Apple will launch the iPhone 16 models in less than a month, and we are getting some pretty nifty upgrades this time around for the standard and the 'Pro' models. Next year's iPhone models are worth waiting for, but the upcoming lineup is not shy of improvements and upgrades that will enhance your user experience. In terms of design, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are getting solid upgrades with the new Action and Capture Button for specific functionalities.
Here are all the details related to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro's Action and Capture Button and what they do
The standard models of the iPhone 16 are getting a redesign this year with a vertical camera setup at the back, which is pretty reminiscent of the iPhone X, as Apple runs into circles to introduce a new design. However, the refresh is a welcome addition, as there are bound to be several differences, one of the important ones being the size of the camera module. Besides this, the devices are reported to come with an Action Button similar to the iPhone 15 Pro models with all the bells and whistles attached.
As for the 'Pro' models, Apple is reported to have increased the display size of the device, which also means that the devices will be slightly bigger than the current versions. The smaller iPhone 16 Pro will be equipped with a 6.3-inch display, while the bigger 'Pro Max' will come with a 6.9-inch display, and we are all for it, considering the bezels will shrink as well. It was previously reported that the iPhone 16 Pro models will launch with the slimmest bezels on a smartphone.
Another major addition is the new Capture Button that will be available on all four models of the iPhone 16, and it will be designed to handle the video-taking capabilities of the device. However, the same button would have multiple functionalities attached to it in the camera department, allowing the iPhone 16 to be much closer to a DSLR camera. If you are not familiar, these are the functions that the Capture Button on the iPhone 16 lineup could perform:
- Pressing lightly on the Capture Button to autofocus while taking a video or photo.
- Hard press will capture the photo or start video recording.
- Swiping left and right to zoom into the photo or video.
- Other gestures to switch between camera modes.
As you observe, the Capture Button on the iPhone 16 models will mimic the functionality of the shutter button on the DSLR cameras and probably do more with gesture support. To be fair, the ability to adjust the focus automatically with a light press of a button is pretty intriguing and could open new doors for commands. Additionally, as the company leads the industry to new features, we would see competitors adding their own variations to the mix for the better.
We believe that users will not be allowed to customize the functions of the Capture Button, mapping them to something else if it does not fit their needs. This is because the iPhone already has a dedicated Action Button for the job, which sits in the same place as the Mute Switch. As for the positioning of the Capture Button, past renders have shown that the button will sit flush with the frame of the iPhone and below the Side or Power Button. It will potentially be a cutout in the titanium and the aluminum chassis of the lineup.
Since the Capture Button is capacitive in nature, it makes room for gesture controls as well and we are all for it. Mark Gurman previously stated that there is a possibility the new Capture Button will be exclusively available on the higher-end flagship models, allowing Apple to maintain the differences between the standard and the 'Pro' models.
It was also previously reported that the buttons on this year's iPhone lineup will be solid-state, but we have not heard the details on the subject for a long time. Potentially, the company could offer a solid-state solution this year for the 'Pro' models. If you are unaware, it was reported that Apple would be elongated Volume buttons in the mix, which would not be mechanical but integrated with a dedicated Haptic Engine for feedback. It remains to be seen if the company will improve the buttons with the iPhone 16 lineup this year.
What are your expectations from the iPhone 16 lineup this year? Do you think Apple will offer a solid-state solution this year? Let us know in the comments.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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