All iPhone 16 Models to Feature New Buttons: Here’s How They Enhance Your Experience

Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 16 models in just under a month, and this time, both the standard and ‘Pro’ models are set to receive some impressive upgrades. While next year’s iPhone models might be worth the wait, the upcoming lineup is packed with improvements and enhancements designed to elevate your user experience. In terms of design, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are getting substantial upgrades, including the introduction of the new Action and Capture Buttons for specific functionalities.

What to Expect from the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro’s New Action and Capture Buttons

The standard iPhone 16 models are getting a fresh design this year, featuring a vertical camera setup at the back reminiscent of the iPhone X, as Apple revisits some of its classic design elements. This refresh is a welcome change, with notable differences such as the larger camera module size. Additionally, these devices are reported to come equipped with an Action Button, similar to the one found on the iPhone 15 Pro models, complete with all the bells and whistles.

For the ‘Pro’ models, Apple is reportedly increasing the display sizes, making the devices slightly larger than their predecessors. The smaller iPhone 16 Pro will sport a 6.3-inch display, while the larger ‘Pro Max’ will feature a 6.9-inch display. We’re all for it, especially considering that the bezels will shrink even further. It has also been reported that the iPhone 16 Pro models will debut with the slimmest bezels ever seen on a smartphone.

Another significant addition to the iPhone 16 lineup is the new Capture Button, which will be available on all four models. This button is designed to enhance the device’s video-taking capabilities, but it will also serve multiple functions within the camera app, bringing the iPhone 16 closer to the experience of using a DSLR camera. If you’re not familiar, here’s what the Capture Button on the iPhone 16 could do:

• A light press on the Capture Button will activate autofocus while taking a video or photo.
• A hard press will capture the photo or start video recording.
• Swiping left or right on the button will allow you to zoom in on the photo or video.
• Additional gestures will enable switching between different camera modes.

As you can see, the Capture Button on the iPhone 16 models is designed to mimic the functionality of a DSLR camera’s shutter button, potentially offering even more capabilities with gesture support. The ability to adjust focus with a simple press is intriguing and could open up new possibilities for camera control. As Apple continues to innovate, we may see competitors introduce their own variations of this feature.

It’s likely that users won’t be able to customize the functions of the Capture Button, as the iPhone already has a dedicated Action Button for such tasks. This button is located where the Mute Switch used to be. As for the positioning of the Capture Button, previous renders suggest it will be flush with the iPhone’s frame, positioned below the Side or Power Button, and potentially integrated into the titanium and aluminum chassis.

Because the Capture Button is capacitive, it allows for gesture controls, which we believe is a great addition. Mark Gurman has previously indicated that this new Capture Button might be exclusive to the higher-end flagship models, helping Apple maintain clear distinctions between the standard and ‘Pro’ versions.

It was also previously speculated that this year’s iPhone lineup would feature solid-state buttons, though details on this have been sparse lately. There’s a possibility that Apple might introduce a solid-state solution for the ‘Pro’ models this year. For those unaware, it was earlier reported that Apple might incorporate elongated Volume buttons that aren’t mechanical but instead integrated with a dedicated Haptic Engine for feedback. Whether Apple will improve the buttons with the iPhone 16 lineup remains to be seen.