In less than two months, Apple will unveil the iPhone 16 lineup along with the highly anticipated iOS 18 update. This year’s iPhone 16 series is expected to feature significant upgrades, promising an exciting release. Additionally, iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence are set to usher in a new era for the iPhone, bringing innovative advancements to the platform.
The upcoming iPhone 16 is set to introduce a range of exciting new features. The base model will showcase a redesigned camera layout, while the iPhone 16 Pro will boast an enhanced periscope telephoto camera. Expect larger displays with even thinner bezels and the inclusion of the Action button across all models.
Amidst these intriguing updates, there’s one particular feature that I am especially excited about.
The Capture button could be a game-changer
One of the major changes expected in the upcoming iPhone 16 line is the introduction of a new Capture button. Initially rumored to be exclusive to the Pro models, this feature is now anticipated to be available across the entire lineup, including the base model. This follows last year’s introduction of the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, demonstrating Apple’s continued focus on enhancing user interaction with their devices.
The Capture button, located at the bottom-right edge of the frame, is speculated to be camera-related. Although its exact function remains unconfirmed until Apple makes an announcement, the name “capture” strongly suggests a camera shutter. Its positioning in the bottom-right corner further supports this theory, aligning with intuitive design for camera functionality.
Having a physical camera capture button is a significant advantage. On current iPhone models, capturing a photo requires using the touchscreen capture button, the volume up button, or, for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users, the Action button if it has been configured with the camera shortcut.
I often face a challenge when taking selfies: positioning my hand comfortably to reach the capture button. Although I use a PopSocket on my iPhone 15 Pro, which helps, my small, petite hands still make it a bit tricky.
Consider this: when taking a selfie in vertical portrait orientation, most people hold their phone at the bottom, cradling it with their fingers. Whether you use your left or right hand, your fingers or thumb will naturally be near where the capture button should be. Placing the capture button in this location would make taking selfies more convenient than ever before.
A Capture button would be a fantastic addition for non-selfies, especially for photos taken in landscape orientation. When you hold the camera with the lenses on the left, it feels more natural, much like using a traditional point-and-shoot camera. This setup could also be more comfortable for one-handed photography, particularly when using a PopSocket and holding the device in your right hand.
You might wonder, “Can’t you already accomplish this with the Action button?” The answer is yes, but the Action button is located on the upper-left edge of the device. This placement isn’t as convenient unless you’re taking landscape photos with the camera lenses positioned on the right side.
The Capture button on the iPhone 15 Pro offers significant benefits by freeing up the Action button for other functions. Currently, I have my Action button set to launch the Camera app, but I rarely use it to capture photos or videos due to its inconvenient placement. With the addition of the Capture button, I can reassign the Action button to more useful functions, like turning on the flashlight or activating a custom Shortcut. This enhancement makes the device more versatile and user-friendly.
The Capture button is likely intended to function as a camera shutter, which is a practical choice. However, Apple might have different plans for it. There’s also a possibility that it could be a customizable button, allowing users to assign it a different function of their choosing. Ultimately, offering more options for customization enhances user flexibility and satisfaction.
Other exciting changes are coming, too
I’m eagerly anticipating the iPhone 16 for its standout features, but there are other exciting upgrades shaping the device overall.
Last year, I chose the iPhone 15 Pro over the iPhone 15 Pro Max, despite the Max offering a superior 5x optical zoom telephoto camera. The reason? My smaller hands find larger phones cumbersome and challenging to handle.
Rumors are circulating that the iPhone 16 Pro will feature an enhanced telephoto camera, thanks to a minor increase in the overall body size. This upgrade is expected to be a significant improvement for users who want top-notch camera capabilities without having to opt for the largest phone model.
There’s a new rumor suggesting that Apple might upgrade the ultrawide lens on the latest iPhone to 48 megapixels, up from the current 12 megapixels. This potential boost in resolution could significantly enhance the quality of ultrawide shots, particularly in low-light conditions. Having used Android phones like the OnePlus 12, which feature high-resolution ultrawide lenses, I’ve noticed that the increased megapixel count makes a substantial difference in image detail and clarity. If Apple adopts this higher resolution, we can expect much more detailed and vibrant ultrawide photos on the new iPhone.
The iPhone 16 family is shaping up to be quite exciting, particularly with the anticipated addition of Apple’s new AI-driven features. The inclusion of the Capture button is another highlight to look forward to. With less than two months until the official release, the wait for these innovative upgrades is almost over.