MacRumors initially reported the presence of a new button called the “Capture Button” on the upcoming iPhone 16 models last year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and The Information, this button will enhance the iPhone’s photography capabilities, allowing users to shoot video, adjust focus, and zoom in and out with intuitive gestures.

Now, further details from Weibo user “Instant Digital” shed light on the functionality and placement of the capture button, confirming an upcoming improvement to the iPhone photography experience.

The iPhone 16 will replicate the feature of digital cameras and some of Sony’s flagship models

The latest information from “Instant Digital” confirms previous reports, stating that the primary function of the record button will indeed be to initiate a picture or video recording. However, what makes this button stand out is the ability to adjust the focus with a light press, reminiscent of the functionality of traditional DSLR and mirrorless cameras. This two-stage mechanism allows users to lock focus or exposure with a half-press and take a photo or video with a full press, providing more control over the shooting process.

In terms of design, the “Capture Button” is said to be located on the lower right side of the iPhone 16, replacing the mmWave antenna on US models. To accommodate this new feature, Apple will move the mmWave antenna to the left side of the device below the volume and action buttons.

However, MacRumors notes that “Instant Digital” has mixed results in terms of accuracy. His previous predictions regarding some of Apple’s product and feature updates have often proven to be credible. Notable breakthroughs include early reports of a yellow iPhone 14 spring refresh, the iPhone 15 Pro’s “Spatial Video” feature, and a minor update to the Apple Watch Series 9 hardware. However, some of his claims about iOS 17 features and the October 2023 release of the new iPad Air. they did not come true.

If true, this “Record Button” will help control the camera in landscape mode, especially during one-handed use.

February 7, 2024