Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 series is making waves with its new hardware features, but not all the changes are living up to expectations.
Surprising New Camera Control Button
In a move that has caught many off guard, Apple is reportedly adding a new Camera Control button to the iPhone 16 lineup. This decision marks a significant departure from Apple's recent trend of minimizing physical buttons on their devices.
The addition of a dedicated camera button comes just a year after the introduction of the customizable Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro models. While the Action Button replaced the traditional mute switch, this new Camera Control button appears to be an entirely new addition to the iPhone's chassis.
This change is particularly noteworthy given Apple's history of removing hardware features in favor of software solutions. It suggests a potential shift in Apple's design philosophy, possibly in response to user feedback or competitive pressures.
Charging Speeds Fall Short of Expectations
While the new camera button may be a welcome addition for photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Pro Max's charging capabilities are proving to be a letdown. Despite regulatory filings suggesting support for up to 45W charging speeds, real-world tests paint a different picture.
ChargerLAB conducted comprehensive testing using various chargers, including Apple's official 140W adapter. The results show that the iPhone 16 Pro Max's charging speed caps out at around 30W, only marginally faster than its predecessor's 27W capability.
Even more disappointing is the lack of an E-marker chip in the iPhone's USB-C port, which limits its ability to take full advantage of high-current output chargers and faster data transfer rates.
What This Means for Users
The addition of a new physical button for camera control could significantly enhance the photography experience on the iPhone 16, potentially making it easier to capture spontaneous moments. However, the minimal improvements in charging speed may be a source of frustration for power users who were hoping for a more substantial upgrade in this area.
As Apple continues to evolve its iPhone design, it's clear that the company is still willing to surprise us – for better or worse. The iPhone 16 series seems to be a mix of unexpected additions and underwhelming improvements, leaving consumers with much to consider before making the upgrade.
