iPhone 16 cameras: 3 new rumored features you need to know about

All hail the new capture button.
By Chance Townsend  on 
iPhone home-screen UI
The iPhone 16 cameras are getting a slight boost over the last generation. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are reportedly getting some camera upgrades. Brace yourselves; the tech bro in your life is about to get even more insufferable — Apple's got another event lined up, And yes, that means the iPhone 16 is on its way.

Naturally, this spells more camera upgrades because we all know that’s what truly matters.

We've been all over the iPhone 16 rumors since the iPhone 15's debut last September — and keeping track has been like a full-time job. The buzz is all about Apple Intelligence and how it'll integrate into the flagship device, but expect to see the additions of fancy new buttons and gloriously slim bezels. However, for some of us, the main event here is the camera.

For all you shutterbugs and Insta-addicts, we’ve rounded up the three juiciest new camera features coming to the iPhone 16.

1. New capture button

Available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

The most significant camera upgrade, beyond the new ultrawide lens, is the introduction of the capture button.

A man holding a light blue iPhone
All the iPhone 16 models, including the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, are reportedly getting a new capture button. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

While the action button on the iPhone 15 was a nice touch, the capture button takes things to the next level, offering more control with less effort — a win-win.

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This new feature gives users enhanced camera functionality through intuitive swiping gestures. Zooming in and out, focusing on subjects, and even handling more technical aspects like activating the shutter becomes smoother and more streamlined.

2. Better Night Mode

Available on iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

A design refresh is always a crowd-pleaser, and the iPhone 16’s rumored new stacked rear camera design on its Pro and Pro Max models is no exception.

For all you night owls, this is especially exciting. The stacked design, paired with Sony's CMOS image sensor, promises to boost light capture and deliver a wider dynamic range. Translation: your low-light shots are about to get a serious upgrade.

3. New ultrawide sensor

Available on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are poised to step up their photography game with a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, a major upgrade from the current 12MP setup on the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Two iPhones lying on a wooden platform
Only the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models are reportedly getting the new ultrawide sensor. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

This new lens promises better light gathering, meaning your shots in dimly lit environments are about to get a whole lot better. A late August report from Apple Insider gives this rumor some solid backing.

The ultrawide camera normally falls short in the sharpness department compared to the main camera. If this 48-megapixel upgrade is the real deal, it could finally iron out those nagging issues with crispness and clarity.

For more information on what's to come from Apple, check out our rumor hubs for the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10.

Topics Apple iPhone

Headshot of a Black man
Chance Townsend
Assistant Editor, General Assignments

Currently residing in Chicago, Illinois, Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father.

In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and finds great enjoyment in Detroit sports. If you have any stories, tips, recipes, or wanna talk shop about the Lions/Tigers/Pistons/Red Wings you can reach him at [email protected]


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