Apple’s intriguing new Camera Control button, introduced with the iPhone 16 series, may be removed from future iPhone models. According to a new report, Apple may discontinue this button starting with the iPhone 18 series. If these claims are true, the iPhone 17 series will be the last iPhones to feature it.

Camera Control Button Being Shelved

Apple is said to have made this decision for two main reasons. First, the button’s lack of user usage. Second, it’s to reduce costs.

This button, introduced with the iPhone 16, offered features such as quick photo taking and access to frequently used camera settings. However, sources say that users didn’t appreciate its advanced features, such as swiping. While some users appreciated the button, others found it unnecessary and its location inappropriate.

Apple introduced the Camera Control button as an alternative offering haptic feedback and professional-level adjustments like zoom and exposure. However, this button hasn’t received as much attention as the Action Button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models.

It’s worth noting that this is just a rumor at this point. Considering that 3D Touch technology was previously removed from iPhones after four generations, this claim becomes more plausible.

These claims demonstrate that Apple constantly evaluates user feedback and the practical utility of its products. The company has a history of removing features it deems unnecessary or underutilized.

Whether the Camera Control button will suffer a similar fate will become clear with future iPhone launches. However, there is already talk that this button may never progress beyond the prototype stage.