Apple to Cut iPhone 18 Costs With New Pressure-Sensitive Camera Button
iPhone 18 is set to introduce a pressure-sensitive Camera Control button, with Apple planning a split launch schedule through 2027.
image for illustrative purpose
With the iPhone 17 launch approaching, attention is already turning to its successor, the iPhone 18, set for release in 2026. New reports suggest that Apple may revamp a key hardware element—the Camera Control button—to lower production expenses while maintaining essential features.
The Camera Control button, introduced with the iPhone 16 lineup, was designed to detect swipe gestures and varying levels of pressure for quick camera access. Early industry chatter hinted that Apple could discontinue the button entirely, but multiple reports now indicate that a redesigned version is likely to appear in next year’s models.
A leak from a source identified as “OvO” on Weibo initially claimed Apple was cutting component orders for the button, fueling speculation about its removal. However, another well-known leaker, “Instant Digital,” countered that the company is instead working to simplify the mechanism.
The current Camera Control button blends capacitive and pressure-sensitive technologies, a design that has proven expensive to produce and repair. Apple is now expected to adopt a streamlined approach by eliminating the capacitive layer and focusing solely on pressure sensitivity. The new version would still support familiar interactions such as touch activation, long-press commands, and swipe gestures, while reducing complexity and cost.
Reports also indicate a shift in Apple’s product release schedule. Beginning in 2026, Apple may stagger iPhone launches to maximize attention across multiple quarters. Industry projections suggest that the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max will debut in September 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and entry-level iPhone 18e are expected to arrive in March 2027.
This strategy could help Apple sustain consumer interest and boost sales momentum into 2027 by spacing out its high-end and budget device releases.
While Apple has not confirmed these changes, the company’s focus on balancing innovation with production efficiency suggests the Camera Control button will remain part of its design philosophy, albeit in a more cost-effective form.
