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Earlier this week, a random report from an account with zero track-record claimed that the iPhone 18 will drop the Camera Control button. We were skeptical of the rumor at the time, and now a new leak from a more reliable source has the full context.

As it turns out, Apple isn’t planning to remove the Camera Control from the iPhone 18 altogether, but rather introduce a dumbed-down version of it.

As a refresher, the Camera Control on the iPhone 16 is a complex piece of engineering. It combines a pressure-sensitive button with a capacitive surface on which you can swipe and tap to manipulate the Camera app. You can press the button to take a picture and swipe on its surface to switch between modes, zoom in and out, and more.

The rumor comes from the Instant Digital account on Weibo, which has accurately leaked information about upcoming iPhones in the past. They say Apple is currently running normal trial production of the pressure sensor used in the iPhone’s Camera Control. The company, however, has removed the touch-sensitive component from the button.

The report specifically cites the high production cost and long-term reliability concerns of the Camera Control as reasons for this change. I’m sure that user feedback is also playing a role.

9to5Mac’s Take

This makes a lot more sense to me than Apple ditching the Camera Control altogether.

My use of the Camera Control consists of using it as a way to launch the Camera app and as a shutter button to take pictures. In fact, I have all the fancy “swipey-swipey” features disabled.

I’d be bummed if Apple removed the Camera Control altogether. A simplified version of it, however, makes perfect sense. Plus, Apple uses the Camera Control as a way to quickly launch its Visual Intelligence feature, which is getting a big upgrade as part of iOS 26 this year.

What do you think? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite iPhone accessories:

Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon. 

Earlier this week, a random report from an account with zero track-record claimed that the iPhone 18 will drop the Camera Control button. We were skeptical of the rumor at the time, and now a new leak from a more reliable source has the full context.

As it turns out, Apple isn’t planning to remove the Camera Control from the iPhone 18 altogether, but rather introduce a dumbed-down version of it.

As a refresher, the Camera Control on the iPhone 16 is a complex piece of engineering. It combines a pressure-sensitive button with a capacitive surface on which you can swipe and tap to manipulate the Camera app. You can press the button to take a picture and swipe on its surface to switch between modes, zoom in and out, and more.

The rumor comes from the Instant Digital account on Weibo, which has accurately leaked information about upcoming iPhones in the past. They say Apple is currently running normal trial production of the pressure sensor used in the iPhone’s Camera Control. The company, however, has removed the touch-sensitive component from the button.

The report specifically cites the high production cost and long-term reliability concerns of the Camera Control as reasons for this change. I’m sure that user feedback is also playing a role.

9to5Mac’s Take

This makes a lot more sense to me than Apple ditching the Camera Control altogether.

My use of the Camera Control consists of using it as a way to launch the Camera app and as a shutter button to take pictures. In fact, I have all the fancy “swipey-swipey” features disabled.

I’d be bummed if Apple removed the Camera Control altogether. A simplified version of it, however, makes perfect sense. Plus, Apple uses the Camera Control as a way to quickly launch its Visual Intelligence feature, which is getting a big upgrade as part of iOS 26 this year.

What do you think? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite iPhone accessories:

Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon. 

Earlier this week, a random report from an account with zero track-record claimed that the iPhone 18 will drop the Camera Control button. We were skeptical of the rumor at the time, and now a new leak from a more reliable source has the full context.

As it turns out, Apple isn’t planning to remove the Camera Control from the iPhone 18 altogether, but rather introduce a dumbed-down version of it.

As a refresher, the Camera Control on the iPhone 16 is a complex piece of engineering. It combines a pressure-sensitive button with a capacitive surface on which you can swipe and tap to manipulate the Camera app. You can press the button to take a picture and swipe on its surface to switch between modes, zoom in and out, and more.

The rumor comes from the Instant Digital account on Weibo, which has accurately leaked information about upcoming iPhones in the past. They say Apple is currently running normal trial production of the pressure sensor used in the iPhone’s Camera Control. The company, however, has removed the touch-sensitive component from the button.

The report specifically cites the high production cost and long-term reliability concerns of the Camera Control as reasons for this change. I’m sure that user feedback is also playing a role.

9to5Mac’s Take

This makes a lot more sense to me than Apple ditching the Camera Control altogether.

My use of the Camera Control consists of using it as a way to launch the Camera app and as a shutter button to take pictures. In fact, I have all the fancy “swipey-swipey” features disabled.

I’d be bummed if Apple removed the Camera Control altogether. A simplified version of it, however, makes perfect sense. Plus, Apple uses the Camera Control as a way to quickly launch its Visual Intelligence feature, which is getting a big upgrade as part of iOS 26 this year.

What do you think? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite iPhone accessories:

Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon. 

Earlier this week, a random report from an account with zero track-record claimed that the iPhone 18 will drop the Camera Control button. We were skeptical of the rumor at the time, and now a new leak from a more reliable source has the full context.

As it turns out, Apple isn’t planning to remove the Camera Control from the iPhone 18 altogether, but rather introduce a dumbed-down version of it.

As a refresher, the Camera Control on the iPhone 16 is a complex piece of engineering. It combines a pressure-sensitive button with a capacitive surface on which you can swipe and tap to manipulate the Camera app. You can press the button to take a picture and swipe on its surface to switch between modes, zoom in and out, and more.

The rumor comes from the Instant Digital account on Weibo, which has accurately leaked information about upcoming iPhones in the past. They say Apple is currently running normal trial production of the pressure sensor used in the iPhone’s Camera Control. The company, however, has removed the touch-sensitive component from the button.

The report specifically cites the high production cost and long-term reliability concerns of the Camera Control as reasons for this change. I’m sure that user feedback is also playing a role.

9to5Mac’s Take

This makes a lot more sense to me than Apple ditching the Camera Control altogether.

My use of the Camera Control consists of using it as a way to launch the Camera app and as a shutter button to take pictures. In fact, I have all the fancy “swipey-swipey” features disabled.

I’d be bummed if Apple removed the Camera Control altogether. A simplified version of it, however, makes perfect sense. Plus, Apple uses the Camera Control as a way to quickly launch its Visual Intelligence feature, which is getting a big upgrade as part of iOS 26 this year.

What do you think? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite iPhone accessories:

Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon. 

Earlier this week, a random report from an account with zero track-record claimed that the iPhone 18 will drop the Camera Control button. We were skeptical of the rumor at the time, and now a new leak from a more reliable source has the full context.

As it turns out, Apple isn’t planning to remove the Camera Control from the iPhone 18 altogether, but rather introduce a dumbed-down version of it.

As a refresher, the Camera Control on the iPhone 16 is a complex piece of engineering. It combines a pressure-sensitive button with a capacitive surface on which you can swipe and tap to manipulate the Camera app. You can press the button to take a picture and swipe on its surface to switch between modes, zoom in and out, and more.

The rumor comes from the Instant Digital account on Weibo, which has accurately leaked information about upcoming iPhones in the past. They say Apple is currently running normal trial production of the pressure sensor used in the iPhone’s Camera Control. The company, however, has removed the touch-sensitive component from the button.

The report specifically cites the high production cost and long-term reliability concerns of the Camera Control as reasons for this change. I’m sure that user feedback is also playing a role.

9to5Mac’s Take

This makes a lot more sense to me than Apple ditching the Camera Control altogether.

My use of the Camera Control consists of using it as a way to launch the Camera app and as a shutter button to take pictures. In fact, I have all the fancy “swipey-swipey” features disabled.

I’d be bummed if Apple removed the Camera Control altogether. A simplified version of it, however, makes perfect sense. Plus, Apple uses the Camera Control as a way to quickly launch its Visual Intelligence feature, which is getting a big upgrade as part of iOS 26 this year.

What do you think? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite iPhone accessories:

Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon. 

Belkin is today launching a new 2-in-1 “UltraCharge” wireless charger that features support for Qi2’s new 25W charging speeds and couldn’t be more perfect for the Pixel 10 series and your other Google accessories.

The Belkin UltraCharge 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is a $60 Qi2-certified charger that is pretty simple in design. It features a kickstand-style design with a Qi2 magnetic charging ring on top and a second standard Qi charger underneath. This means you can place your Pixel 10 series device (or an iPhone, I guess) on the main charger for full 15W or 25W speeds, and then put a pair of Pixel Buds underneath.

There’s a USB-C port alongside those, which could then be used to connect the new Pixel Watch 4 charger, making this little gadget a perfect companion to Google’s new series. With just one device, you’ve got a station ready to charge Google’s entire ecosystem.

Belkin uses “ChillBoost” tech to keep your devices cool while charging and includes both a USB-C cable and a 45W power adapter in the box with this charger.

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It comes in both square and round options, with the former coming in blue, black, and white, and the latter in black and white.

Pricing lands at $59.99 in the US, and you can order now from Belkin’s website, Amazon, and select other retailers.

Belkin is also launching two other 3-in-1 chargers with Qi2 25W today, both of which have the same basic specs as this one, but with Apple Watch chargers built in.

More on Qi2:

Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram

Belkin is today launching a new 2-in-1 “UltraCharge” wireless charger that features support for Qi2’s new 25W charging speeds and couldn’t be more perfect for the Pixel 10 series and your other Google accessories.

The Belkin UltraCharge 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is a $60 Qi2-certified charger that is pretty simple in design. It features a kickstand-style design with a Qi2 magnetic charging ring on top and a second standard Qi charger underneath. This means you can place your Pixel 10 series device (or an iPhone, I guess) on the main charger for full 15W or 25W speeds, and then put a pair of Pixel Buds underneath.

There’s a USB-C port alongside those, which could then be used to connect the new Pixel Watch 4 charger, making this little gadget a perfect companion to Google’s new series. With just one device, you’ve got a station ready to charge Google’s entire ecosystem.

Belkin uses “ChillBoost” tech to keep your devices cool while charging and includes both a USB-C cable and a 45W power adapter in the box with this charger.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

It comes in both square and round options, with the former coming in blue, black, and white, and the latter in black and white.

Pricing lands at $59.99 in the US, and you can order now from Belkin’s website, Amazon, and select other retailers.

Belkin is also launching two other 3-in-1 chargers with Qi2 25W today, both of which have the same basic specs as this one, but with Apple Watch chargers built in.

More on Qi2:

Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram

Belkin is today launching a new 2-in-1 “UltraCharge” wireless charger that features support for Qi2’s new 25W charging speeds and couldn’t be more perfect for the Pixel 10 series and your other Google accessories.

The Belkin UltraCharge 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is a $60 Qi2-certified charger that is pretty simple in design. It features a kickstand-style design with a Qi2 magnetic charging ring on top and a second standard Qi charger underneath. This means you can place your Pixel 10 series device (or an iPhone, I guess) on the main charger for full 15W or 25W speeds, and then put a pair of Pixel Buds underneath.

There’s a USB-C port alongside those, which could then be used to connect the new Pixel Watch 4 charger, making this little gadget a perfect companion to Google’s new series. With just one device, you’ve got a station ready to charge Google’s entire ecosystem.

Belkin uses “ChillBoost” tech to keep your devices cool while charging and includes both a USB-C cable and a 45W power adapter in the box with this charger.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

It comes in both square and round options, with the former coming in blue, black, and white, and the latter in black and white.

Pricing lands at $59.99 in the US, and you can order now from Belkin’s website, Amazon, and select other retailers.

Belkin is also launching two other 3-in-1 chargers with Qi2 25W today, both of which have the same basic specs as this one, but with Apple Watch chargers built in.

More on Qi2:

Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram

Belkin is today launching a new 2-in-1 “UltraCharge” wireless charger that features support for Qi2’s new 25W charging speeds and couldn’t be more perfect for the Pixel 10 series and your other Google accessories.

The Belkin UltraCharge 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is a $60 Qi2-certified charger that is pretty simple in design. It features a kickstand-style design with a Qi2 magnetic charging ring on top and a second standard Qi charger underneath. This means you can place your Pixel 10 series device (or an iPhone, I guess) on the main charger for full 15W or 25W speeds, and then put a pair of Pixel Buds underneath.

There’s a USB-C port alongside those, which could then be used to connect the new Pixel Watch 4 charger, making this little gadget a perfect companion to Google’s new series. With just one device, you’ve got a station ready to charge Google’s entire ecosystem.

Belkin uses “ChillBoost” tech to keep your devices cool while charging and includes both a USB-C cable and a 45W power adapter in the box with this charger.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

It comes in both square and round options, with the former coming in blue, black, and white, and the latter in black and white.

Pricing lands at $59.99 in the US, and you can order now from Belkin’s website, Amazon, and select other retailers.

Belkin is also launching two other 3-in-1 chargers with Qi2 25W today, both of which have the same basic specs as this one, but with Apple Watch chargers built in.

More on Qi2:

Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram

Belkin is today launching a new 2-in-1 “UltraCharge” wireless charger that features support for Qi2’s new 25W charging speeds and couldn’t be more perfect for the Pixel 10 series and your other Google accessories.

The Belkin UltraCharge 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is a $60 Qi2-certified charger that is pretty simple in design. It features a kickstand-style design with a Qi2 magnetic charging ring on top and a second standard Qi charger underneath. This means you can place your Pixel 10 series device (or an iPhone, I guess) on the main charger for full 15W or 25W speeds, and then put a pair of Pixel Buds underneath.

There’s a USB-C port alongside those, which could then be used to connect the new Pixel Watch 4 charger, making this little gadget a perfect companion to Google’s new series. With just one device, you’ve got a station ready to charge Google’s entire ecosystem.

Belkin uses “ChillBoost” tech to keep your devices cool while charging and includes both a USB-C cable and a 45W power adapter in the box with this charger.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

It comes in both square and round options, with the former coming in blue, black, and white, and the latter in black and white.

Pricing lands at $59.99 in the US, and you can order now from Belkin’s website, Amazon, and select other retailers.

Belkin is also launching two other 3-in-1 chargers with Qi2 25W today, both of which have the same basic specs as this one, but with Apple Watch chargers built in.

More on Qi2:

Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram