Apple’s iPhone 18 might lose one of its most recent hardware additions: the Camera Control button. First introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro line in 2024, the feature was designed to mimic the feel of traditional camera controls, promising more precision and a richer photography experience. 
Professional users praised it, calling it the closest thing yet to a DSLR-like shutter on an iPhone.
But according to a report circulating on Weibo, Apple has reportedly stopped ordering the component, signaling its potential removal. The reasons? Low mainstream adoption and cost-cutting pressures. While pros enjoyed it, everyday users barely touched the feature, making it difficult to justify for a mass-market device.
This wouldn’t be the first time Apple axed a niche innovation. The company quietly retired 3D Touch after most users ignored it, shifting instead toward features with broader appeal. In the case of the iPhone 18, Apple may focus on AI-powered photography upgrades instead of specialized hardware. Smarter low-light handling, automatic scene adjustments, and advanced editing tools could all be part of this pivot, offering value without adding complexity.
Still, for those who loved the Camera Control button, its potential removal feels like déjà vu – another case of Apple cutting something unique, only to possibly reintroduce a version of it later at a premium price. Until Apple confirms its plans, the future of the button hangs in the balance, but the company’s direction is clear: features must resonate with the masses, not just enthusiasts.