- The iPhone 16e does NOT come with a Camera Control button.
- Instead, you get a new programmable Action button that can trigger camera, apps, and other controls in just a press.
- The Action button replaces the traditional Ring/Silent mode switch that's been a part of iPhones since its first iteration.
Apple has finally taken the covers off of the iPhone 16e with major upgrades across the board. Gone are the thick bezels and curvy edges as the new model now features an almost bezel-less display and flat sides, that closely follow the design language of the iPhone 16 series. That’s not just it; the 16e is also getting the A18 chipset, Apple C1 modem and Apple Intelligence from the latest iPhones. This might make you wonder – does the iPhone 16e have a Camera Control button like the iPhone 16? That’s what we’ll explain here.
Is there a Camera Control Button on the iPhone 16e?
The answer is – No. The iPhone 16e might look a lot like the iPhone 16 on the inside. But in truth, it carries the design elements of the now two-year-old iPhone 14. So, the iPhone 16e doesn’t have a Camera Control button found on the iPhone 16 series.
We don’t know the real reason for the omission of the Camera Control button, but we suspect it’s got to do with the iPhone 16e’s competitive pricing. It’s possible that for the 16e to be priced at $599, Apple couldn’t afford to add an extra tactile switch. Having Camera Control on the right edge would also mean a slight deviation from the iPhone 14 form factor that Apple was going for.
Lastly, one other reason is the Camera Control button’s limited use case on the iPhone 16e. Besides being a shortcut to trigger open the Camera app, this button on the iPhone 16 also served as a way to zoom in and out and switch cameras. With the iPhone 16e’s single main camera, it wouldn’t make sense having a Camera Control button that wouldn’t be useful other than launch the camera.
But, there’s indeed a new button, and it’s not where you expected it to be.
…Instead, There’s a New Action Button
Yes. Apple has officially killed the Ring/Silent switch on the iPhone lineup. With the new 16e model, you now get an Action button that looks, feels, and functions just like the one you saw on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer devices.
While the button itself isn’t a huge technological advancement, it’s a meaningful change, one that puts the iPhone 16e in close relation to Apple’s recent devices. With its programmable nature, you can essentially use the Action button to launch the Camera app. Let’s admit it, it’s what most of the iPhone 16 users utilize the Camera Control button for.
Besides, you can use the Action button to toggle Focus, Flashlight, Magnifier, Translate, and switch between Silent and Ring modes. You can also customize this button to instantly open an app from any screen, or quickly access a control or accessibility feature.
While you may not be able to adjust the depth and exposure on the iPhone 16e without the Camera Control button, the presence of an Action button is still a welcome change. It also opens up unlimited possibilities beyond just being able to toggle Silent mode.
So, what do you think about the lack of the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16e? Is it something you expected to see on this model? Or are you happy with the Action button instead? Let us know what you feel in the comments.
