Apple introduced an Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max last year. The Action button replaces the mute switch and integrates a number of new customization capabilities.

This year, Apple is said to add a new button to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max duo, according to many recent leaks.

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iPhone 16 Pro may be equipped with a Capture button. Photo: Appleinsider

iPhone 16 will have Action button

Apple typically introduces new features on the Pro models before trickling down to the standard versions. That could be true for the iPhone 16 as well.

In December 2023, a report said that the Action button could be included on the entire iPhone 16 lineup. This means that the standard iPhone 16 will also have an Action button like the iPhone 16 Pro. This rumor makes sense since Apple tends to streamline features on its devices.

iPhone 16 Pro will have a Capture button

The Action button can be used as a shutter button for the camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but it's not quite the same as the shutter button on a real camera.

The shutter button on a professional camera allows for a light press to focus and more force to take a photo. This is not possible with the Action button.

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iPhone 16 Pro mockups and cases showing the Capture button. Photo: Appleinsider

Information about the Capture button has been leaked since September 2023 and has been constantly reappearing, with many sources confirming that the Capture button will appear on the new iPhone. Unlike the Action button, the Capture button will function more like the shutter button on a professional camera.

The Capture button will give users physical control to take photos on the iPhone like a digital camera, making it much easier to initiate a photo shoot.

Leaks even suggest that the Capture button will be pressure-sensitive, which would be consistent with the half-press functionality found on professional cameras. Users will also be able to change the zoom level by tapping the Capture button, as it is highly touch-sensitive.

In January 2024, The Information quoted two sources familiar with the iPhone 16 confirming that the Capture button is mechanical and touch-sensitive.

iPhone 16 may use capacitive buttons

According to Economic Daily , Apple has placed a large order for capacitive buttons from supplier Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) to replace all physical buttons on the iPhone 16.

Using capacitive technology will bring new experiences and can add more functions to the buttons.

Capacitive buttons use tactile feedback to let the user know their action has been taken, unlike mechanical buttons. The advantage of solid-state capacitive buttons is that they are more durable because they do not wear out with repeated use like mechanical buttons.

Back in September 2023, leaks suggested that the Capture and Action buttons on the iPhone 16 Pro would be capacitive. However, that report claimed that the volume buttons would remain mechanical rather than capacitive.

The iPhone 16 series is expected to be released next September. Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max versions will have powerful camera upgrades, support for Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Advance connectivity, and a graphene cooling system. The iPhone 16 series will likely support generative AI, allowing users to interact with chatbots or create text images right on the phone.

Watch the iPhone 16 Pro concept video with a rear camera cluster of 4 lenses ( Video : Tech Blood):