Senior ContributorOpinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Storyteller exploring digital worlds, mobile, music and podcasting
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.
David Phelan for Forbes
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.
Getty Images
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…
Get the best of Forbes to your inbox with the latest insights from experts across the globe.
Check out my website.
I am known for my strong views on mobile technology, online media, and the effect this has on the public conscious and existing businesses.
I’ve been following this space for over ten years, working with a number of publishers, publications and media companies, some for long periods of time, others for commissions, one-off pieces or a series of articles or shows.
As Scotland’s first podcaster, I continue to be a prominent voice in the rise of podcasting and new media online, and picked up a British Academy (BAFTA) nomination for my annual coverage of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, alongside contributions to Radio 5 Live, the BBC World Service, presenting Edinburgh local radio’s coverage of the General Election.
You’ll find me on Twitter (@Ewan), Facebook, and Google Plus.
Read MoreRead Less
More from Forbes
More Articles
