We’ve heard multiple times that Apple is planning to add a new “Capture Button” to the iPhone 16 lineup. When the news first broke, we weren’t sure how the button would exactly work, although Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman later confirmed that the button would be used for capturing video.
The Information has now shared new details on the functionality of the new Capture Button. The publication revealed some of the gestures the button will support, and that the button will be mechanical, not capacitive, and that it will respond to touch and pressure.
iPhone videographers will be able to zoom in and out by swiping their finger left and right on the button. Focusing will be accomplished with a light press, while a more forceful press will be used to begin recording.
The Capture Button is expected to reside on the right side of the iPhone and will be located below the Power button, which should be an ideal location for the button when the iPhone is held in the horizontal (landscape) position. Currently, the mmWave antenna is positioned there (in U.S. models) but Apple will move the antenna to the left side of the device to provide space for the new button.
The Information reports Apple will promote the new button as a major selling point for the iPhone 16 lineup, as Apple pushes the iPhone as a camera alternative for shooting horizontal video.
As is usual for these types of reports, this is a rumor and the design of the iPhone 16 has not yet been finalized, so things could change quite a bit between now and the September debut of the iPhone 16 lineup. Stay tuned.