Apple is reportedly planning a significant design change for a key hardware feature in its upcoming standard iPhone 18 model. According to a new report, the tech giant is considering simplifying the Camera Control button by removing its touch-sensitive and haptic feedback capabilities.
What's Changing with the iPhone 18 Camera Button?
The Camera Control button, first introduced with the iPhone 16 series and continued in the iPhone 17 models, might see a major redesign. A report from The Information suggests Apple could strip away the button's capacitive layer. This means the feature would no longer respond to swipe gestures or provide haptic feedback. Instead, the new design would function solely based on physical pressure, much like a traditional button.
This potential move appears to be a direct response to user feedback. Many iPhone owners have reportedly complained about accidentally triggering the button's swipe functions. By making it a simple press-only button, Apple aims to eliminate these unintended activations. It is currently unclear if this design simplification will also apply to the more advanced iPhone 18 Pro models or remain exclusive to the standard variant.
Cost Savings and User Experience
The report highlights a dual benefit for Apple. Simplifying the button could help lower production costs. Removing the capacitive touch layer and haptic engine reduces component complexity and expense. However, the primary driver seems to be improving the user experience based on complaints.
Apple has already taken software steps to give users more control over similar features. In iOS 18.2, the company added a "Require Screen On" option. Furthermore, swipe gestures for the Camera Control are now turned off by default during the setup of a new iPhone, indicating Apple's awareness of the usability issue.
iPhone 18 Launch Timeline and Other Expected Features
The launch schedule for the iPhone 18 series is expected to be staggered. Industry reports suggest Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026. Interestingly, the standard iPhone 18 might see a delayed release, potentially arriving in the spring of 2027. This launch event could also be historic, as whispers persist about Apple possibly unveiling its first foldable iPhone alongside the traditional models.
Other major changes are also on the horizon for the Pro models. A previous report from The Information in May indicated that the iPhone 18 Pro might completely remove the Dynamic Island. The design could feature just a small pinhole for the front-facing camera, positioned at the top left of the display. However, other leaks contradict this, suggesting the Dynamic Island may stay. Additionally, Apple is actively testing under-display Face ID technology for its next-generation Pro iPhones, which would allow for a truly all-screen front display.
If these reports hold true, the iPhone 18 series could represent one of the most substantial redesigns in recent years, blending cost-effective simplifications in some areas with cutting-edge innovations in others.
