Recently, we've heard the shocking news that Apple may get rid of the Camera Control button for the iPhone 18. But this specific rumor comes from an unknown tipster, and this time, it's getting contradicted by a more well-known Apple leaker. According to this new leak, Apple may not remove the button altogether, but simplify it.
Weibo leaker Instant Digital claims that the Camera Control's pressure-sensitive modules for the iPhone 18 are still currently in trial production. However, the Cupertino tech giant may remove the capacitive sensor from the current dual-sensor design. Instead, Apple may use pressure sensing to achieve all button functions.
Currently, the iPhone 16's Camera Control button features both capacitive and pressure sensors placed beneath a sapphire crystal surface. The capacitive layer is responsible for detecting touch gestures, while the pressure layer recognizes different pressure levels (for taps, presses, swipes).
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iPhone 16 Pro Max. | Image Credit - PhoneArena
According to Instant Digital, Apple's new approach may be similar to that on devices like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, where pressure sensors can recognize light taps, firm presses, and sliding gestures.
Would you miss the current Camera Control button if Apple changes it?
Yes, I use it all the time
9.38%
No, I’m fine with a simpler version
37.5%
Never cared about it anyway
53.13%
32 Votes
Apparently, as the tipster claims, it's the costs that are driving the change (well, almost everything in this life is cost-driven, but hey). The current solution is said to be "very expensive" for Apple, and is also causing expensive after-sales repairs. And, according to the tipster, this is creating cost pressure for the company. We also have Visual Intelligence, which is yet to be fully released, as one of the perceived values of this button to begin with. Instant Digital has generally had a good track record for leaks. And personally, I think it makes more sense for Apple to simplify the button than remove it just two generations after it's been introduced (it arrived with the iPhone 16 series).
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Iskra Petrova is a news writer at PhoneArena, where she covers mobile tech news and maintains the site’s device hubs with the latest leaked specs, rumors, and official details for upcoming phones. She joined PhoneArena in 2020 after three years in technical support for Microsoft Exchange, giving her practical experience with software infrastructure and troubleshooting. Iskra holds a Master’s Degree in Literature, which helps her translate complex tech details into clear, reader-friendly coverage. She is a daily Apple ecosystem user, while also closely following Sony Xperia’s camera-focused phones and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series.
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