The Camera Control feature on the iPhone 16 received a blend of feedback, even from myself. However, with the launch of iOS 18.2, this feature has been enhanced in several significant ways, aligning closer to its original vision.
Visual intelligence unveils a new camera superpower
The most significant update to Camera Control in iOS 18.2 is the incorporation of visual intelligence.
By pressing and holding Camera Control, your iPhone camera activates a specialized mode that reveals important information about your surroundings, along with quick actions related to that information.
Here’s Apple’s explanation:
Users can long-press Camera Control to view restaurant hours or ratings while passing by, add calendar events from flyers, quickly identify a dog breed, and much more. Camera Control can also connect users to third-party tools based on specific expertise, such as searching Google to find out where to purchase an item or leveraging ChatGPT’s problem-solving abilities.
My colleague Fernando created a video showcasing ten unique uses for visual intelligence. I highly recommend watching it to discover what your iPhone 16 can accomplish with iOS 18.2.
Quicker camera launcher than previously
Another major enhancement in iOS 18.2 is the ability to use Camera Control to access the Camera app faster than ever.
By navigating to Settings ⇾ Display and Brightness, you’ll find a new option for Camera Control: ‘Require Screen On.’
With iOS 18.2, this toggle is enabled by default, allowing Camera Control to function as it traditionally has. However, if you turn this off, you can launch your camera even with the iPhone’s screen off.
This effectively eliminates an extra step, enabling quicker image capture. There’s no longer a need to tap Camera Control to wake your device and then again to open the Camera (or to touch your screen first to wake it).
Simply grab your iPhone, tap Camera Control, and your camera will be ready to operate.
Additional new features and settings
iOS 18.2 also introduces a two-stage shutter feature, previously showcased by Apple in September.
Within Settings ⇾ Camera ⇾ Camera Control, you will find a new AE/AF Lock toggle.
Activating this feature allows a light press on Camera Control to lock both focus and exposure, letting you press lightly to secure those settings, then a firmer press to capture your photo.
Additionally, there’s a new setting in Settings ⇾ Accessibility ⇾ Camera Control to adjust the speed of a double-click action. You can select from three options: Default, Slow, and Slower.
iOS 18.2 Camera Control summary
Camera Control in iOS 18.2 represents the functionality Apple intended to release with the iPhone 16 but couldn’t initially. It significantly enhances the utility of the new dedicated button, turning it into the remarkable feature it was always meant to be.
Have you been utilizing Camera Control in iOS 18.2? What are your thoughts on the updates? Share your feedback in the comments.
Top iPhone accessories
: We utilize income-generating affiliate links. More.
