Apple’s Foldable iPhone Retains Camera Control Button, but One-Handed Use on a Large Screen May Be Challenging

Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone has been the focus of numerous rumors, with the most recent leak coming from Weibo’s Instant Digital. As reported by Notebookcheck, the leak indicates that the iPhone Fold will feature the Camera Control button, even though it will be slimmer than the iPhone Air when unfolded.

This is certainly an impressive achievement. Integrating the Camera Control button into such a slim device likely demanded significant engineering efforts from Apple. However, it seems Apple believed the effort was justified.

Why is Apple so focused on camera control?

According to the source, the explanation is straightforward: one-handed photography. Foldable devices have a known issue where users must hold the phone with one hand while using the other to interact with the screen.

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According to the leaker, Apple’s reasoning is that Camera Control allows users to zoom, tweak settings, and capture photos or videos with just one hand. While this sounds logical on paper, its practical application remains to be seen.

Will it actually be easier to use?

Without hands-on testing, it’s difficult to judge. The iPhone Fold will have a larger and wider footprint than a standard iPhone, and using your thumb or index finger to operate the Camera Control button on the same hand holding the phone may not feel very ergonomic.

Sonny Dickson

I’ve used the Camera Control button on both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone Air. Based on my experience, operating the Camera Control can be frustrating. It lacks intuitive usability and requires precise control.

For instance, adjusting the zoom level is particularly challenging. It often overshoots or undershoots my desired setting. The on-screen controls provide better precision when setting the zoom.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Over the past two years, I’ve only used the Camera Control to launch the camera app and as a shutter button. It performs well in these scenarios, and I’d prefer an iPhone with it rather than without.

However, I can’t envision using the Camera Control to tweak settings like zoom or exposure. If it’s awkward on my iPhone Air, it seems unlikely to be practical on an even slimmer and larger iPhone Fold.