Apple’s iPhone 16 gets a camera button, Action button and the A18 chip

There are arguably only three sure things in life: death, taxes and a new bunch of iPhones every September. Like clockwork, Apple has revealed this year’s iPhone lineup, which is anchored by the iPhone 16 and its larger sibling, the iPhone 16 Plus. Apple has made some alterations to the external design, but the company’s main focus this year is on Apple Intelligence, with the new phones designed from the ground up to support that.

There are a few notable changes to the exteriors of both devices this year. First, the rear camera array is arranged vertically on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus with a pill-shaped bump.

Second, the Action button that debuted on last year’s Pro models has arrived on the lower-end models. This button, which replaces the mute switch, is customizable. You might set it up to activate the flashlight or a Voice Memos recording. It can trigger Shortcuts and, starting in iOS 18, you can use it to adjust a Control Center setting. You can set up the Action button to have different functions at different times of day.

Third, there’s another new button that’s dedicated to capturing photos and videos, so you won’t have to tap your display, press one of the volume buttons or use a remote trigger to take a snap or a recording. You’ll be able to adjust camera settings by sliding your finger back and forth on the touch-sensitive button. This could well be a game-changer for iPhone-focused photographers.

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