iPhone camera control: Apple is allegedly planning a simpler design
Apple is not planning to omit its camera control from the iPhone 17. But the hardware itself could become simpler.
Camera control on the iPhone 16: Pretty complex hardware.
(Image: Appel)
When all four iPhone 16 models were equipped with the new camera control last year, some observers were surprised that Apple had not reserved the function for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. This is because the capacitive hardware required for the new button is complex and probably not cheap. The button even requires a sapphire coating. Apple now appears to be working on changes for the camera control. However, this is not to be eliminated. Instead, the built-in components could be simplified, according to reports from Asia.
Inspired by Oppo and Vivo?
The well-known Weibo leaker Instant Digital recently wrote that Apple would replace the combination of capacitive detection and pressure sensor with a simple pressure sensor. This would be sufficient to detect both light and firm pressure attempts, including swipe gestures. Apple is reportedly learning from Chinese competitors such as the X200 Ultra (Vivo) and Find X8 Ultra (Oppo), where this has already been implemented, according to Instant Digital, which is said to have contacts in Apple's supply chain.
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The current solution with pressure sensor and capacitive detection is "really very expensive" for Apple. In addition, repairs are also cost-intensive if the camera control is damaged. There is therefore internal cost pressure to make the module cheaper, especially as it has been little used for AI functions – i.e. visual intelligence – to date. However, Apple is not already planning the conversion measures for the components with the iPhone 17, which is still expected to have the normal camera control –, but it remains unclear whether this will also be the case with the thin iPhone 17 Air.
Implementation probably only with the iPhone 18
Instead, according to Instant Digital, Apple will be working on the camera control area from the iPhone 18 series next fall. Allegedly, the supply chain has already been appropriately commissioned. A few weeks ago, there were rumors that Apple could even install a second camera button on the iPhone 17. This is said to be reserved for the Pro models and will help to access camera functions (even?) faster.
However, we haven't heard anything about this function for some time now. It is therefore possible that it will not be implemented. The camera control is particularly useful due to its swipe options. It can be used for zooming, for example. The new iPhone models are expected in September, with the 9th of the month currently being rumored as the date.
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