Rarely do we actually see companies add new buttons to their smartphones, but here we are At Apple's “Glowtime” event in September, the company announced that the iPhone 16 (and of course the iPhone 16 Pro) will feature a new camera control button that will enable many new features The button can be used not only to take pictures, but also to adjust settings and access several Apple Intelligence features

Here is how the camera control button works and all that it can do

The camera control button is located on the lower right side of the iPhone 16 (when looking at the screen) and is easily accessible with your thumb if you are right-handed

The buttons can be pressed normally, or you can slide your finger over them thanks to the built-in touch sensor

Clicking the camera control button will launch the camera app (I wonder if the icon will remain on the lock screen as well) While in the camera app, pressing the button in fully will snap a photo If the button is clicked and held, video recording will begin

However, the haptic engine can also recognize a half-press, in which case settings such as brightness, exposure, and zoom can be accessed These settings can then be adjusted by sliding a finger along the camera control buttons

A post-launch update allows for a two-stage shutter that locks focus

The camera control button can also be used in conjunction with Apple Intelligence to identify objects in the real world With one click of the camera control button, the iPhone can add the poster's information to the calendar application

Similarly, if you point the camera at a bicycle that you think looks cool, the iPhone can suggest places where you can buy it

Apple's new camera control button appears to further strengthen the iPhone's position as one of the best camera phones, but with the addition of Apple Intelligence, it is no longer a one-time feature I'm curious to see how well it actually works, so stay tuned