iPhone 17 to Feature Camera Control; Future Uncertain Amid Debate

The upcoming launch of the iPhone 17 is generating significant interest, particularly regarding its Camera Control feature. Expected to debut in September 2024, this model may be the last to include the controversial touch-sensitive button, as reports suggest that Apple could eliminate it in the following iteration, the iPhone 18.

The Camera Control was first introduced with the iPhone 16 lineup and has been a focal point in Apple’s marketing efforts for the last year. This feature serves multiple functions, including acting as a shutter button and facilitating navigation through camera options. Moreover, it can serve as a shortcut to the Camera app and Visual Intelligence. Despite its versatility, user opinions are divided. Some find it beneficial, while others describe it as cumbersome based on their grip of the device.

According to leaker Baby Sauce OvO on Weibo, Apple has instructed suppliers to cease ordering parts for the Camera Control due to low usage rates and the cost implications of including the feature. This claim’s reliability is under scrutiny, as previous predictions by Baby Sauce OvO regarding the iPhone 16 were not entirely accurate, as highlighted by Tom’s Guide.

In online discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, reactions to the Camera Control have varied widely. One user remarked, “I still see no reason for this useless button. I think I’ve used it twice in two months,” while another expressed strong support, stating, “I absolutely love it. I would be real sad if they got rid of it.” This polarized feedback underscores the challenge Apple faces in balancing user preferences with functionality.

Historically, Apple has removed features gradually. The MacBook Touch Bar, for instance, persisted for five years before being replaced with conventional function keys, while the Action button on the iPhone continues to exist despite some users’ preference for the traditional mute switch.

As for the future of the Camera Control, clarity will likely emerge closer to the iPhone 18’s launch, anticipated next year. Until then, Apple is preparing to showcase the iPhone 17, along with its variants—the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—at a September event, according to various reports.

While the Camera Control feature may remain in the iPhone 17, its potential removal in future models reflects Apple’s ongoing evaluation of user feedback and cost-effectiveness. As the launch date approaches, more insights are expected to surface, shaping consumer expectations and reactions.