Apple hasn’t yet launched the iPhone 17 series devices, and rumors regarding the iPhone 18 have already started swirling on the web. Just a couple of days ago, a sketchy rumor on Weibo claimed that Apple could remove the Camera Control functionality on the iPhone 18 series . However, another Weibo tipster has refuted the earlier rumors. The source suggests that Apple is simplifying the Camera Control key for the iPhone 18 instead of abandoning it.
Apple is simplifying Camera Control for iPhone 18 to reduce costs
Weibo-based leaker “OvO,” known for an unreliable track record, claimed that the 2026 iPhone models would drop Camera Control. The leaker usually repeats rumors from other unreliable leakers. However, the latest information regarding Apple simplifying Camera Control for iPhone 18 comes from “Instant Digital,” which at least has a much better track record, especially about the Camera Control button. The Weibo account was one of the early sources to suggest the presence of the feature on the iPhone 16.
Instant Digital claims that Apple is redesigning the Camera Control button for next year’s iPhone models, not abandoning it completely. The Cupertino tech giant is taking this approach to reduce manufacturing costs. Reportedly, the current Camera Control key on the iPhone 16 series is too costly to both produce and repair. This is why Apple is reportedly redesigning the button to save costs with a simple approach.
Apple’s revised approach could be similar to the OPPO & Vivo’s camera control
The iPhone 16 series employs both capacitive and pressure sensors for the Camera Control, positioning them beneath a sapphire crystal surface. The capacitive layer detects touch gestures, while the pressure sensors distinguish between different pressure levels, such as taps, presses, and swipes. The tipster suggests that Apple is removing the capacitive sensor from the current dual-sensor design on the iPhone 16 series.
Furthermore, the source suggests that the iPhone 18 series will feature a camera control design similar to the one found on the OPPO Find X8 and Vivo X200 Ultra . These devices only have pressure sensors, which alone can recognize light taps, firm presses, and sliding gestures. Apple’s redesigned Camera Control will reportedly retain the same touch, press, and swipe gestures as the previous version.
That said, it’s too early to guess what Apple will have up its sleeves for the iPhone 18 series. For now, we are eagerly waiting for the iPhone 17 series, which Apple recently accidentally revealed to launch at an event on September 9th.
