iPhone 18: Is Apple really getting rid of the camera button?

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The iPhone 18 is still a year away, but rumors about possible design and feature changes are already circulating. One detail in particular is in focus: the camera control button. First introduced with the iPhone 16 series, it's already set to disappear, according to a new leak. The source, however, isn't exactly trustworthy—and that's precisely what makes the discussion so exciting.

Rumors about new iPhones surface early every year, but when they involve specific hardware changes, they quickly spark controversy. The iPhone 18 may be affected by a feature that hasn't been a part of the devices for very long. The camera control button, which first appeared on the iPhone 16, is reportedly about to be discontinued. The reason: insufficient use and excessive production costs. This is the claim of a Chinese Weibo account – without any evidence. Nevertheless, the news is causing a stir.

This is what's behind the iPhone 18 rumor

The report comes from the Weibo account "OvO OvO OvO OvO," formerly known as "OvO Baby Sauce OvO." According to the post from Tuesday, Apple has informed its suppliers that the camera control button will no longer be required. This decision was made because too few users actively use the function. Economic reasons also play a role: The button increases production costs without providing a correspondingly high added value.

Doubtful source without evidence

The credibility of this rumor is severely limited. The account in question has no reliable history of genuine leaks or precise predictions. In the past, it has primarily reposted information from other sources – sometimes accurate, often speculative. No source is cited for the current claim. Official confirmation or independent reports are completely lacking so far.

How was the camera control button received?

Since its introduction with the iPhone 16, the camera control button has received mixed reviews. The button enables faster, more precise control when taking photos—for example, when zooming or focusing. Users who take a lot of photos with their iPhone or prefer Pro mode see real added value in the button. Direct access without touchscreen navigation is compared to professional cameras. On the other hand, there are many who hardly use the button. For them, the touch controls on the display are completely sufficient. Some even consider the additional button superfluous. Its functionality is limited anyway, and in some situations it is accidentally pressed.

Comparison with the Action Button

A similar case happened not long ago: On the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple replaced the traditional mute button with the so-called Action Button. This change was also controversial. Some welcomed the new assignability, while others missed the simple and proven mute function. Apple is known for paying attention to such reactions—and is also willing to remove new features if they don't prove useful in everyday life.

How likely is the end of the button on the iPhone 18?

There is currently no confirmed information on whether Apple actually plans to remove the camera control button with the iPhone 18. The rumor from China stands on its own, without a verifiable source. However, the scenario generally fits Apple's strategy: If a feature isn't widely used or doesn't deliver the desired effect, it can quickly disappear again, especially if production costs can be saved at the same time. It's also possible that Apple will further develop the feature or integrate it elsewhere—for example, as part of a new camera system or in conjunction with software features.

iPhone 16 Camera: How the new camera control button works

iPhone 18: Questionable source, but interesting point of discussion

The claim that Apple plans to remove the camera control button on the iPhone 18 is unconfirmed and based on a rather dubious source. Nevertheless, the rumor demonstrates how sensitive new hardware features are – and how quickly they are questioned when their usefulness is unclear. Whether the iPhone 18 actually moves in this direction will only become clear with more reliable leaks or at the official launch. Until then, the topic remains a good example of how strongly user behavior can influence Apple's decisions. (Image: Apple)