TechPhonesiPhonesThe iPhone 16 Capture button looks like a masterclass in overthinkingIt’s the ultimate jack of all tradesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

TechPhonesiPhonesThe iPhone 16 Capture button looks like a masterclass in overthinkingIt’s the ultimate jack of all tradesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

It’s the ultimate jack of all trades

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Apple)

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16

(Image credit: Apple)

Like many, I spent my Monday evening tuned in to theApple launch event. Streamed to a worldwide audience, the brand took to the stage at its headquarters inApplePark, California to unveil a range of new products.

We saw a brand newApple Watch Series 10, as well as an updated colour for theApple Watch Ultra 2. There was also a new range ofAirpods, and new colours for some of the other models in that family.

But of course, sat atop the tree was the newiPhone 16range. With a range of smaller changes to the design and feature set, the one big upgrade came in the form of aCapture button.

As a keen photographer myself, I was absolutely ready for this. There’s nothing less satisfying than the soulless, soundless tap-on-the-screen shutter experience usually used on phones, so something more haptic and tactile was really appealing.

It doesn’t stop there, either. As a haptic strip, users will be able to swipe to control different aspects of their photography experience, too.

(Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 16 Capture button in use

(Image credit: Apple)

Sadly, that’s where I think Apple has overthought this one. See, in all of the videos from their event and thereafter, they show the swiping motion controlling pretty much every parameter on the camera app.

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That seems utterly pointless to me. One of the things photographers love about having tactile buttons and dials is that they serve a purpose. But it’s a single purpose. Okay, sometimes it might double up, but it’s certainly not a single control for every function.

Having those individual controls means that you can develop a muscle memory. Watch a photographer who knows their equipment inside out – they’ll make every adjustment without even thinking about it.

Had it just been used for a single function – a user-configurable one would be perfect – I’d feel entirely different. Like a custom button on a camera, that could have really elevated the photography experience. For now, though, I’m not quite convinced.

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