Apple has unveiled a key physical change to its upcoming iPhone 16 lineup: a new side button dedicated to camera control. Announced at the company’s annual September event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, the button promises to offer users more intuitive and seamless control over the camera functions.

The button, which is flush with the surface of the phone, allows for quick access to the camera with a single click. Apple demonstrated its versatility, showing how a quick press opens the camera, a double-click captures a photo, and holding it down records video. A light press activates a clean preview mode, eliminating distractions for better shot framing.

Users can also access advanced features like zoom and depth-of-field adjustments by sliding their fingers across the button. The new control is designed to integrate with apps like Snapchat, enabling faster snapping and sharing.

In addition to photography, the button taps into Apple’s Visual Intelligence technology. It can identify objects, provide information about places like restaurants or events, and even offer mixed reality experiences – all powered by Apple’s on-device intelligence.