

Now, the Weibo user "Instant Digital" corroborates that the Capture Button's main function will be to trigger image or video capture, but a light press will enable the user to adjust focus. This is effectively the same functionality found on most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, where the shutter button features two stages: Pressing it down half way locks in focus or exposure and pressing it down all of the way capture a photo. The leaker added that the debut of the Capture Button reinforces the iPhone's pivot toward photography.

As explained in an early look at the iPhone 16 prototypes, the Capture Button will be located on the bottom right side of the iPhone 16. It will take the place of the mmWave antenna on U.S. iPhone models, with the mmWave antenna to be relocated to the left side of the device below the volume and Action buttons. Non-U.S. models do not have a mmWave antenna that needs to be relocated in order to accommodate the Capture Button.

Instant Digital has a mixed track record in terms of revealing accurate information about Apple's plans. The source was first to report the iPhone 14's Yellow spring refresh, Spatial Video capture on the iPhone 15 Pro, and the Apple Watch Series 9's minor hardware update, as well as being the only source of the only rumor claiming that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would feature frosted back glass. However, they also made claims about several iOS 17 features and the release of a new iPad Air in October 2023 that did not pan out.

Article Link: iPhone 16's New 'Capture Button' Rumored to Emulate High-End Camera Functionality

 

[abatabia]

Cool for content creators I guess, or me when I take cat pics.

 

[cocky jeremy]

How does a two-step button work better than tapping on the screen to focus and then clicking the button to take the picture? Seems kind of pointless.

 

[sammo123321]

Oh good, more button I can accidentally press when holding my phone...

 

[iLoveDeveloping]

Don’t really care for it but whatever. They will probably make it out to be a massive new “feature”, when what people actually want is better cameras. 48mp on all 3 instead of dragging it out for 3 years adding 48 to each one each year. It’s insulting when they could easily do it.

 

[MrRom92]

so the button is going to be placed right where I put my handmeat when I hold my phone in my right hand? Brilliant

 

[SmugMaverick]

Another action button, pointless and covering up the need for real features with a gimmick 5% of users will use.

 

[spazzcat]

How does a two-step button work better than tapping on the screen to focus and then clicking the button to take the picture? Seems kind of pointless.

Have you ever used a DSLR?

 

[bVIOlint]

How does a two-step button work better than tapping on the screen to focus and then clicking the button to take the picture? Seems kind of pointless.

It doesn't, that's why we have the functions we have. This is a ridiculous rumor and shows that the market is fully saturated and we will see very iterative updates going forward. Best thing they could do is change to a 2-3 year upgrade cycle but unfortunately they just sell too many phones to do that.

 

[contacos]

I am already getting confused as it is. The amount of times I try to take a group selfie and instead lock my iPhone.

I'd rather have a software "wave at a screen" gesture to take a photo like on Android (yes, I said the "A" word).

 

[citysnaps]

Holy smokes... did I just feel planet Earth tilt an extra 20 degrees because some people here are bewildered by a button?

Run for the hills, worldwide tsunamis are coming.

 

[SmugMaverick]

I am already getting confused as it is. The amount of times I try to take a group selfie and instead lock my iPhone.

I'd rather have a software "wave at a screen" gesture to take a photo.

That requires effort and actual smart features on iOS.

Another button stuck on the side. done.

 

[frou]

Damn you lot are whiners. Sounds like a decent feature to me.

 

[Kylo83]

What else is it gonna do; never had an issue taking photos before

 

[Kylo83]

I wish they would just focus on removing the notches and cut outs we have, that’s innovation not another button

 

[j26]

It's a photographer focused feature.

For someone actually trying to compose a picture, this is really useful. The ergonomics are just so much better than tapping a screen to focus.

For me, this would be a significant draw towards iPhones, something I've avoided since they were first launched.

 

[Fuzzball84]

We have spent years developing this button... we are so proud of our achievements... we are so excited to find out what you do with this button.

We call it Apple Button, and you're going to love it. (But not as much as our shareholders)

*Apple button emulates the functionality seen in high end camera systems which have been available... since the beginning of time. But this is Apple button and all our press releases and marketing will make you think we were there first.

 

[filmantopia]

Disappointed the next iPhone doesn’t seem to be able to bring Jesus back. Apple could easily do this and it’s a travesty they make us wait.

 

[Hkfan45]

can we get some real revolutionary changes to hardware and software? The s24 Ultra has some pretty fantastic features that actually work really well.

 

[danakin]

So, basically what Sony offers on their top of the line devices.
Time to bring out idiot Schiller to rehash “Can’t innovate any more my a$$”

 

[casperes1996]

Most DSLRs have this. I wouldn't say high-end; Just any DSLR really

 

[Ctrlos]

Sony phones have had the two-stage buttons for ages so I see no reason why Apple's wouldn't do the same. Interesting that it may feature 3D touch though.

 

[Velin]

What is the point of this? Shot out of focus? Shoot 50 more. This isn’t a Leica spooling 35mm rolls. 99.9% of iPhone photos, you got people mashing the screen button, taking 10 to 20 shots, then discarding all but the best two or three.

 

[j26]

Most DSLRs have this. I wouldn't say high-end; Just any DSLR really

Not even DSLR to be honest - even most compact cameras had it.

 

[G5isAlive]

Most DSLRs have this. I wouldn't say high-end; Just any DSLR really

welcome to the new world where anything people aren't familiar with is 'high end.'

It's a photographer focused feature.

For someone actually trying to compose a picture, this is really useful. The ergonomics are just so much better than tapping a screen to focus.

For me, this would be a significant draw towards iPhones, something I've avoided since they were first launched.

bingo. it means composing and taking a picture is more fluid and faster. now if only they could track your eyes to see where you were looking so as to know where to focus. mmmm... where have we heard of that feature before?

Damn you lot are whiners. Sounds like a decent feature to me.

The rate that people are losing imagination and willingness to try new things is discouraging. Also the 'but it's not what *I* want' gets annoying as well.

People that have used DSLRs in the past, or even now, will love this feature. At first I was skeptical, why do I need a dedicated camera button on my phone, but but by adding two step touch, and swiping to zoom, it's now adding features I do appreciate. Apple is leaning full tilt into this being your ONLY camera. I am not ready to give up my Sony Mirrorless DSLR yet, computation is one thing, glass is another, but I can see this really being useful. As they say in photography, the best camera is the one you have on you.