Camera Control, one of the vital vital updates to the iPhone 16 lineup, is a considerably polarizing characteristic. Some are fascinated by the photographic prospects, and others surprise why Apple thought we would have liked one more button on the iPhone. I’ve been a bit torn myself. As Apple introduces new capabilities through iOS 18 updates, like a mild press to lock focus and publicity, I excitedly try it out. Most of the time, nonetheless, I overlook the button is there. That is, till I went on trip and found Camera Control’s true function.
Underwater images.
For these not aware of Camera Control, it is a button (Apple hates once we name it a button, nevertheless it strikes, so it is a button) on the suitable aspect of all iPhone 16 fashions that responds to partial and full presses and gestures to allow a variety of digicam options and, extra lately, Apple’s Visual Intelligence.
Camera Control is a good characteristic, particularly whenever you need to use, say, the iPhone 16 Pro Max in panorama mode. Holding it like a standard digicam, you press a bodily, nearly shutter-like button to snap a photograph or launch a video seize.
Surface dwellers needn’t apply
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As I famous, I’ve used it some because the iPhone 16 launched in September 2024, however I typically overlook it is there. Fast ahead to earlier this month and my long-awaited trip to Antigua, a Caribbean island recognized for its glorious climate, seashores, palm bushes, pristine water, and marine life.
One afternoon, we walked the lengthy seaside to a lagoon-like space the place the water was notably clear, calm, and shallow sufficient to wade in a number of dozen yards with out getting our chests and shoulders moist. Immediately, I seen colleges of small white fish swimming round my legs. Then I noticed others with stripes, a number of lengthy, skinny ones, and no less than a number of darker swimmers.
I attempted utilizing the iPhone 16 Pro Max to take footage of the fish as they dashed round, however capturing from the floor into the water did not produce any shareable outcomes (see above). Having experimented with underwater iPhone images previously, I made a decision it was time to provide my telephone a dip. I did not need to dive underwater, although. There was a robust breeze, and I assumed it might be too chilly. Instead, the plan was to only put the iPhone 16 beneath and snap away.
A fin-tastic time
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As I’m certain you recognize, your iPhone 16 is IP68 rated, which suggests it may be beneath 1.5 meters of water for as much as half-hour. I felt assured the telephone may deal with a number of intermittent dips and survive.
I rapidly realized this may be the proper check mattress for the new-ish Camera management button, so I gingerly lowered the telephone into the water and began pointing it towards the fish. I did not must open the digicam app beforehand. A full press of the button launches the Camera app.
Moving slowly towards a pair of fish, I pressed the Camera Control simply sufficient to allow publicity and focus lock (you’re feeling a bit of haptic pulse), then I did a full press. I did this a number of occasions, slowly chasing the fish from one aspect of the lagoon to the opposite.
Obviously, I may’ve nonetheless used the down quantity button to shoot photographs, however then I’d all the time have to begin by opening the digicam above water after which blindly fumbling to seek out the suitable button (“Is it the “up” or “down” quantity button?!”) whereas holding the telephone underwater, which is not any enjoyable. Plus, you possibly can’t do the partial press to lock focus and publicity.
Lights, cameras, water, motion
I additionally used Camera Control to shoot some movies. Again, I like the concept I did not have to begin capturing above water after which dip the telephone in. Instead, I may discover the shot I needed after which press the button to begin capturing the video. This may additionally have helped me get nearer to the fish since they did not see my huge head proper behind the iPhone.
One factor I couldn’t do was apply gestures underwater in a lot the identical approach the iPhone’s display is ineffective when it is submerged.
In the top, I bought a number of the greatest underwater iPhone photographs and movies I’ve ever captured, and whereas my palms and legs bought moist, I by no means needed to dive underwater. I feel I want this to snorkeling.
Swim protected
One vital caveat on all this. If you comply with my lead and begin capturing underwater photographs along with your iPhone 16, keep in mind that the time restrict is half-hour and solely at a depth of about 5 toes of water.
More importantly, as soon as you have submerged your telephone, you will not be capable to cost it with a wired charger till that port is dried out. If you attempt to plug in a USB-C cable, the iPhone will launch an alarm and put up an on-screen message. Just bear in mind to journey with a wi-fi charger, and you will be positive.
It can take some time for the telephone to dry out after a dip. The morning after my tour, I used to be understanding and listening to a podcast on my iPhone by its audio system (nobody else was there). The audio was fairly muffled. I vigorously tapped the telephone on my palm to dislodge the water that was probably blocking the audio system, and that did the trick.
Have you been utilizing Camera management in your iPhone 16? Let me know what you have accomplished within the feedback beneath.
