Apple has done it again. The tech giant just unveiled its latest hardware lineup, featuring the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, along with the usual new Apple Watches. This September event is a yearly tradition, but this year was different for me. For the first time, I got to experience the iPhone launch firsthand, going hands-on with the new models before the public.
While it’s hard to form complete impressions with hundreds of other journalists around you, even in that short time, one feature stood out: the new Camera Control button. It’s a hardware button on the right side of all iPhone 16 models, including the standard iPhone 16, the 16 Plus, and the Pro variants. This button works similarly to dedicated shutter buttons found on Android phones, offering a more tactile experience. But Apple, as always, elevates the functionality.
A simple press opens the camera app, another press captures a photo, and holding it down starts recording video. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though. A capacitive sensor beneath the button detects the pressure you apply. A full press takes a photo, while a lighter press brings up a control interface below the button, allowing you to zoom in and out. A double press from there activates even more controls, including adjusting depth of field, exposure, photographic styles, and more. Apple is also planning to add a two-stage shutter button option and “visual intelligence” features later this year. These features will allow you to use the Camera Control button to search the internet for objects in your camera’s view – similar to Google Lens.
Having tried the Camera Control button, I’m fully convinced. It’s a sleek and intuitive interface that works exceptionally well. The button also provides haptic feedback, adding to its responsiveness. Paired with the Action button, also included on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, Apple is empowering users to interact more directly with their phones, reducing reliance on the touchscreen. It’s a game-changer, and I can’t imagine going back to my iPhone 15 Pro Max without this feature.
Moving beyond the Camera Control, the slimmer bezels on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are truly impressive, making my iPhone 15 Pro Max feel outdated. The new screen sizes are also noteworthy. The iPhone 16 Pro is 6.3 inches, while the 16 Pro Max comes in at 6.9 inches. While the iPhone 16 Pro didn’t feel significantly larger in my hand compared to the 15 Pro, I’ll need more time with it to form a final opinion.
The Desert Titanium color for the Pro models is decent, not as bad as early renders suggested. However, the real color stars are the base iPhone 16 models. Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink are stunning in person and are some of the best iPhone colors Apple has released in years.
You can pre-order all the new iPhone 16 models now, with regular sales starting September 20. We’ll have more in-depth reviews and analyses of the new iPhones coming soon, so stay tuned.
