The upcoming iPhone 16 could introduce a brand-new feature:a Capture button on its right side.It’s rare for a completely new button to be added to a phone,so this addition has sparked considerable excitement and speculation.

　　Although the Capture button wasn’t mentioned at WWDC 2024,rumors suggest that it will be distinct from the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button,with its own unique functionality.Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone 16 Capture button.

　　Devices Expected to Feature the Capture Button

　　The Capture button is rumored to be available across the entire iPhone 16 lineup,including the entry-level iPhone 16,iPhone 16 Plus(possibly renamed iPhone 16 Slim),and the iPhone 16 Ultra,assuming it launches in 2024.While Apple has a hardware configuration without the Capture button as a fallback,current reports indicate that the button is still on track to be included,having appeared on several dummy models and leaked renders.

　　Design of the Capture Button

　　Reports indicate that the Capture button will be a solid-state capacitive button with haptic feedback,powered by a built-in Taptic Engine to mimic the feel of a physical button.It’s expected to be positioned where the iPhone 15’s SIM tray is located on models sold outside the U.S.,on the bottom right side of the phone,below the power button.The mmWave cutout,currently in that area,may be relocated to under the iPhone 16’s volume buttons.

　　The introduction of this new button will likely lead to internal design changes,though these are expected to have little to no impact on the user experience.

　　Possible Features of the Capture Button

　　While details are scarce,the name“Capture button”suggests it will be tied to the iPhone 16’s camera functions.It could serve as a camera shutter button or a shortcut to the camera app.There are also rumors of“force sensor functionality,”meaning the button could detect and respond to varying levels of pressure,potentially allowing it to perform different functions based on how hard it is pressed.For instance,a light tap might take a photo,while a firmer press could start video recording.

　　The Capture button might also support zooming through swipe gestures or act as a focus trigger with a light press,similar to a dedicated camera’s shutter button.

　　What We’d Like to See from the Capture Button

　　1.Meaningful Functionality:The Capture button should have a clear,useful purpose,not just be a gimmick.If it can’t offer something genuinely beneficial,it might be better left out.

　　2.User Customization:Like the Action button,the Capture button should offer customization options,allowing users to assign different functions according to their preferences.

　　3.Distinctiveness:The Capture button should offer something different from the existing Action button,ensuring it adds real value rather than duplicating functions.

　　4.Learning from Past Mistakes:Apple should avoid the limitations seen with the Action button,such as restricting it to a single action or only activating with a long press.The Capture button could benefit from a variety of trigger options,including double taps and long presses.

　　5.Wide Availability:While it’s rumored that the Capture button will be available on all iPhone 16 models,we hope it won’t be limited to Pro models.It would be refreshing to see this feature included across the entire lineup,giving all users access to something new.

　　The Capture button could be one of the most exciting additions to the iPhone 16,provided it offers unique and practical functionality.As more details emerge,we’ll get a clearer picture of how this new feature might change the way we use our iPhones.