The latest leaks around the iPhone 16 suggest that even with a larger display, the next smartphones will be almost the same size as the current models. But one design change goes over and above what many will expect.
Following the successful introduction of the programmable Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models, MacRumors claim a new button will be added to the next generation of iPhone.
The edge of the iPhone 15 Pro Max has two volume buttons and a new Action Button.
Unlike the current physical Action Button, the presumptively titled Capture Button will be capacitive; it will not move, but thanks to haptics it will offer physical feedback to the user like the iPhone SE’s home button. According to MacRumors’ sources, the button will also have a force sensor, opening up the possibility of a two-stage button.
That could prove to be a welcome feature for the camera. Given the suggestive nature of calling it a Capture Button, my assumption is that one of the primary uses could be as a shutter button for the camera. If so, a two-stage button to first set the focus and then take the picture would model countless physical camera buttons worldwide.
Of the current iPhones, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature the Action Button. Many hope Tim Cook and his team will bring the button to the base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus phones next year. It is believed that Apple will do just that through a second capacitive button rather than the current physical button on the Pro models.
Unlike this year's Action Button, the Capture Button is set to debut across the entire family of devices, positioning it as a defining feature of the iPhone 16.
iPhone 15 handsets are on display as they go on sale at the Apple Store on September 22, 2023 (Photo ... [+]
These details come from pre-production models that will undergo intensive testing for quality and reliability before making the final design. MacRumors has a solid track record through the years, including its early coverage of the Action Button, meaning the news of these features should be taken seriously.
These aren’t the only changes to the iPhone camera; next year’s models are expected to introduce the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s tetraprism telephoto lens throughout the range.
Now read the latest iPhone headlines in Forbes’ weekly Apple news round-up...
