The Camera Control feature is highlighted as a key addition in the iPhone 16 lineup. This new button integrates multiple layers of software, which Apple claims enhances the camera’s capabilities significantly. However, many users are expressing dissatisfaction with its performance.
Initially, I shared my thoughts shortly after the iPhone 16’s release, labeling it as Apple’s most disappointing hardware change. A month later, I reiterated that the Camera Control feature might be the worst new addition in years. My conviction has only strengthened since then.
Chris Smith from BGR also noted that while the Camera Control feature was disappointing, he still missed it after returning his iPhone 16 Plus. After three months of usage, I feel there’s no need to sugarcoat my experience: the Camera Control feature is frustrating.
I’ve identified several issues with the Camera Control feature, and recent software updates have introduced even more problems:
- Opening the Camera app quickly often results in lag, and at times, it even causes my phone to reboot.
- Taking photos feels awkward due to the button’s placement, making it challenging to use in both Portrait and Landscape modes. I’ve ended up with many blurry shots.
- Adjusting camera settings is slower than simply tapping the screen, and it seems to have become more cumbersome over time.
- New: Attempting to open the Camera app quickly often results in a black screen, as the camera fails to activate.
Given these frustrations, I’ve largely stopped using the Camera Control feature. I had hoped that the new iOS 18.2’s Visual Intelligence would change my perspective, but it did not.
Interestingly, the Action Button has proven to be more useful than the Camera Control feature. I’ve set it up to play my downloaded Apple Music songs on shuffle, which is quite handy.
After three months of persistent issues, I doubt Apple can improve this feature. It seems like the company had several promising ideas but failed to execute them effectively. The Dynamic Island feels underutilized, the Action Button lacks practicality for everyday users, and the Camera Control feature is overly complicated.
Looking ahead, I hope the upcoming iPhone 17 will provide a more user-friendly experience.
Via BGR
