As we near the end of the year, all the major flagship smartphone releases of 2024, including Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup, have already taken place.
Being an iPhone user for over a decade, I was thrilled by the iPhone 16 launch, especially because Apple introduced some vibrant colors for the base model, a two-year power jump with the A18 chip, and a new Camera Control button available across all iPhone 16 variants.
While the Camera Control feature excited me, there are some aspects of it that I believe Apple missed the mark on in its current form.
The Awkward Position
The placement of the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 is problematic. Located on the right side of the device’s flat frame below the halfway point, it is prone to accidental presses when picking up the phone, leading to unintended actions like unlocking the device.
Furthermore, using the Camera Control for landscape photos can be uncomfortable, requiring finger adjustments that hinder the user’s ability to take clear shots easily.
Camera Shake Due to Physical Button
The pressure required to activate the Camera Control button may result in camera shake, affecting the image quality. Adjusting the button sensitivity helps to some extent, but the issue persists, especially when using the button single-handedly.
Fun Addition with Growing Pains
The Camera Control button, while a promising feature, falls short of expectations. There is potential in its use for Visual Intelligence, but the current implementation feels off, especially without Apple Intelligence features at launch.
Adjusting the Camera Control’s placement, sensitivity, and functionality over time could enhance the user experience and elevate this feature to its full potential.
