Rumors have been swirling around the potential changes to the iPhone 18’s Camera Control button, with some claiming it could be removed entirely. 
However, this speculation is being contradicted by a more reliable source, hinting that Apple may instead opt for a simplification rather than a complete removal.
Weibo leaker Instant Digital, known for accurate leaks, recently shared insights into the iPhone 18’s Camera Control design. While it’s true that Apple’s experimental trials are still ongoing, Instant Digital claims the company might drop the capacitive sensor layer found in the iPhone 16’s dual-sensor system. Instead, pressure sensing alone could manage all the button functions.
The current iPhone 16’s Camera Control button features both capacitive and pressure-sensitive layers. The capacitive layer detects touch gestures, while the pressure-sensitive layer recognizes varying levels of pressure for different actions. However, the new approach could work similarly to devices like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, which uses pressure sensors to detect light taps, firm presses, and sliding gestures.
Why the change? Apparently, cost is a major factor. The existing technology is considered too expensive to maintain, and the high cost of repairs has been an issue for Apple. This could explain the company’s desire to simplify the design to reduce both production and after-sales expenses.
Instant Digital has a strong reputation for accurate leaks, so this latest update seems plausible. Given that the Camera Control was only introduced with the iPhone 16, it’s more likely Apple will refine it rather than remove it completely.
2 comments
pressure sensors? sounds cool, but will it last? 💡
Apple’s cost cutting always ends in weird decisions lol 😅